People

Over the years a number of people have been involved in the Bodhgaya land project, and the Three Jewels Centre (त्रिरत्न केन्द्र)

Almost from the beginning Siladitya has stayed on the land as caretaker, maintaining the property and making valuable connections with neighbours and other locals.

Beginning in 1998 a small team of British Order members began visiting Bodhgaya during the winter pilgrimage season each year. The initial focus was providing meditation classes, as well study, story-telling and other activities designed to enhance the Bodhgaya experience. Key figures at this stage were Lalitavajra, Lokabandhu & Nisokka.

As this phase came to an end in about 2004, Nissoka rededicated himself to continuing to visit Bodhgaya and  developing the block of land which had by now been purchased. He has continued to visit each year and says:

Developing Bodhgaya is my life’s work and I am passionate about serving here helping others to see the true significance of Bodhgaya and be touched and transformed by the depths of this place.

In India three Order members, Kumarjeev, Maitriveer-Nagarjun & Aryaketu, have helped to steer the project.

2006 saw three enthusiastic young men come to live in Bodhgaya to teach Buddhism to the local people. This was a novel idea, as for various reasons the people of Bihar itself have not been the focus of international Buddhists visiting Bodhgaya. What has tended to happen is the development of facilities for pilgrims along national and sectarian lines. As well as offering classes, the team began to celebrate Buddhist festivals. 2006 was also the year that Amitasuri became involved in the project bringing with her a range of valuable skills (including being able to speak Hindi) and a huge amount of enthusiasm.

In 2009 Buddhavajra moved to Bodhgaya, and began to get involved teach outreach classes. 2009 also saw the Bodhgaya team, with a lot of help, host the the International Triratna Buddhist Order Convention. This was a great success and will be repeated in 2013.

At present a community of nine men live permanently on the land, and offer a range of classes and retreats.

A great deal of love, dedication, and perseverance has gone into the project to create a Triratna Dharma Centre in Bodhgaya. Many people have been involved over the years (apologies if any have been left out of this brief account).