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The Sangha (community) is crucial as a channel for the spread and development of Buddhism. After visiting the Punjab in October 2003 the All India Bhikkhu Sangha realised that very few monks came from the Punjab. In order to rectify this and at the same time provide the material means for doing so it was decided at a meeting the Punjab Buddhist Society UK that a new building or Seema would be built in the Punjab for the ordination ,education and training of new monks from that area. The word Seema literally means “boundary area in which official activities take place” It was decided to name the Seema ‘Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara’. This is in memory of an ancient city and centre of learning Takshila. Takshila University is considered by some to have been the world’s first University dating back to around 700 B. C. Later from the time of King Ashoka, Takshila became a great Buddhist centre of learning for more than 800 years. The Seema has been named with this important historical place in mind. It is envisaged that newly ordained monks will enhance Buddhist teachings and practice them in daily life fulfilling the mission of Baba Saheb in the Punjab, across India and throughout the world. The building is located in the district of Ludhiana Punjab and is built within one acre of land. It includes 20 rooms for monks a multipurpose hall, dining room, kitchen and guest rooms. The ideas for the structure have been drawn from ancient Buddhist sites such as the Ajanta and Alora caves t has a U shaped ceiling without a pillar in the middle. At the entrance there is a half Pagoda (Chetiya) with a Buddha statue donated from Thailand on the top. Interior decoration includes marble floors and lotus decoration on ceilings. Of particular interest is the main gate. This is called the Sanchi Gate and is a model of the original gate of the famous Sanchi Stupa built by king Ashoka in Madhya Pardesh. The gate is wonderfully decorated telling us of the Buddhas life and the Jataka stories. Again we are resurrecting some of the finest Buddhist art in India. The whole Seema will be surrounded by a beautifully designed boundary wall on which will be carved important Buddhist verses The building of the Seema has been made possible by donations and sponsorship from many sources both official and individual from many countries accross the globe. The Sangha community give their grateful thanks to all who have made this project happen.

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