Shraman Education Project
Activities
Education: Building Character, Reviving Culture, Transforming Society
The Shraman Education Project runs a comprehensive set of integrated educational, cultural, and social transformation activities inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
At Dhamma Bhoomi, Kelzar, students combine modern schooling with Shraman values of discipline (Vinaya), simplicity, compassion, mindfulness, and social responsibility—preparing them not only for careers, but for meaningful and socially committed lives.
"Education that builds character is the foundation of an enlightened society."
The Vision Behind
The Shraman Education Project
Value-Based Education
To integrate moral values, discipline, compassion, and social responsibility with modern schooling.
- Daily Value Education Sessions (ethics, conduct, duties, respect, social responsibility)
- Character-building workshops on honesty, self-control, empathy, and service
- Life-skills training: decision-making, emotional discipline, responsibility, teamwork
- Role-model storytelling (Buddha, Ambedkar, social reformers, national leaders)
- Self-reflection and guidance circles
- Service-based learning: cleaning, helping juniors, campus responsibility
- Behaviour monitoring & mentoring system
Shraman Culture Revival
To re-establish Shraman values of Vinaya (discipline), simplicity, self-restraint, mindfulness, and non-attachment in daily life.
- Structured daily routine based on discipline and mindfulness
- Training in Vinaya (code of conduct) and ethical lifestyle
- Simple living practices (minimal possessions, no indulgence culture)
- Mindfulness and awareness practices
- Dhamma study circles
- Shraman lifestyle orientation programs for new students
- Cultural observance days related to Buddha and Shraman tradition
Social Reformer Development
To nurture future social workers, reformers, and community leaders with ethical foundations.
- Leadership development sessions
- Social responsibility projects in nearby villages
- Community service activities (cleanliness, awareness drives, helping elders)
- Exposure visits to social institutions and reform movements
- Public speaking & social awareness training
- Reading and discussion on social reformers (Ambedkar, Buddha, Phule, etc.)
- Volunteerism and service hours built into routine life
Ethical Education
To ensure students not only succeed academically but live with integrity, honesty, and moral courage.
- Ethics classes & moral reasoning sessions
- Truthfulness & responsibility practice systems
- Conflict resolution & non-violence training
- Respect, equality, and dignity education
- Zero-tolerance to discrimination or bullying
- Peer accountability circles
- Daily conduct review & positive reinforcement
Residential Education for Rural Students
To provide safe, disciplined, high-quality residential education for rural and marginalized children.
- Free/assisted hostel facilities
- Nutritious meals and healthcare support
- Daily supervised study hours
- Academic tutoring & remedial classes
- Mentoring & personal guidance
- Regular parent interaction & progress tracking
- Sports, yoga, and physical discipline routines
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Inspired Education
To build self-respect, equality consciousness, constitutional values, and social justice leadership.
- Study of Dr. Ambedkar's life, writings, and ideas
- Constitutional values education (liberty, equality, fraternity)
- Social justice awareness programs
- Anti-discrimination and dignity education
- Ambedkar Jayanti & social equality observances
- Debates, essays, and discussions on social reform
- Career guidance for first-generation learners
Buddha Teachings Based Education
To cultivate wisdom, compassion, mindfulness, non-violence, and ethical living.
- Daily meditation / mindfulness practice
- Dhamma classes (Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Panchsheel)
- Moral stories from Buddha's life
- Compassion and non-violence training
- Right speech, right action, right livelihood education
- Daily Chanting of Dhamma
Engaging Youth, Building Community
Social Activities
The Centre actively engages young people through a variety of social and spiritual activities that encourage mindfulness, ethical living, and community service.
Youth Meditation Camps & Retreats
- Regular weekend and holiday camps introduce youth to basic meditation techniques, mindfulness in daily life, and breathing exercises.
- Focused retreats on topics such as "Overcoming Anger," "Developing Compassion," and "Building Inner Confidence."
- Encouraging youth to disconnect from devices and reconnect with themselves and nature.
Life-Skills Workshops
- Engaging sessions that blend Buddhist teachings with real-life applications, such as handling peer pressure, managing stress, and making ethical choices.
- Activities that include communication skills, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution from a Buddhist perspective.
Youth Leadership and Volunteer Program
- Young Leaders Program (YLP): Designed to develop leadership through service, mindfulness, and group projects.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Youths help with organizing events, assisting in retreats, teaching younger children, and participating in eco-activities.
Youth Mentorship & Counselling
- Peer Support Groups: Safe spaces for youth to share and reflect on life challenges in a spiritually supportive setting.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Monks and trained lay mentors provide guidance on personal, academic, or spiritual matters.
- Career and Study Guidance (from a Dhamma perspective): Encouraging purpose-driven education and work life.
Community Living &aamp; Daily Mindful Activities
- Shared Responsibilities: Participants join in daily chores such as gardening, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the monastery grounds. These tasks are performed mindfully to integrate practice into every action.
- Meals are taken together in silence or with a short Dhamma reflection, promoting gratitude, simplicity, and mindfulness.
- Regular group sessions build a sense of unity and collective spiritual energy.
- Periodic teachings from visiting monks or scholars bring diverse perspectives and deeper understanding.
Nature-Based Mindfulness Activities
- Eco-conscious infrastructure development and sustainable practices
- Guided and silent walking meditations in forested or garden areas to deepen connection with nature.
- Soil and Water Conservation, Tree planting, herbal gardening, and sustainability projects that align with Buddhist environmental ethics.
- Integrating nature observation with meditation and reflection.
Community Outreach & Service
- Organizing or participating in health camps, food distribution, and humanitarian relief work.
- Community engagement projects such as peace walks, interfaith clean-up days, or mindfulness awareness campaigns.
- Charity Drives and Support for the Needy
- Environmental Clean-Up Drives
- Visits to elderly homes, orphanages, or food distribution events.
- Promoting sustainability, zero-waste practices, and mindfulness in schools or local communities.