About Us
Vijja Udapadi is a non-political, Buddhist Educational, Cultural, Social, Religious and Human Development Welfare Organization. It was established by the Bangladesh and International Buddhist Community.
We are the educational arm of the Dharmakirti International Peace and Progress Society (DIPPS) under the founder, Most Respected Venerable Bhante Dr Dharmakirti Maha Thero.
Vijja Udapati consists of two Pali words, vijja and udapadi. There are many different meanings of Vijja but in the Pali-English dictionary, vijja means higher knowledge; science whereas Udapadi is define as arose; originated.
Therefore, here we can interprete Vijja Udapadi as the arising or origination of higher knowledge. In this case, it’s about the Pali language and Buddhism.
Buddhism in Bangladesh
There is evidence of Buddhism in Bangladesh dating to the 3rd century B.C. Although Gautama Buddha is said to have visited East Bengal, it was not until the spread of Buddhism by Emperor Asoka that it gained strong foothold in the region.
The Pala Dynasty ruled the regions of Bengal and Bihar for about 400 years, from the 8th century to the end of 11th century. The Pala dynasty created the environment for Buddhist monasteries to thrive and discuss philosophies without prejudice. Many great temples, universities, schools, colleges, education and cultural centers were built.
After the fall of the last Bangladesh Buddhist King Rajadeho in the middle of the 11th century, Buddhism also lost its foothold. From 12th to 17th century that is 500 years, it was the darkest era for Buddhism in Bangladesh. Many of the Holy temples, universities, schools, colleges and education centers were destroyed.
Today, Buddhism is the third largest religion in Bangladesh with about 0.7% of the population adhering to Theravada tradition. About 65% of the Buddhist are concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, where Buddhism is the prominent faith of the Cakma, Marma, Tanchangya and other Jumma people. The remaining 35% are from the Bengali Buddhist Community which are the Barua who lives in the urban centers particularly Chittagong and Dhaka.
There are no Buddhist schools to cater for the Bhikkhus and Samanera which resulted in the decline of scholars. Aspiring Bhikkhus and novices who wish to further their education in the Dhamma Vinaya will have to travel to Sri Lanka, Thailand or Myanmar. This incur high expenses which they do not have.
Many generous Sri Lankan Buddhist, Bangladesh respected Monks and lay devotees have come forth to support financially these Bhikkhus and Novices to develop their Dhamma knowledge by obtaining the necessary education. Hence, the idea of establishing Vijja Udapadi in Bangladesh where Bhikkhus and Novices can be educated locally. Lay devotees who wishes to study Pali language and Buddhism are also welcome.
Vision
Our goal is to create an environment of unity and peace by promoting a life that encompasses education, culture and civilization of the nation in conformity with the principles and ideals of humanity that the Buddha taught.
Mission
1. To establish for the first time in 900 years an educational institute in Bangladesh to teach Buddhism in support of the sangha community and lay devotees. Thereby providing complete continuity of Buddhist religious studies in Bangladesh.
2. To provide general education for poor students.
3. To establish Friday dharma schools in temples all over Bangladesh.
How can you help us ?
Join the organization as a
member, with memberships of 4 possible categories:
- Patron Member
- Ordinary Member
- Life Member
- Corporate Member