As I write to you from Bodhgaya—the sacred place where the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree—I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and an unwavering belief in the possibility of goodness. The air here holds something ancient and alive. The stillness seems to remember.
And yet, beyond this peaceful moment, I am also aware of the heavy news echoing through the world—of wars, unrest, and the recent earthquakes that shook Thailand and Myanmar. There is no doubt that we are living in a time of great upheaval. Many may be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. But as I look out this window, I also see something else—a quiet invitation to awaken, to act, and to live from a place of wisdom and compassion. I see the possibility for all of us to rise together, guided by the light of the Buddha’s timeless teachings.
For me, this moment follows a long and transformative journey across India. Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of leading over 65 programs, covering thousands of kilometers—walking, quite literally, in the footsteps of the Buddha. From the bustling cities to the most remote villages, I’ve witnessed the deep, unspoken yearning for the Dharma in people’s hearts.
I’ve seen the way faces light up when the Pali words of the Buddha are chanted, as if something long dormant has been touched. I’ve felt the power of the Sangha coming together—Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna—as one body, one heart, one voice.
What echoes in me most clearly now is this: the Buddha did not come into this world by chance. He was born in this very kalpa, moved by limitless compassion, for one purpose—to awaken us all. That purpose is not finished. It is still alive. And each of us is a part of it.
In a world so often filled with noise, division, and distraction, may we remember to return to the true refuge—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The Triple Gem is not just a concept; it is the most precious treasure we have. It is already within us, waiting to be remembered, lived, and shared.
From the sacred soil of Bodhgaya, I send you my love, my prayers, and my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for walking this path with me. The journey is far from over, and there is so much beauty ahead.
Sending you all best wishes,
Walking the Path: 10,000 Kilometers, 65 Programs, 20,000 Hearts Touched
Buddha Cārikā: Turning the Wheel of Dharma Across India
Over the course of 64 extraordinary days, our devoted International Tipitaka Chanting Sangha sucessfully embarked on a sacred pilgrimage—a Buddha Cārikā, echoing the footsteps of the Blessed One himself (tons of photos from our yatra). The term refers to the Buddha’s journey after his enlightenment, as he traveled across the Indian subcontinent for 45 years to share the Dhamma. Inspired by this ancient tradition, we traversed more than 10,000 kilometers —by train, bus, and air—across India’s vast and diverse landscape. We also initiated the 1st Guru Padmasambhava Monlam where we had 1,500 participants come together from all over the world. This ceremony will now become an annual program and dates have already been set for January 11th-16th, 2026. We also offered 23 stupas throughout India by a generous patron and more stupas will be erected throughout India.
The Light of Buddhadharma Foundation will now embark annually on bringing monks and lay devotees to these lesser known areas. We will also be gifting Buddha statues along with Buddhist books to the lesser known areas within India. If you are interested in joining or sponsoring some aspect of this program in 2026, please send us a message to lbdfiorg@gmail.com for more information on Buddha Carika Programs.
SAVE THE DATE:
India Leads as Chief Organiser
DECEMBER 2ND-13TH 2025
At the Seat of Enlightenment, Bodhgaya
Together We Can
It is with great joy and deep inspiration that we share a historic moment in the unfolding of the Dharma: India, the sacred birthplace of the Buddhadharma, will take the lead as Chief Organiser of the upcoming 20th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony this December in Bodhgaya.
After two decades of steadfast international collaboration, this marks a powerful and symbolic turning point. For the first time, an India-based International Tipitaka Chanting Committee has been formally established this month—signaling a renewed and heartfelt commitment from the Motherland of Dharma to carry this sacred flame forward.
This is a moment of profound significance. India is not only reclaiming its role as the spiritual heart of the Buddhist world, but also stepping forward as an organisational leader, joining hands with global monastic communities to bring this extraordinary event to life for thousands of practitioners from all corners of the world.
Together, we are witnessing history—India rising once again to illuminate the world with the living sound of the Buddhadharma, at the very Seat of Enlightenment.
This year’s gathering will also celebrate India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, with traditional foods, vibrant offerings, and shared joy woven into the sacred space of the chanting. It promises to be both a pilgrimage and a festival of profound spiritual beauty.
We warmly invite you to join us in Bodhgaya. Now is the time to book your flights and accommodations, and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
May the sacred sound of the Tipitaka continue to awaken hearts, inspire peace, and guide us all on the path of awakening.
Upcoming Programs in 2025-26
Help Support Buddhist Monasteries in Myanmar Earthquake
A powerful 7.7 earthquake has struck Myanmar, leaving many Buddhist monks and monasteries in urgent need of support. We are raising funds to provide direct aid—100% of your donation will go straight to Buddhist monasteries, as we have personal connections with the temples on the ground. Every dollar will help provide food, medical care, and essential supplies. Please join us in this compassionate effort your generosity can bring relief and hope. We are doing whatever we can to help our friends in Myanmar. If you’re part of a relief organization, we welcome collaboration to reach those most in need.
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