About Us
An Effort to Beautify Society by Serving the Nation
The Vajra Bodhi Society of India was founded by Bhikkhu Rahul Sankrityayan, a devoted monk, spiritual reformer, and humanitarian visionary. The Society was born out of a deep commitment to revive Buddhism in its native land and restore the ancient shrines and spiritual significance of Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago.
Inspired by the noble teachings of Lord Buddha, Bhikkhu Rahul renounced material life in his early twenties. Walking over 1,500 kilometers on foot from his hometown Jeypore in Odisha, he arrived at Bodh Gaya, a humble village in the northeastern Indian state of Bihar. This sacred land, which once witnessed the awakening of Siddhartha Gautama into the Enlightened One, became the spiritual foundation for his own transformation.
Upon arrival, Bhikkhu Rahul embraced monkhood and was ordained under the guidance of the late Venerable Dr. Dhammawansa Mahathera, a respected figure in the global Buddhist community. His vision was clear: to reestablish the Buddhist Dharma in the land of its birth and to uplift society’s underprivileged through compassion, education, and service.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion and Enlightenment
The Vajra Bodhi Society today is more than a spiritual institution—it is a living expression of engaged Buddhism. Through educational programs, healthcare initiatives, housing for the homeless, and cultural revival, the Society strives to bring about holistic human development based on the values of nonviolence, wisdom, and equality.
Its efforts are particularly focused on the poor, illiterate, and marginalized—those whom mainstream systems have overlooked. The Society operates entirely through individual and private donations, using every rupee with utmost accountability to ensure direct impact.
Lord Buddha's Blessings: An Iconographic Tribute
One of the Society’s most spiritually enriching projects is the Iconographic Demonstration of the Life of Lord Buddha. This initiative is designed to offer both followers and seekers a visual journey through the key milestones of Buddha’s path—from his birth in Lumbini to his enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and beyond.
These artistic depictions not only serve as a form of spiritual education but also as cultural preservation, reminding the world of the transformative power of compassion, renunciation, and inner awakening. A demo of this iconographic journey is available at our center, welcoming all to witness the essence of Buddha’s life.