I hope you are well and that the blessings of the Dhamma bring you peace and joy. Today, I write to you with a heartfelt vision for the future of Buddhism in Mizoram, a future that I believe we can shape together. This vision is rooted in both the needs of our community and the deep aspiration to preserve and spread the teachings of the Buddha in a region where they are at risk of being forgotten.
Currently, the Mahabodhi Residential School in Tuichawng serves as an educational institution for lay students, with boys and girls studying here with their families' support through monthly fees. While we are grateful for this, our mission feels incomplete. Despite our aspirations, we are unable to provide for novice and monk students at this time due to limited resources.
In Mizoram, around 150,000 people identify as Buddhists. However, our Buddhist community faces a serious challenge. Our Bhantes, though dedicated, often lack the educational support needed to teach the Dhamma effectively. There are only about 100 monks to serve over 200 Buddhist villages, and more than 90 viharas. Some viharas lack a resident monk, and many villages don’t have a vihara at all. This shortage of educated monks hinders our ability to pass down the teachings, and without action, we risk a gradual decline in Buddhist practice and understanding in our community. Already, around 15% of Buddhists by birth have converted to Christianity, largely due to this lack of spiritual guidance and support.
To address this, I envision Mahabodhi Residential School transforming into a center for educating novices and monks. By initially providing free education to a small group of 25 Bhantes, we can gradually cultivate a generation of educated Buddhist leaders who will carry the teachings of the Dhamma to every corner of Mizoram. I have seen young people who wish to ordain and study as novices, and even many Bhantes express a deep desire to learn more. However, supporting novices and monks requires a different approach, one that ensures both their educational and spiritual needs are met.
Here is what we will need to bring this vision to life.
1. A dedicated accommodation facility where novices and monks can live and study in a conducive environment.
2. Free meals to support the poorest novices and monks who wish to dedicate their lives to the Dhamma.
3. Free education sponsorship to help those from impoverished backgrounds access this unique opportunity.
4. A dedicated Dhamma teacher with a monthly salary to guide the novices and monks in both secular and spiritual studies.
Fortunately, the Mahabodhi Residential School already has the infrastructure for lay students, which novices and monks can also benefit from in their general education.
This project, I believe, is vital for the preservation and flourishing of Buddhism in Mizoram. Over the next 5 to 10 years, we could see a significant increase in educated Bhantes who can serve, teach, and inspire our community, ensuring that the Dhamma remains a living, guiding light.
While I am filled with this vision and aspiration, I lack the financial resources to accomplish it alone. With a humble heart, I am reaching out to seek your guidance, ideas, and any support you may be able to offer. I believe that with collective effort and compassion, we can make this dream a reality.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. May our joint efforts contribute to a future where the Dhamma thrives in Mizoram, touching lives for generations to come.
With metta and deep gratitude,
Sudip Chakma
Coordinator & Cofounder,
Mahabodhi Residential School &
Mahabodhi Buddhist Temple, Tuichawng, Lunglei District Mizoram, India.
