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.
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/.
