Historic gathering in Lowell, VT invites Ambedkarites and seekers worldwide to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy of profound social change and religious revolution on October 17, 2026.
LOWELL, Vt., Aug. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The First American Bodhisatva Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Buddha Mahavihar has officially announced that it will host the historic 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Day on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Located at the Monastic Academy in the peaceful countryside of Lowell, Vermont, the event marks a milestone celebration for Ambedkar Buddhists, spiritual seekers, and human rights advocates across North America and around the globe.
Dhammachakra Pravartan Day commemorates the monumental historic event of October 14, 1956, when Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—architect of the Indian Constitution, social reformer, and revered leader—embraced Buddhism alongside over half a million followers in Nagpur, India. This historic conversion revived the Buddha's teachings of equality, liberty, fraternity, and compassion as a transformative framework for social justice and human dignity.
As the first Ambedkar Buddhist Monastery established in the Western world, the Mahavihar serves as a unique sanctuary for integrating deep spiritual practice with social awareness. The 70th anniversary gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on Dr. Ambedkar's enduring relevance in modern society and the vital role of Navayana Buddhism in guiding social progress.
"As the first Ambedkar Buddhist Monastery in the Western world, we are deeply grateful for this opportunity to share Dr. Ambedkar's profound legacy and the Dharma with people from around the world. We welcome all Ambedkarites, their families, and anyone who wishes to fulfill Dr. Ambedkar's vision for an enlightened society."
The full-day event is designed for all ages, offering a balance of contemplative practice, educational discussion, and community connection. Attendees can participate in group chanting of sacred Buddhist sutras and bowing to the altars, as well as guided and silent meditation sessions in the tranquil natural setting of Vermont. Additionally, there will be talks exploring Babasaheb Ambedkar's relevance in the modern era and why Ambedkar Buddhists should lead the way toward an enlightened society. Inclusive spiritual practices and scheduled activities are planned for children, youth, and adults.
The event takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the First American Bodhisatva Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Buddha Mahavihar (Monastic Academy), located at 751 Page Road, Lowell, VT 05847. On-site accommodations are available for attendees, and the recommended airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV). RSVP is requested using the provided link.
The First American Bodhisatva Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Buddha Mahavihar, situated at the Monastic Academy in Lowell, Vermont, is dedicated to sharing and practicing the teachings of the Buddha and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. As the first monastery of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, it brings together spiritual practice, natural contemplation, and social action to build a more just and compassionate world.
The Monastic Academy for the Preservation of Life on Earth (MAPLE) is a Buddhist training center that uses structures from traditional monasteries and engagement with the modern planetary crisis to develop a collective that can resolve the crises of the digital age. Its mission is to scale wisdom and compassion through emerging technologies in order to bring forth a society in which all beings can walk the path to enlightenment.
For more news and information about Monastic Academy, please visit monasticacademy.org.
Media Contact
Vimukti Agarwal, The Monastic Academy, 1 (802) 540-0820, [email protected]
SOURCE The Monastic Academy
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