Our temple serves anyone interested in studying and practicing Buddhism. Using the original doctrines and practices taught by the Buddha 2500 years ago, we follow and practice the oldest version of the Buddha's teaching in the Theravada tradition. The resident monks come from Sri Lanka where the Buddha's Complete Canon was first written down from an oral tradition.
Signup sheet for Katina Ceremony
The primary objectives of the temple are:
- The temple doors are open wide to provide for the spiritual, religious and educational needs of men and women of all faiths and of Sri Lankan Buddhists living in the United States of America.
- The temple serves the diverse spiritual needs of all Buddhists and non-Buddhists, without discrimination and with warmth and spiritual openness
- The temple serves as a meditation center with the goals of teaching the techniques and practice of meditation for the purpose of spiritual development.
- The temple continues to serve as a cultural and social center for Buddhists and non-Buddhists.
- A facility with more space will greatly amplify and enhance the services which we currently provide: namely a center for Buddhism both as a source of systematic study, and as a haven for those who seek relief and refuge from the storms and stresses of daily life, regardless of existing religious affiliations and cultural backgrounds.
Appeal for Donations for a New Shrine Room (Budu-Geya)
- Since its inception, the Buddhist Vihara has grown to become a respected center for religious worship, and a religious gathering place for a large number of Sri Lankans and non-Sri Lankans eager to study the religion of their birth and to learn the discipline of meditation. Throughout the year, traditional Buddhist ceremonies are held that draw the attendance of Buddhists from all over the Midwest and also the attendance and interest of Christians and other non-Buddhists. The temple now needs a bigger physical space to accommodate its growing ranks of worshippers.