INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CENTER

2600, Elmont Street, Silver Spring, MD 20902, USA. Tel: (301) 946-9437 Fax: (301) 962-7364

 We are at the dawn of the New Millennium, and it is important for us to organize ourselves to ensure that the new century becomes more meaningful and a successful one. We should also try to develop and renew our compassionate thoughts for the well-being of all of us.

 As a Buddhist monk, directly affiliated to Maha Bodhi Society, and thinking of its past, present and the future, and with due respect to the aspirations and expectations of the Late Ven. Anagarika Dhammapala , the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society, I wish to propose the following projects, invoking your participation and support.

 I.     Inviting Buddhist monks from all Buddhist nations and other parts of the world to
        Buddha Gaya and, to have a discussion on Buddhism for the New Millennium.

2.    Offering of Dana to the Maha Sangha in order to dedicate the merits to the late Ven.
       Anagarika Dhammapala and several others, for their contribution towards the propagation of 
       Buddhism and the development of Buddha Gaya under the aegis of the Maha Bodhi Society.

 3.  To establish a Center of Buddhist Information and a Library in Toronto, Canada.

 4.  To provide facilities and guidance to Buddhist Pilgrims visiting the various holy places in India as
       well as Sri Lanka, and to  those who visit for the study of Buddhism.

     A short introduction on the proposed projects.

 DISCUSSION ON "BUDDHISM FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM" IN BUDDHA GAVA

Ven. Anagarika Dhammapala on numerous occasions beseeched us thus: "Wake up Buddhists, save Buddha Gaya". The broad meaning of these words can be explained in many ways.

Buddha Gaya is the central and most important place for Buddhists all around the world. In order to strengthen our bonds, which have been weakened as a result of numerous differences and to bring about world peace, and to work for friendship and co-operation among nations, Buddha Gaya should be the venue for a world-wide assembly of representatives of all Buddhists. We are of strong opinion that a meeting of this nature is a must and this year is the best suited. We also believe that exchanging of views, discussions and dialogues of Buddhists from all parts of the world assembled in Buddha Gaya will be a suitable demonstration of our debt and gratitude to our great Buddhist leader Ven. Anagarika Dhammapala.  

ALMS GIVING AT BUDDHA GAYA

A large number of Buddhist monks will be necessary for an assembly of this nature which will affect the future generations. Organizing an alms giving will promote our brotherhood and is also a great meritorious act. This also provides an opportunity for paying our respects to Ven. Anagarika Dhammapala whose efforts and foresight helped Buddhism to spread around the world, and also to both clergy and lay people who worked hard and did a great service to further his wishes. We will be doing an immense service in this endeavor.

"BUDDHA'S PATH DELIGHTS THE WORLD"

 Dhammapala Day - November 5th, 2000

The Dhammapala Memorial Committee cordially invites you to participate in the religious services to be held for "World Peace" and to dedicate the merits to Ven. Anagarika Dhammapala, to the Trustees of Buddha Gaya, and to other supporters who devoted their time to restore and develop Buddha Gaya.

PROGRAM

09:00 AM
Venerable Maha Sangha, distinguished guests and other devotees will assemble at the Buddha Gaya Maha Bodhi Main Temple and attend Buddha Pooja and Sutra Chanting by participants from different Buddhist traditions.

11:00 AM
A procession will proceed with Sangha, representatives of the Maha Bodhi Center and of  different     Buddhist centers.

11:30 AM
Mahasanghika Dana, alms to the Venerable monks

 01:00 PM
Lunch for the lay participants.

03:00 PM
A speech on "Buddha's teaching and World Peace."

04:30 PM
Distribution of clothing among the needy.

06:30 PM
Bodhi Pooja under the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.

This program is sponsored by

Abbot Ven. Thich Minh Thong
Huyen Hhong Socio Cultural Center
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

and

The Managing Director and Family members of
Messers Maliban Biscuits Ltd
Sri Lanka

All are welcome to participate on this auspicious occasion of the new millennium.

INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CENTER

Headquarters:2600, Elmont Street, Silver Spring, MD 20902, USA. Tel: (301) 946-9437
Fax: (301) 962-7364
Mailing Address: P.O.Box No: 1 Buddha Gaya, Gaya Bihar, India. Tel: (0631)400742
Fax: (0631)400880

Dear Devotees,

We have just celebrated the Full Moon of Wesak which signifies the birth, enlightenment and Maha Parinibbana of Lord Buddha and have also moved into the 2544 th year of the Buddhist Era. Humanity is currently lying on its sick bed and spirituality is at bankruptcy levels, The only remedy available to find a way out of this situation seems to be in the Teachings of the Buddha. His Teachings, which still remain fresh and applicable in this modem day, can bring peace and internal happiness to an individual, community or nation.

Humanity needs a new impetus. Like the great Buddhist missionary, Ven. Anagarika Dhammapala who founded the Maha Bodhi Society of India and revived the status of Buddha Gaya at the end of the 19th century, Buddhism needs to reach out and provide an opportunity to the global community to practice the sublime Teachings of the Buddha.

In the words of Anagarika Dhammapala, the first-ever-memorable International Buddhist Conference at Buddha Gaya was held on October 31, 1891, "At a spot facing the sacred Bo tree, delegates from the different Buddhist countries sat in solemn conclave and discussed the future program for Buddhist activities". After 109 years, it is time for us to sit together and reflect on the same words and discuss how we will chart the course for Buddhism in this new millennium.

I think the time is now ripe and ready for all monks and lay Buddhists to get together and take necessary action. Taking the cue from the late Ven. Anagarika Dhammapala, I have arranged for a conference to be held under the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya on November 5, 2000. A program of activities has been arranged and I humbly request that you be able to participate in this meritorious event. We sincerely look forward to meeting you at Buddha Gaya.

May the Blessings of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha be with you always.

Yours in the Dhamma,

Bhante Neluwe Ratanatissa 
Chairman

Bhante Katugastota Uparatana Director
Bhante Heenbunne Kondanna  Director

Dhammapala Memorial Committee
Buddha Gaya, India.

A BUDDHIST INFORMATION CENTER

Many around the world wish to know clearly and precisely, what the real message that Buddhism has to offer to the world. This cannot be effectively achieved solely through the print media. It is imperative that we combine other means and media and utilize scientific methods in order to achieve this objective. We do not have a proper center or the resources for this kind of work today. Therefore, we propose to establish a fully equipped Buddhist Information Center, and we expect to provide great service to the modern world.

Facilities are gravely lacking for those who are interested in learning the Buddhist traditions, practices and theories relating to Theravada Buddhism and to visit and see places of historical interest in both  countries, Sri Lanka and India. It is a matter that has to be brought to the attention of all concerned in both countries. Many who have visited our countries have been disappointed about the lack of facilities available for such visitors.

Therefore, by implementing such projects, we wish to promote better facilities for the convenience of all concerned Perhaps you will wonder how these things can be achieved. We have no plans to collect individual donations for this purpose.

It is worth mentioning that the Managing Director and the family members of Maliban Biscuits Ltd. of Sri Lanka who are well known both at home and abroad have provided all support and help towards the Great Alms Giving in Buddha Gaya last year. We are confident that we will continue to receive their generous support for our future arrangements and strongly believe that many other organizations around the world will voluntarily come forward and generously support this noble cause.

Ven. Neluwe Ratanatissa

President - Neluwe Sri Jinarathana Trust Fund
International Buddhist Center
Maryland, U.S.A.

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