Introduction to Jainism (March 2012)

WhatIntroduction to Jainism
When: 13-17 March 2012
Who: Samani Aagam Pragjna and Samani Rohit Pragya
Where: Deer Park Institute

Jainsim prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. It is one of the oldest Indian religions and has one of the richest heritages of learning and culture, together with a tradition of tolerance and synthesis. Jains have significantly influenced and contributed to ethical, political and economic spheres in India. As Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship, they currently have the highest degree of literacy for a religious community in India and their libraries are the oldest in the country. Introduction to Jainism is presented by faculty members of Jain Vishva Bharati University in Ladnun, Rajasthan.

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Dialogue Between Buddhism & Jainism (12 March 2012)

When: 12 March, 2012
Who: Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Samani Agama Prajna, Ven. Dhammananda, Raji Ramanan
Where: Deer Park

While India has cradled many spiritual traditions, it has also been known to encourage a practice of dialogue in an atmosphere of utmost respect to the other. Historical evidence suggest that important traditions of Buddhism and Jainism took birth in this land. Gautama Buddha and Vardhamana Mahavira preached  religious  philosophy  in  almost the same geographical territory. Their ideas and doctrines had differences but that did not come in the way for the faithful ones to make their own choices and decisions . Over centuries the practice of dialogue has continued.

 

The Four Noble Truths (March 2012)

What: Teaching on the Four Noble Truths based on the Pali Canon
Who: Ven. Bhikkhuni Dhammananda
When: 7-11 March, 2012
Where: Deer Park Institute

The Four Noble Truths (Cattāri ariyasaccāni in Pali) — the truth of suffering, the truth of origin of suffering, the truth of cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to cessation — formed part of the first sermon Buddha gave after he attained enlightenment.  Buddha expounded this teaching in Deer Park, at Sarnath near Varanasi, and this teaching has been kept alive ever since. In this 5-day program, Venerable Dhammananda will give commentary based on the Pali text on the Four Noble Truths Teaching. There will be morning and evening daily guided meditation. In addition, a small booklet will be available for participants to further their study and understanding.