In March 2008 Ann made two presentations on The East Coast, about her first visit to India.
Ann was eager to share what she has learned about Dr. Ambedkar, The Buddhist Revival in India, and the vibrant Buddhist youth movement. Both audiences were receptive and eager to stay connected with projects as they evolve.
The first presentation was in New Hampshire. The Aryaloka sangha invited Ann to speak about the trip, and served a delicious potluck supper. Pictures were hung on the walls from the retreat in December, and there was an hour-long, informal presentation. There were lots of questions from this sangha about how Buddhism is being practiced today in the Dalit community, and how the caste system is being imposed in modern-day India. Folks were very curious about how we practiced together on the retreat.
It was beautiful in New Hampshire, and there was still snow on the ground. Ann's mother drove up with her, and they stayed overnight in the Center's guest rooms, which were warm and cozy.
The second of Ann's presentations was in Connecticut to her parents' friends, her first sangha. Ann says, "It is the Catholic community that raised me, nurtured my own commitment to social justice as a teenager, and sponsored various projects of mine over the years. I was eager to let them know about what I am working on now, and share with them what I am learning. We put out a spread and I made an informal presentation."
The group was very interested in the caste system, what the Buddha taught about caste, and Ambedkar's work creating a casteless independent India.
It was an extremely fun and gratifying evening, reconnecting with old family friends, feeling encouraged by their attention, curiosity, and generosity.