Buddhism in Bangladesh


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A Short Introduction of “Jnanasen Buddhist Bhikkhu- Sraman Training &Meditation Centre”

Introduction:

Jnanasen Buddhist Bhikkhu-Sraman Training & Meditation Center is an ideal national and non-profit Buddhist educational institution in Bangladesh. This Buddhist education center was established by Ven.Kushalayana Thero in 2000 A.D. For the development, brightness and protect the Buddhist teaching specially by providing training to the Buddhist monk and novice. In brief, dedicated to preach, protect the dhamma (doctrine of Buddha) as well as to educate and help the distress students with Religious and General Education. By implementing these philanthropic vision and moral uplift men program, it has been rendered a great service especially in the field of the Buddhist education. It is undoubtedly remarkable that due to it’s well-organized activities with the vinaya( discipline) as a Buddhist educational institution, all Bangladesh Buddhist nation both home and abroad are highly satisfied. That is to say they are now realizing that although our motherland is a non-Buddhist country and we are approximately 0.7% in the whole population of the country, we have well adorned Buddhist culture, Buddhist education, Buddhist activities and well- educated  Sangha (Buddhist Monk) in the Dhamma(doctrine of Buddhism). In this way again regenerated a positive attitude towards Buddhism in the whole Bangladeshi Buddhist nation’s mind. I would also like to mention here that from the beginning of this institution did not introduce in a formal public - media such as newspaper, periodical, magazine, radio, television and over the Internet etc. If it so, it could be acquainted and spread very widely across the country as well as the globe. However , on the occasion of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment , completing it’s ten(10) year program on preaching , protecting dhamma ( doctrine of Buddhism ) , educating the Buddhist monks-novices for the monastery and helping  the distress children in the both religious and general education , going to celebrate a holy festival . In this unique occasion one magazine going to be issued. As a begging time disciple of this institution, our founder –director, my preceptor Ven . Kushalayana Thero recommended me to write an article about our education centre. That’s why to provide sufficient information in brief about this institution, I am going to write my article based on why this education centre ? our organization value , our vision , our activities , our features , our achievement , our contribution for the human society , and our future plan for the brightness of Buddhism .

Background:

Our founder my preceptor Ven:Kushalayana there is a well-known and prominent Buddhist monk in Bangladesh. In 1985 at the age of twenty, he entered the Buddha Sasana as a novice (Samanera). After entering Buddha Sasana he studied very well Tripitaka (doctrine of Buddhism).Through his studies, he obtained a vast knowledge of Buddhism and interested in Buddhism. For this reason, in 1995, he received higher ordination (Upasampada of the Buddhist Monk). During his monk life, as a Buddhist monk he attends the alms griving to Sangha(Sarngha Dana) in Buddhist house to house, yellow robe offering ceremony to the Bhikkhu ( Katin Civara Dana) in the monastery to monastery and some sorts of  so called religious activities.
 But he used to teach the teaching of the Buddha among the children and preach the dhamma to the interested group and organize Buddhist association. But in this activities he observes that it is not well and potential dhamma preaching and practicing system in the country for the  brightness of Buddhist nation because through this existing process people do not get  chance  to hear and know as  well as and spreading Buddha’s teaching properly. As a minority in the percentage about 0.7% of the whole population of the country, we need well organized Buddhist education system. If so not, Buddhist nation will be lost the Buddhist culture, and Buddhist teaching very early.

Due to the such unfavorable situation for the Buddhist education and practice of the Buddhist culture  in the country, he realizes that we need well disciplined Buddhist monk with an wide knowledge in Buddhist scripture for the brightness of Buddha Sasana and Buddhist nation. Because the Bhikkhu has been the main envoy in taking the dhamma to the world. That’s why to produce a well-disciplined Buddhist monk with a wide knowledge in Buddhist scripture and to spread and protect Theravada Buddhism country wide with commitment and dedication as well as to educate and help the distress students in both Religious and General education, on 7th January in 2000 A.D. With the great support of Mr.Bodhi Mitra Barua, Rev. kaccayana Thero,Rev.Gnanalankar Thero and spontaneous support of villagers of Shailerdeva was founded by my preceptor, Ven.Kushalayana Thero of this Buddhist educational and training institution called “Jnanasen Buddhist Bhikkhu Sraman Trainirg & Meditation center” at Shailerdeva village under the Ukhia police station of district of cox’s Bazar.

Aims and Objects:

  1. To propagate the Dhamma through spiritual friendship and practice focused interested groups
  2. To spread and protect ‘Buddhism especially in Bangladesh as well as all over the world .
  3. To practice Buddhism literature and culture
  4. To teach the Buddhist monk about the Buddha’s mission
  5. To teach the student about the spread of Buddhism in foreign countries
  6. To inculcate Buddhist teaching in the student mind
  7. To teach the student the basic teachings of the Buddha
  8. To teach the student about the loving kindness and compassion
  9. To teach the student Buddhist meditation
  10. To teach the student about the basic principles of Buddhism
  11. To teach the student about the relationship between Buddhist monastery and Buddhist community
  12. To teach the student how to practice Buddhism
  13. To teach the student the duty of the monks , nuns and lay Buddhist
  14. To educate and help the distress students in both religious and general education
  15. To produce Buddhist monks, novices for spreading and protecting Buddhist institution .

Activities & Features :
    • Everyday morning Buddha Pooja and Homage to the Buddha at 3.45 a.m
    • Everyday evening Buddha Pooja and Homage to the Buddha at 7.30 p.m
    • Everyday morning and evening meditation at 4.30 a.m and 7.30 p.m respectively
    • Friday dhamma school
    • Everyday Tripitaka teaching to the Buddhist monks , novices and general student at 3.00 p.m
    • We discuss teaching of the  Buddha  every Friday in every month and special meditation program
    • We collect of our daily meals by begging door to door of the villagers according to Buddha’s law
    • Buddhist monk hood ( higher ordination ) is given to the learner’s every year specially in vesak celebration Day and yellow –robe offering ceremony day
    • We celebrate Visaka Pooja Day , Magha Pooja Day and Katina Festival
    • We Chant the pirith ( discources  of the Buddha ) everybody morning and evening according to correct pali pronunciation
    • We regularly study tripitaka and teaching of the Buddha
    • In the morning we eat sweet and boiled rice steeped in cold water
·         In order to maintain the ten precepts of novices and two hundred twenty seven precepts of the Buddhist monk ( bhikkhu ) re-refuge and discussion are compulsory in every full moon day
·         To keep the fellowship among the all bhikkhu , all bhikkhu of the branch centre together in the central institution is compulsory in every Friday

Our Achievement & Contribution:

From the beginning of  it’s establishment it has been acquiring a great name and fame for the contribution  to spread the Buddhism all over the Bangladesh as well as many part of the world .However our achievement and contribution within 10 ( ten) years is noted below :
  • At the beginning we have  started our educational activities with the only 10-15 students but now there are about 150 students , this is greatest achievement of this institution
  • According to history of Bangladesh Buddhist nation, there are only 0.7% of the Buddhist population among the whole population of the country except Rangpur district. But now from the Rangpur district and specially northern part of the country more than 30 students learning the Buddhism and general education as a general lay student, novices ( samanera ) , and monk ( bhikkhu). This is the another remarkable achievement in the field of the spreading Buddhism among people ( ancient dwellers of the country ) . Because after learning Buddhism those student are preaching the doctrine of Buddhism and Buddhist culture of their village . In this way , we can increase our percentage in our Buddhist population account .
  • From the beginning our education centre, there is no Buddhist monk (Upasampada Bhikkhu ) but now 14 Buddhist monk dedicated their life for spreading and protecting Buddhism . Every year this number of bhikkhus will be increased.
  • During the establishment period, our education centre had no any international affairs. But now to work internationally under the guidance of this institution remarkable number of bhikkhus & samanera studying Thailand , Sri Lanka , Myanmar and India .
  • According to Registration Book , within 10 year more than five thousand (5000) student have taken both religious and general education .
  • In the starting time , we have no branch monastery  due to our good outstanding activities now we have eight (8) branch across the Bangladesh .
  • In our motherland, there is no weekend dhamma school for the children like Buddhist country. That’s why our children now only engage some sorts of so called traditional action and have no proper idea of their own religion. For this reason in order to provide and persuade to learn Buddha’s teaching with positive attitude , our founder , my preceptor has established “ Shasanavansa Pravathi Sadharmma Shikkha niketon ( morning dhamma school for the children from class one to up to the class eight ) in 2001 A.D. . Under this institution every year about five hundred (500) Buddhist scholarship awarded among the student according to; their performance in Buddhist knowledge through the examination.
Our Total Bhikkhu(Buddhist monk ) List :
    1. Rev. Jyoti Pal Bhikku
    2. Rev. Jyoti Sen Bhikkhu
    3. Rev. Jyoti Pragga Bhikkhu
    4. Rev. Jyoti Lankar Bhikkhu
    5. Rev. Jyoti Lian Bhikkhu
    6. Rev. Jyoti Tissa Bhikkhu
    7. Rev. Jyoti Priya Bhikkhu
    8. Rev. Jyoti Sar Bhikkhu
    9. Rev. Jyoti Ratna Bhikkhu
    10. Rev. Jyoti Dharma Bhikkhu
    11. Rev. Jyoti Santa Bhikkhu
    12. Rev. Jyoti Suman Bhikkhu
    13. Rev. Jyoti Rakkit Bhikkhu
    14. Rev. Jyoti Kanti Bhikkhu
Our Total Samanera (Buddhist Novices) List:
1.      Rev. Jyoti Sri Sraman
2.      Rev. Jyoti Shuva Sraman
3.      Rev. Jyoti Arjya Sraman
4.      Rev. Jyoti Kalan Sraman
5.      Rev. Jyoti Dipankar Sraman
6.      Rev. Jyoti Raj Sraman
7.      Rev. Jyoti Nidhi Sraman
8.      Rev. Jyoti Bimal Sraman
9.      Rev. Jyoti Candra Sraman
10.  Rev. Jyoti Sambodhi Sraman
11.  Rev. Jyoti Ashajit Sraman
12.  Rev. Jyoti Bishajit Sraman
13.  Rev. Jyoti Bijay Sraman
14.  Rev. Jyoti Metta Sraman
15.  Rev. Jyoti Kushal Sraman
16.  Rev. Jyoti Kushal Sraman
17.  Rev. Jyoti Mangal Sraman
18.  Rev. Jyoti Agra Sraman
19.  Rev. Jyoti Bappa Sraman
20.  Rev. Jyoti Satta Sraman
21.  Rev. Jyoti Mahanam Sraman
22.  Rev. Jyoti Kundaya Staman
23.  Rev. Jyoti Bramma Sraman
24.  Rev. Jyoti Shakha Sraman
25.  Rev. Jyoti Binay Sraman
26.  Rev. Jyoti Rastra Staman
27.  Rev. Jyoti Sadana Sraman
28.  Rev. Jyoti May Sraman
29.  Rev. Jyoti Ananda Sraman
30.  Rev. Jyoti Bansha Sraman
31.  Rev. Jyoti Indra Sraman
32.  Rev. Jyoti Bijay Sraman
33.  Rev. Jyoti Simanta Sraman
34.  Rev. Jyoti Upekkha Sraman
35.  Rev. Jyoti Rastra Sraman
36.  Rev. Jyoti Dharmapriya Sraman
37.  Rev. Jyoti karuna Sraman
38.  Rev. Jyoti Kanan Sraman
39.  Rev. Jyoti Muggalian Sraman
40.  Rev. Jyoti Shil Sraman
41.  Rev. Jyoti Smriti Sraman
42.  Rev. Jyoti Mudita Sraman
43.  Rev. Jyoti Sresta Sraman
44.  Rev. Jyoti Suman Sraman
45.  Rev. Jyoti Brata Sraman
46.  Rev. Jyoti Upananda Sraman
47.  Rev. Jyoti Anurudha Sraman
48.  Rev. Jyoti Bodhi Sraman
49.  Rev. Jyoti Kritti Sraman
50.  Rev. Jyoti Citta Sraman
51.  Rev. Jyoti Pusfa Sraman
52.  Rev. Jyoti Abaya Sraman
53.  Rev. Jyoti Mitra Sraman
54.  Rev. Jyoti Shuvan Sraman
55.  Rev. Jyoti Uttam Sraman
56.  Rev. Jyoti Sanga Sraman
57.  Rev. Jyoti Shuddhananda Sraman
58.  Rev. Jyoti Buddhananda Sraman
59.  Rev. Jyoti Bakul Sraman
60.  Rev. Jyoti Jnan Sraman
61.  Rev. Jyoti Tapas Sraman
62.  Rev. Jyoti Bipulananda Sraman
63.  Rev. Jyoti Durjay Sraman
64.  Rev. Jyoti Praggananda Sraman
65.  Rev. Jyoti Nanda Sraman
66.  Rev. Jyoti Kashap Sraman
67.  Rev. Jyoti Darsion Staman
68.  Rev. Jyoti Kshama Sraman
69.  Rev. Jyoti Bihari Sraman
70.  Rev. Jyoti Jay Sraman
71.  Rev. Jyoti Sharan Sraman
72.  Rev. Jyoti Purna Sraman
73.  Rev. Jyoti Badria Sraman
74.  Rev. Jyoti Shilasar Sraman
75.  Rev. Jyoti Tiloka Sraman
76.  Rev. Jyoti Sanjay Sraman
77.  Rev. Jyoti Uday Sraman
Our total General lay students list:
1.      Mr. Toven Barua
2.      Mr. Saboj Barua
3.      Mr. Bappo Barua
4.      Mr. Priyatos Barua
5.      Mr. Pjan Barua
6.      Mr. Jay Barua
7.      Mr. Raksi Barua
8.      Mr. Suman Barua
9.      Mr. Dipan Barua
10.  Mr. Rupam Barua
11.  Mr. Jitu Barua
12.  Mr. Iman Barua
13.  Mr. Nayan Barua
14.  Mr. Sipan Barua
15.  Mr. Rubel Barua
16.  Mr. Sujan Barua
17.  Mr. Saghat Barua
18.  Mr. Prabal Barua
19.  Mr. Rashu Barua
20.  Mr. Bishas Barua
21.  Mr. Ukkacin Marma
22.  Mr. Angha Marma
23.  Mr. Kaisino Marma
24.  Mr. Anchaino Marma
25.  Mr. Usapro Marma
26.  Mr. Panshao Marma
27.  Mr.Tuicha Kayan
28.  Mr. Saicha Kayan
29.  Mr. Kashila Kayan
30.  Mr. Catuichin Kayan
31.  Mr. Kaichin Kayan
32.  Mr. manpro Kayan
33.  Mr. Angatoin Kayan
34.  Mr. Saju Kajur
35.  Mr. Mitun Akaka
Our Total Branch Center List:
1.      Uttar Ghumdhum Shanti Vihar,  -  Naikkhanchari, Bandarvan
2.      Purbaratna Ananda Vihar , - Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar
3.      Bhalokia B ajainata Vihar, - Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar
4.      Rumka Triratna Vihar, - Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar
5.      Rejurkul Saddharma Bikas Vihar, - Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar
6.      Hoikkhan Sakkhamoni Vihar, - Tecknaf, Cox’s Bazar
7.      Cadirpuni Nondon Kanan Vihar, - Lohagara, Chittagong
8.      Kutupalang Nabodaya Vihar, - Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar



Our General Daily Routine :
           
KINDS OF PERIOD TIMES                                 DAILY PROGRAMMES
                                    3.00-3.30 AM             Getting up from the bed of Senior.
                                    3.45 AM                      Jointly prayer & meditation of Senior.
                                    4.45 AM                      Studying of ‘TRIPITAKA’ of Senior.
                                    4.45 AM                      Getting up from the bed of Junior.
  DOWN                     5.00 AM                      Jointly prayer & meditation of Junior.
                                    5.30 AM                      Studying of ‘TRIPITAKA’ of Junior.
                                    6.00 AM                      Sweeping & Clearing Temple & of Temple yard.
                                    6.30 AM                      Taking breakfast of all learners.
                                   
7.00 AM                      After taking breakfast sweeping according to
                                                                        Necessary of Junior.
  MORNING              7.15 AM                      Starting of General Study all learners.
                                    9.30 AM                      Preparation of Begging & Bathing.
                                    11.00 AM                    Taking Dinner according to ‘TRIPITAKA’.

  NOON                      12.15 AM                    Jointly Prayer of all learners.
                                    12.30 AM                    Taking of rest of all.

                                    2.00 PM                      Starting of ‘TRIPITAKA’ study of all.
                                    3.00 PM                      The Seniors deliver religious lessons to the Preceptor.
AFTERNOON                        4.00 PM                       The Juniors deliver religious lessons to the Preceptor.
                                    4.30 PM-5.00 PM        Sporting or Entertainment.
                                    5.15 PM                       Combined Prayer & Meditation of Juniors.

                                    6.00 PM                       Starting of General study of Seniors.
 EVENING                 6.45 PM                       Starting of General study of Juniors.
                                    7.30 PM                       Combined Prayer & Meditation of Seniors.

                                    8.30 PM                       Starting of General study of Seniors.
  NIGHT                     9.30 PM                       Preparation of taking rest.
                                    10.00 PM                     Sleeping of all learners.

N.B                              * Grade One to up to Grade eight ………… Junior.
                                    * Grade eight to up to University education ……………. Senior.

Our Future Plan:
This educational institution in making progress day by day with his benefited work for every human of the world. In this way, learner’s are in creasing rapidly. That’s why from the beginning time there are only 10-15 student today there are 150 students respectively Buddhist monk, Buddhist novices and general lay student. It is great pleasure that in 2010 we have completed ten(10) year establishment with greatest achievement specially in the field of the Buddhist education but it is matter of great regret that within this ten years still now we are unable to provide spacious residential building, prayer hall, meditation hall, Teaching hall, dhamma hall, bathing room, kitchen house, library transport , dinning hall, sufficient education and food cost properly for this reason , our founder my preceptor most Ven. Kushalayan Thero has earnestly recommend to take some necessary measures for the development of this institution. So that we can continue our services for the Buddhist nation as well as for the human-being.


Our Adopted Plan:
  1. A brick built guard wall will be constructed for the safety and beauty of this religious institution.
  2. The arrangement of a luxurious, beautiful and attractive separate “ Buddhist prayer Hall” So that at least 100-150 monks, novices and general public are able to pray together.
  3. A spacious charming “ Dhamma Hall” for preaching Buddha word or message of the Buddha and Tripitaka Version
  4. A safety and silent separate residence for our preceptor and center’s founder – director in duding all managing activities of the institution.
  5. A large separate “ Library” for keeping and studying Tripitaka and title.
  6. A separate “ Dinning Room” in which at last 100-150 Buddhist and novices are able to eat together.
  7. A separate residential building for passing night for 100-150 monks and novices.
  8. A safety “ Kitchen House” for Looking.
  9. A Hospital for the learners emergency and primary care.
  10. At least a computer centre for the learners.
  11. Under the purity and perfect Bodhi tree adorns with beautiful Barjasana.
  12. Meditation hall for the meditation practices.

Conclusion & an Appeal:

            In the light of the above mentioned information about Jananasen Buddhist  Bhikkhu- Sraman Training & Meditation Center, all of us are able to realize that this is the greatest potential non- profit an ideal Buddhist educational institution in Bangladesh dedicated to produce a well disciplined Buddhist monk with a wide knowledge in Buddhist scripture, to protect and preach the Theravada Buddhism worldwide with commitment as well as helping the distress students to educate in both general and religious education which was founded by my preceptor most Ven. Kushulayana Thero on  07th January in 2000 A.D at Shailerdeva village finally  we earnestly request noble and generous donors to come forward with financial help to remove the problems and to protect our institution and our sincere  thanks to senior Gov. teacher Mr. Bodhi Mitra Barua and villagers of shailerdeva supporting this noble case and making it a success from the beginning time to up to the present and weal so hope future will not be exception. We also subsequently express a huge gratitude all those who come forwarded with us with their helping hard so we expect everybody will maintain this attitude towards us like before.
                                                “May all beings be happy ”

   Ven. Jyoti Sri Bhikkhu
  BA(Hons) 4th year / Sri Lanka
  E-mail: jyoti_sri_bhikkhu@yahoo.com

  (Published on 4-5 March, 2010).









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