“Engaged Buddhism”, on occasion of World Tourism Day- 27th September, 2011

  Times of India Reports on the Workshop

The Backdrop of the Function

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is organisng a one day workshop on "Engaged Buddhism", on occassion of World Tourism Day-27th September, 2011.

Highlights of the "Engaged Buddhism" Workshop are, 

1-   “Journey through Bihar to Vihara”- A Pictorial Exhibition 
2-     Mahā Kassapa Plaque to recognize and inspire the Heritage Leaders


Mahā Kassapa Plaque to recognize and inspire the Heritage Leaders
In honour of Venerable Mahā Kassapa, the RABPB (“Revival of the Ancient Buddhist Pilgrimage in Bihar”) Project has initiated an Honour to recognize the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations working towards conservation, preservation, generating awareness towards the Buddhist Heritage of Bihar.

Venerable Mahā Kassapa, the first patron of the Buddhist sangha, convened the first Buddhist Council after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha. Venerable Mahā Kassapa is regarded as the protector of the Dhamma and the Sangha for his contributions towards of preserving the universal teaching of the Buddha during First Buddhist Council. This award will help stimulate interest among the youths and volunteers in rural areas and will inspire them to protect and preserve the Buddhist Remains scattered throughout Bihar.

A  Pictorial Exhibit on 27^th September, 2011

Heritage is a tie that binds and it is a resource from which we all profit, whether spiritually as a document of the richness of our faith; or culturally, as a testament to the stories and traditions that we share. The Buddhist Remains of Bihar is spread across in its villages and most of the time the community of the village is unaware of its social and economical value. Tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Bihar can provide economic benefit while reinforcing the common identity of the community and strengthening socio-economic aspirations.

The creation of sensitivity, awareness of cultural heritage and attachment is not something that can be developed with short-term efforts. This requires sustained and focused efforts that can persist for a generation. Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Sanskritik Gram (NNMSG), the Patipatti arm of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is conceptualised for sustained efforts in the field of Community-Heritage interface there by promoting Engaged Buddhism. In past we have organised thematic exhibitions featuring various aspects of the Buddhist heritage of Bihar. In continuity of the past efforts NNMSG is organising an exhibition titled “A Journey through Bihar to Vihara”. The focus of the Exhibition is on the footprints of the Buddha Charika and its dynamics with the local community. 

Bihar in general and Magadha in particular is a repository of tangible and intangible Buddhist heritage, with this exhibition we unfold to interact with the stakeholders. Objective is to instill a sense of pride among the community about the existence of tangible and intangible heritage in their vicinity. We also want to reach those who support the preservation of cultural heritage in this region so that we can plan the roadmap which will enable us to jointly envision and ensure a future for the cultural heritage of Bihar.