From the 10th to the 13th May 2018 the Dutch and the Belgian Sanghas are holding an Order-Mitra Convention at the Dutch retreat centre Metta Vihara, to which they have invited some Mitras from the Hungarian gypsy community. The Convention will be held in English and any Mitra or Order Member are welcome to attend. Future Dharma have provided funding to enable these Mitras, as well as Maitriveer Nagarjuna - who will be giving a key talk on Dr Ambedkar - to attend this event.
Subhuti has been working with the Gyspy community in Hungary for over a decade, and he is a Kalyana Mitra (spiritual friend) of the Hungarian, Triratna-affiliated Jai Bhim network. The impact that Dr Ambedkar had on the lives of hundred of thousands of Dalits in India, raising them from the oppression of the Caste system which deemed them 'untouchable', has found a resonance with the Gypsy community in Hungary who face similar discrimination and segregation from their society. They have been inspired by Ambedkar's example, and through the work of the Dr Ambedkar School, the Jai Bhim Network has been helping Gypsies in Hungary complete their education, so that they may have better opportunities in life.
The theme of this Convention in the Netherlands is the Bodhisattva Ideal and this will be explored in terms of how we can express this ideal in very different conditions and cultures. Maitriveer Nagarjuna will give a talk on Dr Ambedkar and the transformative power of the Dhamma, whose example is of relevance today and who continues to provide a guiding light to those suffering from oppression.
Booking link for the Order-Mitra Convention at the Metta Vihara.
Watch a Newsbyte about the Jai Bhim Network in Hungary and read more about the Gypsy community in Hungary.