This recording of songs from the Asvagosha project troupe is a real find in the Dharmachakra Archives.

The Asvagosha project was set up in India in the early 1990s as a way of developing cultural activities among poor ‘ex-Untouchable’ communities in slums and rural areas. Teams of performers visit the localities and put on performances of sketches and specially composed songs. The shows reflect the concerns that are uppermost in the minds of the people from these communities- issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence, superstition, and child health. The performers bring a level of humour and energy to their performances, ensuring that the messages are conveyed in a straightforward, unpatronising way.

For more on the Karuna Trust’s vital work with ‘ex-Untouchable’ Indian Buddhists, see their website.

Singers

Dhammachari Ratnodaya, Dhammachari Kamalabodhi, Dhammachari Satyadeepa, Dhammachari Yashoratna, Rahul Sownone, Satish Moon

Musicians

Ananada Panchabhai, tabla
Narendra Kale, harmonium

Original Producers

Dhammachari Siddhartha, Jayant Barve

Digital Remastering

Dhammachari Candradasa

All songs composed by members of the Asvagosha project (except ‘Raho Sukhame’ – composed by Dharmarakshita)

The Asvagosha project is run by Karuna Trust and Bahujan Hitay. Both are non-profit charities.

Tracked version includes the following detail:

01 Asvagosha, Asvagosha

02 Jivanta Dakhala

03 Ek Bano Neka Bano

04 Dhamma Januna Ghe

05 Tumche Amuche Bandhutwache Nate

06 Andaratun Baher Ya Ho

07 Ata Tumhi Te Deepa Wha

08 Mahaparinirvana Sagari

09 Raho Sukhane Ha Manau Ethe

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Here’s a forthright and passionate talk, taking as its starting point the great contemporary Tibetan teacher (sometimes also written ‘Chatral Sangye Dorje’) and his relationship to practice in the FWBO via his giving of the Green Tara practice to Sangharakshita. The main focus, however, is the need to practice the Dharma for others as part of a meaningful community, and Vajratara argues her case with a balance of down-to-earth humour and uncompromising vision.

Tracked version includes the following detail:

1. Introduction to Chetul Sangye Dorje; Sangharakshita’s first meeting with him 

2. Early years and practice; a meeting with the Regent of Tibet

3. The meaning of Chetul Sangye Dorje’s name; a meeting with Thomas Merton 

4. A teaching to Paramartha; two mind-training slogans (lohjong); practising for yourself versus practising for others; a quote from Sangharakshita

5. Real practice as love and kindness to others; commentary on mind-training by Jamgon Kontrul; the mantra of the universe; resorting to ‘the magical practice’ of spiritual individualism; going beyond yourself 

6. How to practice for others; Green and White Tara; significance of Tara’s leg position; balance between self-focus and other-focus; the conflict of choice

7. Be friendly even when you can’t be happy; green, nature, and remaining open

8. Practising together, in numbers; all beings as White Tara; drawing strength from communal practice

9. Don’t settle for a comfortable life; White Tara as a young girl; settling down; Chetul Sangye Dorje and the meat-eating teacher’s disciple

10. Conclusion – Tara as embodiment of practice for others; not allowing our Buddhism to become self-indulgence

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