Training for the Future

The gathering of thousands of bhikkhus in Bodhgaya offers great opportunity, for novice monks from India can benefit from the example and experience of the international Sangha.

All throughout history bhikkhus have been trained in this way, learning from their elders and supplementing their knowledge with practice and study.

SPONSORING 108 MONKS FOR THE VASSA RETREAT OF 2007 AND 2008

As part of its goal to offer increased training for novice monks, LBDFI- India sponsored a Vassa retreat for 108 monks during the three month rains retreat of 2007 and 2008. In 2007 the monks practiced chanting and meditation during the day, and received instruction in Buddhist history. In 2008, alongside the training in Pali chanting, participants also received training in colloquial English. It is hoped that the participants in these retreats will eventually become monks capable of teaching the Dharma in the rural heartland of India.