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Bombay is a
city in a hurry. Its citizens are an energetic, motivated lot, rightfully
proud of their contribution to the wealth and knowledge pool of the
nation. Yet, strangely enough, in a city where you can find just about
anything, fulfil any desire, there are hardly any opportunities to hear
the Buddha Dharma being expounded.
The Dharma Rain Centre for Buddhist Studies has sought to fill this gap in
Mumbai's life by offering a supportive environment to anyone interested in
exploring Buddhist thought and practice. Set up by a group of people drawn
from different walks of life, Dharma Rain Centre has numerous activities
that encourage the participants to study the Dharma and then to explore
ways of incorporating it in everyday life. These activities are open to
lay and monastic seekers alike and are conducted in a warm and caring
atmosphere, creating an oasis of the mind where each one establishes their
own connection with the Dharma. Regular meetings, Dharma talks and
teachings by visiting masters, day-long workshops as well as a residential
retreat have been organized so far.
The Centre’s non-sectarian approach is reflected in the many different
flavours and traditions of the Buddha Dharma that are presented in the
weekly meetings. The meetings commence with a group meditation, followed
by presentation by one of the members. Question-answer sessions,
discussion and debate are actively encouraged, in keeping with the spirit
that the Dharma is ‘ehipassiko’ – open to all to come and scrutinize, even
criticize, before accepting it.
Going forward, the Centre’s vision includes creating opportunities for
dialogue between different schools of Buddhism as well as interaction with
other religious and scientific traditions, establishing a library and
offering financial support to young people who are keen to study the
Dharma in institutions in India and abroad.
If you wish to attend the meetings, or to be
regularly informed of all activities, please contact us.
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