Our History

The Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI) was founded in 2002 in California with the aim of helping to revive the Arya Sangha in the holy land of India. In order to achieve this long term aim, the Foundation has undertaken to encourage experienced bhikkhus and bhantes to visit India in increasing numbers, to improve the facilities at the great sites of pilgrimage, and to stimulate the training of Indian bhikkhus.

Currently LBDFI acts as the primary sponsor of the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony which brings thousands of bhikkhus from ten Theravadin countries to pray in Bodhgaya on an annual basis. In this regard the Foundation meets all the travel expenses of bhikkhus who travel to the ceremony from within India as well as offering food and accommodation to all the bhikkhus who participate in the ten day ceremony.

Under the direction of Venerable Tarthang Tulku ten World Peace Bells have been offered at places sacred to the Buddha in India. The Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International-India has been responsible for several of these installations. It has also supported the construction and maintenance of butter-lamp houses at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya as well as the construction of public toilet and shower facility in Bodhgaya. LBDFI is also developing a South Garden on the grounds of the Mahabodhi temple and will be constructing a permanent kitchen and dining hall in Bodhgaya for monks, lay people and local residents to use. This facility will be offered to the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee.

In addition to these activities, LBDFI has sponsored the training of 108 monks in the chanting of Pali and is currently developing a program for the training of novice monks in Sarnath during the annual vassa retreats. Finally, the Foundation has been offering printed collections from the Tipitaka for free distribution at the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony.