MELBOURNE, VIC – The Navyana Buddhist Charitable Organisation Limited (NBCO) marked a powerful milestone on October 18 in Melbourne’s Wurundjeri land with the 69th Dhamma Diksha Day. Over 100 attendees — including more than 80 adults and 20 children from diverse cultural backgrounds — gathered at the Mount Waverley Community Centre in a vibrant celebration of Dhamma in Day-to-Day Life.
Held in honour of social reformer Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s historic conversion to Buddhism, the event united Buddhist traditions and generations in a living example of mindful living, social harmony, and spiritual growth.
Unity in Diversity
The day began with a serene dāna (food offering) to three revered monks — Venerable Hasapanno Thero, Venerable Ho Jun (Zen), and Venerable Ghayna Wimala (Theravāda) — whose presence symbolised unity across Buddhist schools. Youth members from NBCO led the proceedings with remarkable poise, reflecting the emergence of a new generation of Dhamma leaders.
Wisdom for Modern Life
The monks’ reflections on karuṇā (compassion), mettā (loving-kindness), and sati (mindfulness) struck a deep chord, especially during a lively Q&A session where students sought guidance on handling stress and cultivating self-awareness.
“When the mind is calm and aware, every challenge becomes an opportunity to practise wisdom.”
A Life Changed by Meditation
A standout moment came with Mr. Ankit Kumar’s heartfelt testimony about his transformative Vipassana journey. His story served as a powerful reminder of meditation’s potential to cultivate resilience, purpose, and inner clarity.
Empowering Through Education
In a profound gesture aligned with Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of enlightenment through knowledge, NBCO donated 21 volumes of his writings to the library and school at Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha (SGRS) — a gift gratefully received by community leaders.
Art, Culture, and Joy
The celebration blended creativity with compassion through soulful performances and a vibrant art showcase by Jiya Khandarkar and Madhavi Gharde. The skit Take a Pause, performed by Navyana fathers, struck an emotional chord, urging all to reflect amidst life’s busyness — a true expression of living Dhamma.
“Our mission is to spread the teachings of compassion and peace as taught by Gautama Buddha, and to share the vision and philosophy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar—a vision of a just society that provides equal opportunity and justice for all in Australia. We are committed to nurturing and building a community of empowered youth, women, and men who walk the path of Dhamma with courage and compassion.” ~ Mamta Patil, Director, Navyana Buddhist Charitable Organisation
A Vision for the Future
Councillor Paul Klisaris, Mayor of Monash, praised NBCO’s work in fostering inclusivity and interfaith harmony. Looking ahead, the organisation continues its mission to establish a dedicated Navyana Buddhist Community Centre — a space for learning, meditation, and collective growth.
As the event came to a close, one message rang clear:
“Dhamma is not a philosophy to be worshipped, but a way to be lived — here, now, and every day.”
For more about Navyana Buddhist Charitable Organisation Limited’s mission and upcoming events, visit https://navyanabuddhist.org.au/.
