Introducing the European Bodhicitta Society (EBS)
The European Bodhicitta Society has been established under the guidance of Khenpo SoDargye from Serthar Buddhist Institute (Larung Gar) of Serthar district situated in the province of Sichuan. With the purpose of promoting the spirit of Mahayana Buddhism to benefit everyone in Europe, the European Bodhicitta Society was founded on the first of August in 2009. After two years of development, the number of members has increased from three to over 40 people living in different European countries.
The EBS promotes the Mahayana Buddhist teachings by integrating theories with practices. It plays a proactive role in advocating charity, such as environmental and animal conservation, popularising vegetarianism and in encouraging social cohesion and development.
Under the teachings of Buddha and the guidance of Khenpo SoDargye, the EBS, as well as all its members, strive to promote the theories and practices of Buddhism to everyone in Europe and to let everyone find true happiness.
Our study approaches
Based on Khenpo SoDargye's requirements, the European Bodhicitta Society has set up three study groups, namely: Preliminary practice of Great Perfection (Dzogchen) Study Group, Study Group B, which mainly study Shantideva's Bodhisattva way of life (Bodhicaryavatara) and a new class introduced in 2012. Beside this, each year, the European Bodhicitta Society will commence new study groups, these include the Preliminary practice of Great Perfection, Pure Land class, and Bodhicaryavatara study group. We also aim to initiate a study group focusing on Vajrayana practice such as Dzogchen, and other classes such as Madhyamika (Middleway) and Pramana (Buddhist Logic).
Our main study approach is by mean of online discussions, which takes place every week. In addition, occasionally, our UK Bodhicitta Socieity also holds some seminars physically. All our studies are managed by Serthar Buddhist Institute. Serthar Buddhist Institute provides learning materials, records our study performance and statistics, arranges lesson plans, organises exams and awards, evaluates the teaching achievements after the end of each semester and issues related certificates and prizes. Moreover, the European Bodhicitta Society is supervised by a specially appointed monastic from the Institute.
The reasons for creating the Bodhicitta Society
The European Bodhicitta Society was founded during the financial crisis. In the era of materialism and when our life highly depends on money, an economic downturn has been particularly detrimental to many people. This is also the proof that money cannot bring sustainable happiness and does not solve the spiritual emptiness within us. Money cannot help us in finding the true purpose of life but rather deviates us from doing so. Many people spend a large proportion of their time on things and activities, which become meaningless when facing the pain, anxiety and fear. That is why we believe that the way of Dharma is the only way to real happiness and fulfilment. In light of this need, Khenpo SoDargye has called for the establishment of Bodhicitta society of which the EBS is also part of it.
Joining us
Dear friends, if you understand Chinese, if you have a loving heart, and if you wish to understand more about life and Buddhism, the European Bodhicitta Society is the right place for you. We welcome anyone regardless of race, name, age, nationality, education or religion. We provide free opportunities to study Buddhism, and work together to promote philanthropy, and social harmony. Please join us in exploring the potentials of compassion, and bring enlightenment to all living beings.
Please find below the contact details of the European
Bodhicitta Society:
German,Yuan Hui:
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Telephone: +49-1622825477
France, Yuan Li:
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Telephone: +33-672067350
UK, Sheng Lei Lei:
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Telephone: +447912523582
Yuan Hui:
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Telephone: +447988638358
Iceland, Yuan Zong:
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Telephone: +3546950191
Norway, Yuan Ying:
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Telephone: +4795149116
Thank you very much for your time and support. Amitabha!
