Buddhist Society of India

Buddhist Society of India. The Buddhist Society of India, also known as the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha, is a prominent organization that aims to promote and preserve the teachings of Gautama Buddha and Buddhism in India. The society has been instrumental in reviving Buddhist practices and traditions in the country, particularly among the Dalit community, with the help of notable figures like B. R. Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram. The organization has also been influenced by the works of Anagarika Dharmapala and the Maha Bodhi Society, which have contributed to the growth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and other parts of the world, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.

● History

The Buddhist Society of India has its roots in the Buddhist revivalism movement of the early 20th century, which was led by prominent figures like Anagarika Dharmapala and Sakya Trizin. The society was formally established in the 1950s, with the help of B. R. Ambedkar, who played a crucial role in the Dalit Buddhist movement. The organization has since been affiliated with other prominent Buddhist organizations, including the Maha Bodhi Society and the World Fellowship of Buddhists, which have helped to promote Buddhism globally, particularly in countries like Japan, China, and Korea. The society has also been influenced by the teachings of notable Buddhist masters like Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Aung San Suu Kyi, who have contributed to the growth of Buddhism in Tibet, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

● Organisation

The Buddhist Society of India is headquartered in Mumbai and has branches in several other cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. The organization is led by a team of prominent Buddhist leaders, including Babasaheb Ambedkar's followers, who have been instrumental in promoting Buddhism among the Dalit community. The society is also affiliated with other prominent organizations, including the All India Buddhist Council and the Indian Buddhist Federation, which have helped to promote Buddhism in India and abroad, particularly in countries like United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The organization has also been supported by notable figures like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malala Yousafzai, who have contributed to the growth of Buddhism globally.

● Activities

The Buddhist Society of India is involved in a range of activities, including the promotion of Buddhist education and the preservation of Buddhist heritage. The organization has established several Buddhist schools and monasteries across the country, which provide education and training to young Buddhist monks and nuns. The society has also been involved in the restoration of ancient Buddhist monuments and temples, including the Bodh Gaya temple and the Sanchi Stupa, which are considered sacred sites in Buddhism. The organization has also organized several Buddhist conferences and seminars, which have brought together prominent Buddhist scholars and leaders from around the world, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.

● Notable Members

The Buddhist Society of India has had several notable members, including B. R. Ambedkar, who was a prominent leader of the Dalit community and a key figure in the Buddhist revivalism movement. Other notable members include Kanshi Ram, who was a prominent Dalit leader and a founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party, and Udit Raj, who is a prominent Buddhist leader and a member of the Indian National Congress. The organization has also been supported by notable figures like Aruna Asaf Ali, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Ram Manohar Lohia, who have contributed to the growth of Buddhism in India. The society has also been influenced by the teachings of notable Buddhist masters like Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, and Asanga, who have contributed to the development of Mahayana Buddhism.

● Impact on Indian Society

The Buddhist Society of India has had a significant impact on Indian society, particularly among the Dalit community. The organization has helped to promote Buddhist values and principles, such as non-violence and compassion, which have contributed to the growth of a more egalitarian and just society. The society has also been involved in several social welfare programs, including the promotion of education and healthcare among marginalized communities. The organization has also been supported by notable figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi, who have contributed to the growth of Buddhism in India and abroad, particularly in countries like United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The society has also been influenced by the teachings of notable Buddhist masters like Atisha, Tilopa, and Naropa, who have contributed to the development of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Category:Buddhist organizations