Dhyanbhumi, One Drop Zen Monastery, Kavtha, Post-Khairi, Dist. Nagpur (M.S.)
One Drop Zen Monastery, S.R. Colony Jal Nagar, Bijapur-586101 (Karnataka)
Mobile in India: 0119109448192303
Venerable Bhante Bodhidhamma, Zenji
at Sogen-Ji Monastery, Okayama-Shi, Japan
Ryukokusan Sogen-Ji Monastery, Nagpur |
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Ryukokusan Sogen-Ji Monastery, Nagpur |
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The Bijapur One Drop India Community School is a semi-monastic community for boys ages eleven through fifteen. Bijapur One Drop India was established in 2000 by Venerable Bhante Bodhidhamma, Zenji, a long-time senior student of Venerable Shodo Harada, Roshi, The Abbot of Sogen-Ji Rinzai Zen Monastery in Okayama-Shi, Japan. At present, thirty boys live in the community. The boys live as novice monks, maintaining a supportive daily schedule of sutra chanting, sitting meditation (zazen), schoolwork, cleaning routines, sports, recreation, and peer social interaction. Bijapur One Drop provides a stable environment free from poverty, with ample nourishing meals and integral support for academic studies. The children are provided with a healthy breakfast in preparation for their time at school from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. After school they and return to the community to partake in a communal evening meal, engage in recreational activities and attend to their school homework in a structured and supportive environment. The community is located in South India, Karnataka State in the city of Bijapur. The boys have family backgrounds from the Dalit (untouchable) caste, whose people historically have suffered great oppression. Their training in Zen monastic practice coupled with support for their academic endeavors provides them with the opportunity to transcend their background and integrate into Indian society as empowered, well-educated, and productive citizens. Bijapur One Drop India is staffed entirely by volunteers. Building construction was partially funded by a Bijapur member of parliament. Day to day operations are funded solely through donations. US Tax-deductible contributions may be made through The Engaged Zen Foundation, a 501(c)(3) US Corporation. |