Volume-XI, Issue-V, September 2025 |
Dharmarajika Buddhist Vihara: A Model of
Interfaith Unity
Romana
Papri, Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Pali & Buddhist Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Received: 31.08.2025 | Accepted: 05.09.2025 | Published Online: 30.09.2025 | Page No: 90-97 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.11.issue.05W.135 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
Dharmarajika, a Buddhist monastery, which was initially established in 1960, Dhaka, Bangladesh is a center for social, cultural, and religious activities. It is the city’s first Buddhist monastery that actively promotes peace and interfaith harmony by opening themselves up to all religions through charity works, orphanage, healthcare, education, and distribution of iftar meals to the underprivileged Muslims during Ramadan. The monastery was also an active participant during Bangladesh’s liberation war through acts such as providing shelter and care to the war-affected. Dharmarajika puts community service and cultural programs as a means in fostering unity, respect, and compassion among the diverse religious groups. This article describes how the monastery’s activity is contributing to social welfare and interfaith understanding, underscoring its impact in building a tolerant and cohesive society. | ||
Keywords: Buddhist monastery, Interfaith harmony, Liberation war, Community service, Cultural programs. |