Sarvodaya as a time-tested model for building community

Sarvodaya as a time-tested model for building community and decentralizing government

Brief Description of Sarvodaya:

True community requires nourishing the body and the spirit; the melding of a sense of mutual responsibility and self help that comes from living the truths of compassion, loving kindness, joy in the happiness of others and equanimity.

Rooted in Buddhism and other ancient Sri Lankan traditions, Sarvodaya celebrates the involvement of many of Sri Lanka’s bikkus (local monks) who play an active role in village life. But the movement is open to anyone. One can visit a participating village and see houses built by Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims next to one another. New homeowners eagerly tell of their close friendships despite different religious and cultural traditions – friendships that come from working together for common goals.

History and description of Sarvodaya:

This article is inspiring and offers practical tips on how to step by step build community. Christians may be concerned about the Buddhist principles involved, but to me, this is equally about the teachings of Christ in action. I think that people of all faiths and no faith can learn from this beautiful movement and outlook on life.

http://www.goodlife.org/glc_journal1_levien.html

Does Sarvodaya have a religious affiliation?

WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE …….. SARVODAYA?

Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka’s biggest charity, is dedicated to making a positive difference to the lives of rural Sri Lankans. Our grassroots movement now reaches 15,000 villages in 34 districts with 1,500 staff throughout Sri Lanka.

Founded by a Sri Lankan schoolteacher in 1958, our philosophy is based on Buddhist-Gandhian philosophy and we work across all ethnic and religious communities. We are dedicated to the sustainable empowerment of people through self-help and collective support, to non-violence and peace.

It is not as much what we do to alleviate rural poverty but the way in which we do it which makes us so effective and sustainable – through the active participation and engagement of the villagers themselves.

Our social and technological village development programmes continue unabated; in addition, in response to urgent needs in our country, we are continuing with our award-winning Tsunami recovery programme and conflict resolution activities towards building a lasting peace.

 

 

Sarvodaya is clearly rooted in Gandhian and Buddhist traditions, but actively engages people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds. Events at the village, district and national levels often begin with non-denominational meditation and invocations from the perspectives of all religions represented.

Sarvodaya builds houses side by side for Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus. Peace Secretariat teams are led by Muslim, Christian and Hindu Sarvodaya personnel. The Movement consciously directs its efforts to people of all religious persuasions. Its purpose is not to proselytise but to help participants see their common humanity.

Many people are rightfully concerned about the recipients of relief supplies. We want to assure you that every effort is made to serve Sri Lankans of all religions in all parts of Sri Lanka.

Great way to categorize the way we all need to be empowered on all levels.

http://www.sarvodaya.org/about/empowerment-programmes/

Strategic goals for Sarvodaya in Ceylon-this could apply to any country. These folks are amazing—they have thousands of villages that are working cooperatively and developing decentralized governments that are working!

http://www.sarvodaya.org/about/strategic-goals/

 

This lays out the whole vision of Sarvodaya. I think anyone could duplicate this if they studied it—it utilizes the best of all that I have studied about life in general.

http://www.sarvodaya.org/about/development-model/

A list of virtues which everyone can agree on, and which build conscious community

http://www.itstimere