Buddhist Meditation: A Powerful Tool for Transformation – March 12th, 2024
Join Bhante Pannasiri and Jenn Linde from New England Buddhist Vihara as they lead us in meditation and offer teachings and a conversation about transformation.
Stay for tea and fellowship afterwards. Held in Edwards Hall. No registration required.
New Year Blessings to Welcome 2024
The resident monks of the Boston Buddhist Vihara & Meditation Center (NEBVMC) wish you a very peaceful, happy, and prosperous New Year.
On the 1st of January at 3:30 p.m. blessings will be invoked upon all devotees and friends of Dhamma for the New Year, by making offering to twenty-eight Buddhas (Atavisi Buddha Puja) at the temple. All are cordially invited to participate.
May the Noble Triple Gem Bless You All!
විශේෂ මතක් කිරිමයි
2024 නව වසර වෙනුවෙන් සැමට සෙත් පතා පවත්වනු ලබන අටවිසි බුද්ධ පූජාව සහ සෙත් පිරිත් දේශනය 2024 ජනවාරි මස 01 වෙනි සදුදා දින සවස 3:30 ට විහාරස්ථානයේදි පැවැත්වේ.
මේ උතුම් පින්කම සදහ පැමිණ සහභාගිවන ලෙස මතක්කර සිටිමු.
Winter Retreat 2024 – January 20th, 2024
Dear Dhamma Friends,
There will be a one day meditation retreat on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 conducted by Bhante Pannasiri. If you would like to participate in this program, kindly register for it by using following link.
The retreat is open to practitioners of all levels. Registration is on a first-come first served basis.
Total number of seats/people: 14
Lunch and refreshments will be served.
Registration is free – but you may donate any amount. All donations go towards temple maintenance.
Teacher : Bhante Pannasiri
Topic: Vipassana Retreat
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm / 8hr
Date: Saturday, January 20th
Number of seats: 14
Registration Status: Closed
Medium: Sinhala
Registration: Required
Please note that only the attendees who are planning to participate in both morning and afternoon session (meaning, full day) are required to apply for registration. We have made this decision to give them priority within the limited number of positions available.
2023
Download the 2023 event calendar here.
Dhamma School End of Year Ceremony – 2023
The Dhamma School End-Of-Year Certificate Ceremony for 2023 will take place on Saturday, December 16th at 3:00 PM at Edwards Church Hall in Framingham.
We will be celebrating the graduating class of 2023. Certificates, report cards, and gifts will be awarded to students. We will also have a special moment to felicitate Ms. Preeni Sandanayake who encouraged the continued efforts of The Dhamma School.
We wish to extend an invitation to all current students, their family members as well as any members of the community who wish to join in celebrating the students’ achievements and the successful completion of another Dhamma School year.
Katina Robe Offering Ceremony – September 30th 2023
Dear Devotees, Well-Wishers, and Friends of the Temple,
You are cordially invited to the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center’s 2023 Katina Robe Offering Ceremony to be held on Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School, 65 Pleasant St., Upton, MA 01568.
To organize the midday meal and other refreshments for the devotees, it is essential for the organizing families to know how many attendees will be present at the event well in advance.
Your attention to this at your earliest convenience is greatly appreciated as this will enormously help with the planning of the meal preparation and distribution.
Tentative Program
10:00AM – Arrival of the Maha Sangha
10:30AM – Offering/chanting
11:30AM – Sanghika Dana/ Offering Lunch for monks
12:15AM – Devotees Partaking Lunch
01:00PM – Katina Procession
01:30PM – Offering Katina robe and Katinanisansa speech
02:15PM – Blessings to the Donor’s of the New Building Fund
02:30PM – Dedication of Merits and Sutra Chanting for blessing
03:30PM – Afternoon tea and clean
Sewing of the Katina Robe 2023
Dear Devotees, Well-Wishers, and Friends of the Temple,
In preparation for the Katina ceremony, the sewing of the Katina robe will take place on Saturday, September 23rd at the temple premises.
We would like to invite all devotees who would like to participate in this event to join us between 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.
If you have any questions, please contact the temple.
The Buddhist Journey – Multi-Faith Collaborative Evening – September 12th, 2023
Join Bhante Pannasiri from New England Buddhist Vihara, along with his colleague Jenn, who will describe the map they have created to convey the Buddhist journey toward enlightenment. “The Buddhist map serves as a visual representation of the inward journey in the practice of Buddhism. It guides practitioners to explore their inner selves and gain a deeper understanding of the true nature of existence. The teachings laid down by the Buddha provide a solid foundation for individuals to follow in order to alleviate suffering within themselves. By following this path, practitioners can cultivate wisdom, compassion, and inner peace, ultimately leading to liberation from the cycle of suffering.”
Come listen, learn, reflect and ask questions. No registration required.
This discussion will be held in Edwards Hall.
Summer clean-up – Shramadana at the temple August 27th, 2023
Dear Dhamma Friends,
You are cordially invited to participate in the Shramadana (Volunteer) on Sunday, August 27, starting at 8:00 A.M.
Adults Poson Sil Program – Saturday, August 12th, 2023 – In person & Zoom
ගැඹුරු ධර්මය සරලව සාකච්ඡා වන සදහම් කතිකාවත – පෝය දින වැඩසටහන
Dear Dhamma Friends:
You are cordially invited to the Poson Poya Day Program on Saturday, August 12th, 2023. The Program will be conducted in Sinhala.
Registration is required, for providing the lunch to the participants.
The Program of the day:
08:30AM – Sila Observance/Offerings
09:15AM – Meditation
10:15AM – Dhamma
11:15AM – Buddha pooja
11:35AM – Devotees partaking lunch
01:00PM – Dhamma/discussion
04:00PM – Buddha pooja
මෙම උතුම් ධර්ම පර්යේෂණය සදහා සම්බන්ධවන ලෙස ඔබ සියලු දෙනාට මෙත්සිතින් ආරාධනා කරමි.
Children’s Summer Camp – Saturday, August 5th, 2023
This year’s summer camp will be held on Saturday, August 5th.
Details of summer day camp:
Venue – NEBVMC, 162 Old Upton Rd, Grafton MA
Registration Status: Open
Registration is required. Deadline for registration 8/3/2023 5:00pm.
Please click here to Register
10AM-11AM Gentle Yoga led by Rev. Dr. Debbie Clark
11AM-1AM Lunch and Mindful Activities/Walk
All participants should bring their own water bottle and lunch.
If you have a yoga mat or a towel or something to sit on, please bring it with you.
The Season for Observing the Annual Vassana (The Rains-Retreat) – 2023
On this occasion, a formal invitation to observe the rainy retreat “Vas Araadhana” will be extended to the venerable monks by the families of Samurdhi Wijesundera & Sajani Liyanage, Roshan Udalamatta & Sachintha Wijesinghe, Asanga Bandara & Pabodha Hettige, Hasitha Gamage & Harini Perera sponsoring this year’s event on the Full Moon Day, Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at 5.00 pm at the premises of the New England Buddhist Vihara Meditation Center. As part of the Rains-Retreat observances, there will be a Damma program for all lay devotees on every weekend from July, 8 to September 23, which will include homage to the Buddha, Buddha Vandana & chanting followed by a special Dhamma sermon.
Please make a strong determination (Adhitthana) to make this Rains-Retreat an opportunity to follow the footsteps of the Enlightened Beings and engage in highly meritorious activities such as learning and practicing Dhamma, developing insight meditation and so forth. Please make an effort to get your entire family to participate. May all these immensely meritorious activities performed in this Vassana-season lead you down the path to Enlightenment. With the blessings of the merits accrued, may you all be well, happy, peaceful and successful.
One Day Meditation Retreat – Saturday, July 1st, 2023
There will be one day meditation retreat on Saturday, July 1st, 2023 conducted by Bhante Jinananda. If you would like to participate in this program. Please note that only the attendees who are planning to participate in both morning and afternoon session (meaning, full day) are required to apply for registration. We have made this decision to give them priority within the limited number of positions available.
Teacher : Bhante Jinananda
Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Date : Saturday, July 1st
Registration Status: Closed
Medium: English
Registration: Required: Please contact the temple
Lunch will be provided by the temple
Bhante Jinananda, the chief incumbent of Hilda Jayewardenaramaya Buddhist vihara and the president of Buddhist Congress of Canada, teaches both Samatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation to many individuals from different ages in regular meditation sessions and special retreats. He conducts meditation sessions and give lectures on Buddhist teaching to school and university students. Recently, he started traveling to many countries spreading the true words of the Buddha in the name of meditation. He also conducts online classes and Dhamma discussions to provide devotees an opportunity to explore the deep teaching of the Buddha on Sutta (discourses).
Bhante J became a novice monk when he was thirteen years old in 1993. After completing the monastic education, he received higher ordination at the age of 20 in 2000. He has obtained a bachelor’s degree on Education from the university of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2006 and completed a postgraduate diploma on Buddhism at Kelaniya university in the following year. During his busy scheduled as a meditation master at the Ottawa temple, he was able to complete a master’s degree on Religion and culture at the Wilfrid Laurier university, Waterloo, Canada.
The main ambition of Bhante J is to dedicate his entire time for exploring peace and everlasting happiness through studying Buddhism and meditation theoretically and practically and share them with friends.
Adults Poson Sil Program – Saturday, June 10th 2023 (In person & Zoom)
ගැඹුරු ධර්මය සරලව සාකච්ඡා වන සදහම් කතිකාවත – පෝය දින වැඩසටහන
Dear Dhamma Friends:
You are cordially invited to the Poson Poya Day Program on Saturday, June 10th 2023. The Program will be conducted in Sinhala.
Registration is required, for providing the lunch to the participants.
The Program of the day:
08:30AM – Sila Observance/Offerings
09:15AM – Meditation
10:15AM – Dhamma
11:15AM – Buddha pooja
11:35AM – Devotees partaking lunch
01:00PM – Dhamma/discussion
04:00PM – Buddha pooja
04:30PM – End
මෙම උතුම් ධර්ම පර්යේෂණය සදහා සම්බන්ධවන ලෙස ඔබ සියලු දෙනාට මෙත්සිතින් ආරාධනා කරමි.
Annual Cricket Tournament – Saturday, June 3rd 2023
Our annual cricket tournament has been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The new date for the tournament is Saturday, July 8th. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this date change. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to your participation on the rescheduled date.
We are planning our 15th Annual Cricket Tournament matches, Volleyball Tournament games, and a Kids Fair on June 3rd Saturday at Hopkinton State Park. We need cricket teams and volleyball teams.
The program is sponsored by: New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center.
Please keep this date free, and if you like to participate in the events by forming your own teams, please send an email.
Both men and women can take part in any event (teams).
There will be rice packets as well as other food items that will be sold at the event.
Please keep the date free and come early to the ground to enjoy the day.
Venue: Hopkinton State Park, MA
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
Vesak Ceremony – Saturday, May 13th 2023
You are invited to a special Buddhist holiday. On Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 5:00PM onwards, we will be celebrating Vesak Day. Vesak Day is important to Buddhists because it marks the Birth, Enlightenment & Parnibbana of Buddha and celebrates his importance in the world.
When: May 13th, 2023
Time: From 05:00PM onwards
Location: 162 Old Upton Rd, Grafton MA 01519
- Mal perahara/Procession
- Making symbolic offerings to the Triple Gem (Buddha Pooja)
- Blessings
- Messages
- Devotional songs sung by children and adults of the community
- Lighting of Vesak decorations
- Silent Auction
- Dansala/Dinner
- End of Celebration and clean up
2023 Children & Youth Vesak Sil Retreat
When: Saturday, May 13th
Time: From 2:15PM to 4:30PM
Medium: English
Registration Status: Closed
Registration: Required, Please respond by Friday 12th, 11:59PM
Vesak Observances – May 6th and 13th, 2023
Vesak is the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar and typically we spend the day to reflect upon the sublime teachings of The Buddha and also to memorialize and celebrate The Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and entering into Parinbbana. We are cordially invited to Vesak-2023 observance [full day retreat] on Saturday, May 6th, at NEBVMC. The program will be stating from 7:00am to 5:00pm. Prior registration is important to us for providing lunch to the participants.
Registration link
Registration Status: Closed
The Program of the Day:
07:00AM – Kiripidu Pooja/Offerings
08:30AM – Sila Observance
09:15AM – Meditation
10:15AM – Dhamma
11:15AM – Buddha pooja
11:35AM – Devotees partaking lunch
01:00PM – Dhamma/discussion
02:30PM – Dhamma/discussion
04:00PM – Buddha pooja
04:30PM – Dhammachakka sutta chanting
05:00PM – End
Medium: Sinhala
May all immensely meritorious deeds performed in the Vesak season lead you down the path to Enlightenment. With the blessings of the merits accrued, may you all be well, happy, peaceful and successful. Please keep in mind that The Buddha emphasized the only way to pay homage to him is by diligently learning and practicing his teachings
Vesak Day Celebration and Children Sila Observance – May 13th, 2023
Spring Cleanup – Sharamadana at temple – April 22-23 and 29-30
Dear Dhamma friends,
With the arrival of spring, we are seeking assistance from volunteers to spruce up the temple and its surroundings. Please select the day and time you wish to drop by and participate. You can choose multiple days if you are able to do so. April 22, 23, & 29,30
Please click the link below:
https://forms.gle/eVYFW3zCADyE7SsT7
We will be cleaning up, mulching and planting flowers./ Vesak decoration
Please bring gardening tools and/or gardening gloves if you have them.
We will need: 1) Plants (annuals/perennials)
2) Garden soil and fertilizer
3) Landscape fabric
If you are unable to participate, but want to donate plants, please bring them to the temple at your convenience and volunteers will plant them for you. Mulch will be provided by the temple.For more information on any of the above please contact the temple.
Sri Lankan New Year Celebration – April 15th, 2023
Greetings Dhamma Friends,
It is with great pleasure, Boston Buddhist Vihara and Meditation center invite you to join in celebrating the upcoming Sri Lankan New Year on Saturday, April 15th, from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm at Nara Park’s Picnic Pavilion at 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA 01720.
Celebrations will commence with religious observances, and we will then proceed with cultural customs such as “Kiri Ithiraveema” (boiling milk), “Hisa thel gema” (anointing oil), “Avurudu kreeda” (New Year games), and a potluck feast of traditional New Year food for everyone to share.
We warmly welcome all who wish to partake in the celebration.
If you plan on bringing a dish to share, please do not hesitate to add your contribution to the Potluck food list. Any quantity is appreciated and our event organizers will happily assist with heating and serving. If you have any questions, please connect with the temple.
Poya Day Program – Saturday, April 1st, 2023
“ගැඹුරු ධර්මය සරලව සාකච්ඡා වන සදහම් කතිකාවත පෝය දින වැඩසටහන”
The program of the day is as follows:
Medium: Sinhala
8:30 am – 09:00 am: Buddha puja/observance Eight Precepts
9:00 am – 11:15 am: Meditation
11:30 am – 01:00 pm: Buddha puja/Dāna
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Discussion
3:30 pm – 4.00 pm: Buddha Vandana/Sil pavaranaya
New Year Blessings to Welcome 2023
Dear Devotees, Well-Wishers and Friends of the Temple,
We are planning to hold the Atavisi Buddha Puja Ceremony to invoke blessings on the community for the New Year 2023. The ceremony will be held at Edwards church at 39 Edwards St, Framingham, MA 01701 on January 1st, 2023 at 3:30 pm.
This is a better venue for us as any unexpected snowy or icy condition could make accessibility to our temple premises and parking areas extremely difficult. Although health guidelines for the prevention of Covid-19 have been relaxed lately, you may choose to wear a mask during the gathering as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.
2022
Download the 2022 event calendar here.
Katina Robe Offering Ceremony – October 15th, 2022
We wish to inform you that this year’s Katina Puja Ceremony of New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center (NEBV&MC) will be held on Saturday, October 15th from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM at Blackstone Valley Tech (BVT) 64 Pleasant Street, Upton MA 01568. We believe that this is a better choice of a venue as it provides more space and parking facilities to accommodate the large number of families expected for the event.
Katina is one of the most meritorious acts that we participate. This year, we want to focus our energies on a fundraising campaign to raise funds for a new premises for the temple. You have already been notified the details of this effort in a couple of recent e-mails. Your generous donations to this immensely meritorious cause will enable us to fulfill this urgent need which will benefit the community for many more years to come. We are pleased to say that an altruistic donor has also agreed to match a portion of our proceeds in this fundraising campaign, effectively doubling the amount of money you would have otherwise raised. Therefore, your keen participation in this fundraising program is most appreciated. As you are aware, your donations are fully tax deductible.
Tentative Program
10:00AM – Arrival of the Maha Sangha
10:30AM – Buddha Puja
11:30AM – Sanghika Dana / Offering Lunch for monks
12:15AM – Devotees Partaking Lunch
01:00PM – Katina Procession
01:30PM – Offering Katina robe and Katinanisansa speech
02:15PM – Blessings to the Donors of the New Building Fund
02:30PM – Dedication of Merits and Sutra Chanting for blessing
03:00PM – Afternoon tea and clean
Opportunities to Donate a Katina Robe (Chi’vara), Inner Garment (Andana) on the Kathina Day – උතුම් චීවර පූජා පිංකම
As we have successfully done in previous years, you have the opportunity to accrue extra merits by donating a Katina Chi’vara or an Andana to resident monks on the Kathina day. Please sign-up to donate a Katina chi’vara (or Andana) by sending in a donation (check) in advance. We have a suggested donation amount of $80 per family for a Katina Chi’vara and $40 for an Andana. However, we ask all families to give what they can – either higher or lower than this amount, depending on your ability.
Please click this link to sign up for Chivara Puja.
Please call or e-mail the temple in case you have any questions regarding the Kathina proceedings. May these enormous meritorious acts illuminate your way towards Nibbana. May you all be well and happy.
Weekly Saturday program for the 2022 Vas Season – In-person & Remote
The observances will begin with Buddha Vandana and chanting followed by the Dhamma sermon.
Buddha Vandana – 6.30 to 7.00 pm (Eastern Time US and Canada)
Dhamma Desana – 7.00 to 8.00 pm
The Buddha Puja and Dhamma deshana will be streamed live for those tuning in online. We hope all of you will participate in-person or through YouTube.
Call or email to the temple to register the Saturday Buddha Puja and Dhamma sermons.
Gentle Outdoor Yoga – August 20th, 2022
Venue – NEBV & MC, 162 Old Upton Rd, Grafton, MA 01519
Participation – Children 10 years and older, and adults
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
All participants should bring their own water bottles and lunch, and a mat/yoga mat/towel to sit on.
Please note that registration is required.
Deadline for registration: 08/18/2021 5.00 pm.
World Vesak Day Celebration – May 7th, 2022
උතුම් සම්බුදු තෙමගුල සදහා සැමට ආරාධනා
Vesak is the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar and typically we spend the day to reflect upon the sublime teachings of the Buddha and also to memorialize and celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and entering into Parinibbana. This year NEBV & MC will hold the Vesak programs in-person at the temple. The Children’s Vesak Sila program and Vesak Day Celebration will be held on May 7th 2022, and the Vesak Sila observance for adults will be held on May 14th 2022.
Vesak Sila program for children on May 7th:
3:00 PM – Children’s Sil Observance – Observance of the Eight Precepts (All children)
Dhamma program (Group 1)
Dhamma program (Group 2)
5:00 PM – Sil Pavāranaya – End of Sila program
5:30 pm – Procession
6:00 pm – Buddha Puja
6:30 pm – Bhakthi Gee – devotional songs
Dansala – Sharing food
Lighting Vesak lanterns and Candle fundraiser
Vesak Sila program for adults on May 14th:
– Taking eight precepts at 8:00 a.m.
May all immensely meritorious deeds performed in the Vesak season lead you down the path to Enlightenment. With the blessings of the merits accrued, may you all be well, happy, peaceful and successful. Please keep in mind that The Buddha emphasized the only way to pay homage to him is by diligently learning and practicing his teachings.
Funeral arrangement for Mrs. Preeni Sandanayaka
Dear community members,
It is with the greatest sadness we announce the passing away of our beloved devotee Mrs. Preeni Sandanayaka, loving wife of Vincent and beloved mother of Dulani & Udani. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 18th. Preeni was a dedicated member of the New England Buddhist Vihara who worked hard with her husband to start the temple and worked constantly to benefit the temple until the end of her life. She will be greatly missed by the community and her contribution to the community will always be highly valued and remembered. May she attain supreme bliss of Nirvana!
Please see below for the funeral arrangement and details for the seventh day Dharma Deshana and Dana. We encourage wearing a mask.
Funeral:
Location: Mercadante Funeral Home
370 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605
(508) 754-0486
https://www.mercadantefuneral.com
Viewing time: Saturday, March 26th, 2022 – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Pansakulaya: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Funeral Procession to crematorium: 4:30 pm
Location: Rural cemetery & Crematory
180 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605
Cremation: 5:30 pm
Seventh day activities:
Dharma Deshana:
Location: Sandanayaka residence
When: Saturday, March 26th, 2022, Time 8:00pm
The Dharma deshana will also be shared via Zoom
Topic: Anumodana
Time: Mar 26, 2022 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84050991240
Meeting ID: 840 5099 1240
Passcode: 123456
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,84050991240# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,84050991240# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 840 5099 1240
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keasS3Lcv0
Dana:
Location: Sandanayaka residence
When: March 27th, 2022, Time 10:30 am onwards
New Year Blessings to Welcome 2022 – January 1st 2022
The new year 2022 is almost upon us. Although the year 2021 has been an unprecedented social and economic calamity for the entire world, it is time to raise our hopes again be positive and look forward to a new year and new beginning. To that end, we are kindly requesting your participation in a special ceremony to invoke blessings of the Noble Triple Gem on our community for good health, harmony, and prosperity.
The ceremony is scheduled for the 1st of January at 4:00 PM via Zoom and YouTube. You may offer your own Buddha puja at home while joining the live stream from the temple. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this will not be an in-person event.
2021
Download the 2021 event calendar here.
Katina Robe Offering Ceremony / Annual General Meeting – October 30th 2021
Dear Dhamma Friends:
We wish to inform you that this year’s Katina Puja Ceremony of New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center (NEBV&MC) will be held on Saturday, October 30th from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM at Grafton High School 24 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA 01519. Registration is required.
Tentative Program:
- 10:00AM – Arrival of the Maha Sangha
- 10:30AM – Buddha Puja
- 11:30AM – Sanghika Dana/ Offering Lunch for monks
- 12:15AM – Devotees Partaking Lunch
- 01:00PM – Katina Procession
- 01:30PM – Offering Katina robe and Katinanisansa speech
- 02:15PM – Blessings to the Donor’s of the New Building Fund
- 02:30PM – Dedication of Merits and Sutra Chanting for blessing
- 03:00PM – End
Poya Day Program – Saturday, September 11th 2021
Medium: Sinhala
The program of the day is as follows:
- 8:30 am – 9:00 am: Buddha puja/Sila observance
- 9:00 am – 11:15 am: Dhamma/Meditation
- 11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Buddha puja/Dāna
- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Dhamma/meditation/discussion
- 3:30 pm – 4.00 pm: Buddha Vandana/Sil pavaranaya
Vassana Season Weekly Program – September 4th 2021
The weekly Saturday program for the 2021 Vas Season will be held on September 4th 2021. The observances will begin with Buddha Vandana and chanting followed by the Dhamma sermon.
Buddha Vandana – 6.30 to 7.00 pm (Eastern Time US and Canada)
Dhamma Desana – 7.00 to 8.00 pm – conducted by Ven. Ganajeewa Thero in Sinhala
Gentle Outdoor Yoga & Mindful Walk – August 21st 2021
2021 Children’s Summer Dhamma Camp
The program for the day
Start 9.30 AM (please arrive 5-10 minutes early)
– Session 1 Conducted by Bhante Pannasiri
– Session 2 Gentle yoga led by Rev. Dr. Debbie Clark
– Session 3 Mindful walk 1.00 PM – Lunch and dismissal
Venue – NEBV & MC, 162 Old Upton Rd, Grafton, MA 01519.
All participants should wear masks and maintain social distancing and adhere to the COVID guidelines at the temple premises. Please be aware that due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic we will be hosting this year’s camp for children 12 years and older and who are fully vaccinated.
Online Meditation & Dhamma talk / Q&A Session with Bhante Bhikkhu Bodhi
- When: Saturday, July 24th 2021
- Teacher: Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi
- Time: from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
- No registration is required to join NEBVMC Zoom sessions
Join Zoom Meeting or NEBVMC YouTube
Meeting ID for Saturdays & Sundays program: 867 8694 6366
Passcode: metta
Vas Aradhana – July 24th 2021
A formal invitation to observe the rains-retreat “Vas Aradhana” will be extended to the venerable monks by Saman and Pranita Amarasinghe family, Ashini and Nalin Hettiarachchi family, and Lakmini and Chandima Prematillake family.
- When: Saturday, July 24th,2021
- Dhamma Sermon, Buddha Puja (offerings) Chanting & Blessings
- Time: from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Medium: English & Sinhala
- The actual invitation will be carried out at the temple with the participation of the members of the sponsoring families and others up to the maximum allowable capacity per Covid-19 regulations. The invitation will be streamed live for those tuning in online. As the spaces are limited, we ask everyone who wishes to participate in-person to register for the event.
- Registration for participate in-person: Closed
- No registration is required to join the NEBVMC Zoom sessions.
Vesak Celebration – 2021
Vesak is the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar and typically we spend the day to reflect upon the sublime teachings of The Load Buddha and also to memorialize and celebrate The Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and entering into Parinibbana. As we are compelled to observe the Covid-19-related health directives we are unable to hold the Vesak-2021 observances as an in-person event at the temple as we did in previous years.
NEBV&MC has made arrangements to observe this year’s Vesak proceedings online as a week long event starting from Saturday, 22nd of May through Saturday, 29th. Of these only the 22nd will be a full-day whereas others will be evening events. All these proceedings will be live-streamed via Zoom and YouTube. The entire Vesak program is briefly outlined as follows:
May 22nd
- Taking eight precepts at 8:00 a.m. (Sil program)
- Four Dhamma sermons conducted by the invited Maha Sangha.
May 23rd
- Evening Buddha Puja beginning at 7:30 p.m.
- Dhamma sermon
May 24th through May 28th
- Evening Buddha Puja beginning at 7:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m.
- Children’s Vesak presentations
Children’s Meditation Retreat [Sila Program] – 29th May 2021
Time: Group 1 [morning] & Group 2 [evening]
How to Register: Please use the following link to register.
Registration will close on 05/27/2021 10.00 pm
https://forms.gle/Lewo2Kv6ntzkk9PB6 (Zoom link will be sent later).
Here are the program details:
Program 1 from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. (for younger children), conducted by Ven. H. Kondanna Thero – Staten Island Buddhist Vihara, New York
Program 2 from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. (for older children), conducted by Ven. N. Jinananda Thero – Hilda Jayawardenaramaya Ottawa, Canada
May all immensely meritorious deeds performed in the Vesak season lead you down the path to Enlightenment. With the blessings of the merits accrued, may you all be well, happy, peaceful and successful. Please keep in mind that The Buddha emphasized the only way to pay homage to him is by diligently learning and practicing his teachings.
Vesak Poya Day Program – 22nd May 2021
A Poya day program will be held online via Zoom on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Medium: Sinhala
The program of the day is as follows:
- 8:00 am – 09:00 am: Buddha puja/Sila observance/Bhavana/Dhamma – Led by Bhante Pannasiri
- 9:15 am – 11:15 am: Dhamma/Meditation/Discussion – Led by Bhante Jinananda
- 11:30 am – 01:00 pm: Buddha puja/Dāna
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Dhamma/meditation – Led by Bhante Dhammaloka
- 2:15 pm – 4.15 pm: Dhamma & discussion – Led by Bhante Pemaratana & Bhante Pannasiri
- 4:30 pm- 5:00 pm. Sila pavaranaya – Led by Bhante Pannasiri
- Evening Special offering to the Buddha & Dhammachakka sutra deshana from 7:00-8:30 pm – Led by Bhante Pannasiri
Join Zoom Meeting Or NEBVMC YouTube
Meeting ID: 812 2591 7034
Passcode: 429432
Anumodana
Dear Devotees, Well-Wishers and Friends of the Temple,
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the entire NEBV&MC community for making this year’s “Atavisi Buddha Puja ceremony” an overwhelming success. Although the Covid-related health guidelines forced us to make it strictly an online event, we all should feel proud in our ability to hold a ceremony replete with all features you accustomed to in a traditional in-person event.
We deeply appreciate everyone who helped the temple in numerous ways to prepare for the event and for those who provided requisites to put together puja-trays specially prepared for the purpose. The beginning of a New Year is also the time to reflect back and offer gratitude to everyone whose generosity, tireless efforts and assistance in numerous ways ensured the existence and well being of NEBV&MC over these years. This includes, but not limited to, providing daily dana and other requisites, monthly and other donations, organizing and attending religious events, fund raising activities, activities related to Sunday Dhamma school, technical assistance to ensure the temple’s online presence and up-keeping the temple premises.
As we begin the New Year, let’s all collectively wish for a speedy end to the present pandemic menace and more “normal” 2021 full of hope and reassurance. May The Triple Gem bless you and may all deities protect you. By the gracious power of all Buddhas, may you and your family ever be well and happy. May you celebrate the gifts of health and well-being in the New Year and beyond. May all beings be liberated from suffering.
Further, please note the program shown below to mark the beginning of a new year with the exclusive purpose of conferring blessings to the community for a healthy and prosperous New Year. Each daily program will be broadcast live via YouTube.
New Year Blessings Live via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/BostonBuddhist
Day 1 Program 1/1/2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=968fRk5gk9M
Day 2 Program 1/2/2021 https://youtu.be/WCZY7-W5pTI
Day 3 Program 1/3/2021 https://youtu.be/A0O88gP5k_U
Day 4 Program 1/4/2021 Dhammachakkapavattana sutta (දම්සක් පැවතුම් සුත්රය) at 7:00 PM https://youtu.be/eOOTo_-3fxU
New Year Blessings to Welcome 2021 – Atavisi Buddha Puja – January 1st 2021
Dear Devotees, Well-Wishers, and Friends of the Temple,
This message is about the Atavisi Buddha Puja Ceremony which will be held on January 1st 2021 to invoke New Year blessings on the community. As we are compelled to observe health guidelines for the prevention of Covid-19, this event will strictly be a non-person event. We plan to live stream the proceedings online via Zoom & YouTube (please subscribe to the channel).
The ceremony will be held at the NEBV & MC premises on January 1st 2021 at 4:00 PM. As you know, Atavisi Buddha Puja involves paying homage to the 28 Buddhas of the present world-cycle who have appeared in the past. We plan to offer 28 puja-trays specially prepared to include flowers, Chathu Madura (the four delicacies made of ghee, jaggery, honey, and butter), juices-&-medicines (Gilanpasa). The temple will arrange these puja-trays on behalf of the devotees. This event also provides an excellent opportunity for our Dayaka families to accrue merits by making a donation. Your unwavering generosity will help the temple meet its regular monthly bills and secure funds necessary to upkeep the premises. We encourage each family to purchase a specially prepared Puja tray and allow us to offer that to the Buddha of your choice on your behalf. Each donor’s name will be announced before making the offering. Although we suggest a donation of $25.00 per tray, you are welcome to choose higher or lower amounts depending on your ability. Please call the temple without delay to set aside a puja-tray for you.
May The Triple Gem bless you and may all deities protect you. By the gracious power of all Buddhas, may you and your family ever be well and happy. May you celebrate the gifts of health and well-being in the New Year and beyond. ‘Arogya parama labha. Santhutti paraman danam.’
Temple Activities
As you are anxiously waiting for this very uncertain and difficult times resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic to pass, we wish to offer our support, concern and the blessings of the Triple Gem for everyone affected by it. We believe that you all remain safe indoors and follow guidelines set up by the relevant health authorities to ensure your safety, that of loved ones and the community as a whole. we would like to remind you of the NEBV&MC resources, activities, and programs available online.
The “Dhamma Blog” page on our website has new posts. Keep checking for new Dhamma discussion topics. Please read and direct any question via email or call the temple during weekdays 9 am – 9 pm.
The temple Facebook page has updated new Dhamma topics.
Dhamma School classes are continuing online.
Guided meditation sessions for teenagers and young adults via Zoom from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month)
Guided mindfulness meditation is conducted via Zoom every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm.
Guided meditation sessions for adults via Zoom from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ( Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month)
Sunday Dhamma discussion is conducted via Zoom from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. (Medium: Sinhala)
Poya day program – online
Please direct any questions to the temple. May you be well & happy!
2020
Download the 2020 event calendar here.
Anumodana – Kathina Ceremony 2020
Dear Devotees, Well-Wishers and Friends of the Temple,
We would like to express you all our deepest gratitude for making this year’s “Kathina Robe offering ceremony” an overwhelming success. State guidelines for the prevention of Covid-19 forced us to carryout this year’s festivities only with sponsoring families in attendance. The entire community, however, should be very proud of the fact that we meticulously observed all rituals of a traditional Kathina ceremony, like we have done in previous years. The credit is due mostly to the dedication and hard work of the families of Mr. Kushan & Mrs. Sumedha Wijerathne, Mr. Mahesh & Mrs. Geethika Jayamanna, Mr. Chaminda Delpagodage & Mrs. Nadeeka Thiththagallagamage who sponsored this year’s ceremony. We are immensely grateful to all those who have joined in the festivities online.
With reverence and gratitude we pay tribute to fourteen Maha Sangha, who kindly accepted our invitation and gracing the occasion. In addition, Maha Sanga from several Buddhist institutions in the US and Canada kindly obliged our invitation to offer Dhamma sermons on-line as part of our Saturday Vassana season observances over the three months period culminating to Kathina. We were truly blessed by those Dhamma sermons which the listeners found extremely helpful in their quest to grasp the sublime teachings of The Load Buddha. In addition, the temple also offered regular Sunday meditation sessions on the community’s behalf. We appreciate all those who paid obeisance to the Kathina Chi’vara which was put on exhibition in the open-air shrine room under the canopy. We are deeply appreciative of the generosity of our sponsoring families making a special donation to the temple building fund. Our gratitude goes to all devotees who offered Kathina Chi’vara and Andana to resident monks and donated various puja-items and currency notes to be offered at the wish-conferring tree. We also thank everyone in the community for their unwavering attention and support given to the temple throughout the year and during the Vassana season in particular without which we would not be what we are enabling to dedicate our time and effort for the benefit of the community.
More importantly, we urge you to broaden your spiritual horizons by engaging in meritorious activities such as learning and practicing Dhamma, developing insight meditation and so forth as you had keenly practiced during the rains-retreat. May the merits accruing from this Dhamma-activities be to the well-being and happiness of all our community, departed ones and all beings. May all beings be liberated from suffering.
With metta,
Bhante Pannasiri
Dear Dhamma Friends,
It is with great gratitude we offer thanks to all of you for your support during 2020 Vassana Season and Kathina Ceremony at New England Buddhist Vihara. With all of your blessings, participation, support and understanding we were able to complete the rituals of the Kathina Ceremony even in the presence of COVID-19. Due to government’s regulations with regard to safety standards and measures taken for COVID-19 we were unable to gather at the temple, yet were able to carry out all the puja and weekly Dhamma sessions virtually with all of your support and participation.
We would like to thank all of you for joining in remotely, contacting us to offer help in many ways and trying your utmost best to corporate in this year’s Katina Ceremony. Most importantly, we would like to thank Ven. Dhammajothi Thero and Ven. Pannasiri Thero for their understanding, support and advice offered throughout the Vassana Season.
We would like to wish you good health and happiness in the days to come. Thank you!
With Blessing of the Noble Triple Gem,
Jayamanna, Wijerathne and Delpagodage Families.
Annual Kathina (Robe Offering) Ceremony – October 3rd 2020
Dear Dhamma Friends,
This year’s Kathina Ceremony will be held solely in attendance of the families sponsoring the ceremony in accordance with the Covid-19 guidelines for Places of Worship provided by the State of Massachusetts.
The sponsoring families are Nadeeka, Thiveyn, Sayuri and Chaminda Delpagoda Family. Sumedha, Okitha and Kushan Wijerathne Family.Geethika and Mahesh Jayamanna Family.
We invite you all to tune-in YouTube [NEBVMC] or Facebook live for listening and viewing the proceedings.
The Kathina Ceremony marks the end of the Vassana retreat (retreat during the rainy season). On this auspicious day, we offer robes to the monks and offering of alms as mid-day meal and other necessities. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this will not be in-person events.
Tentative Program
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Offering Buddha puja
11:30 AM – Sanghika Dana/Offering Lunch for Monks
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Offering Kathina Robe & Kathinanisansa speech
02:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Dedication of Merit & Suttra Chanting for Blessing
Poya Day Program – September 12th 2020
A Poya day program will be held online via Zoom on Saturday, Sep 12th, 2020.
The program of the day is as follows:
- 8:30 am – 09:00 am: Buddha puja/Sila observance
- 9:00 am – 11:15 am: Dhamma/Meditation
- 11:30 am – 01:00 pm: Buddha puja/Dāna
- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Dhamma/meditation/discussion
- 3:30 pm – 4.00 pm: Buddha Vandana/Sil pavaranaya
Vassana weekly programs
Links to videos:
August 8 2020
August 15 2020
August 22 2020
August 29 2020
September 12 2020
September 19 2020
September 26 2020
Vassana season special meditation programs
There will be a weekly meditation program on Sundays for the duration of the Vassana season.
Time: from 7:00 pm to 7:40 pm
Dates: July 19, July 26, August 02, August 09, August 16, August 23, August 30, September 06, Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, these will not be in-person events.
Children’s Summer Day Camp program 2020 – online
- When: August 22nd Saturday
- Medium: English language
- Age range: Elementary to college-age
- Time: 2 pm – 4 pm (older age group)
- Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm (younger age group)
The program for older age group (high school and college-age included) will be on the topic “How to Improve Our Communication Skills: A Buddhist Approach”, and will be conducted by Bhante Pemaratana.
The program for younger age group will be conducted by Bhante Pannasiri.
Poya Day Program – 1st August 2020 – online
- 8:30 am – 09:00 am: Buddha puja/Sila observance
- 9:00 am – 11:15 am: Dhamma/Meditation
- 11:30 am – 01:00 pm: Buddha puja/Dāna
- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Dhamma/meditation/discussion
- 3:30 pm – 4.00 pm: Buddha Vandana/Sil pavaranaya
Special Meditation Program – 12th July 2020
Teacher: Ven. Bhikku Bodhi
Time: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Medium: English
Vas Aaraadhana – 12th July 2020
The formal invitation to observe the rains-retreat “Vas Aaraadhana” will be extended to the venerable monks on Sunday, July 12th, 2020, by the families of Mahesh and Geethika Jayamanna, Nadeeka and Chaminda Delpagodage, and Kushan and Sumedha Wijerathne. Please join the online event through Zoom or Youtube.
- 6:30 pm – Buddha Vandana
- 7:00 pm – Rainy-season invitation
- 7:30 pm – Dhamma talk and seth pirith deshana
Poson Poya Day Program – 14th June 2020
The Poson Poya day program will be held online via Zoom on Sunday, June 14th 2020. The program of the day is as follows:
- 8:30 am – 09:00 am: Buddha puja/Sila observance
- 9:00 am – 11:15 am: Dhamma/Meditation
- 11:30 am – 01:00 pm: Buddha puja/Dāna
- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Dhamma/meditation/discussion
- 3:30 pm – 4.00 pm: Buddha Vandana/Sil pavaranaya
Children/Youth Meditation Retreat – Saturday, 16th May 2020
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Virtual Dhamma Meditation Program
World Vesak Day 2020 Celebrations
As everyone in the community navigates the uncertainty of COVID-19, we truly regret our inability to get together in the celebration of Vesak Day as we have normally done in previous years. Yet we are committed not to remain passive on this sacred day when we all used to gather in commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama The Buddha, a time of joy, reflection and contemplation.
We plan to celebrate this year’s Vesak online on May 10th (Sunday) with a full-day adult sil program culminating with a special Buddha Puja from 7:00pm to 8:15pm.
The Buddha’s teachings focused on compassion, peace and goodwill with the possibility to awakening wisdom within every human being. His teachings have become a beacon of light pervading the far corners of earth today guiding millions through the darkness of human suffering. We invite you to light a candle to show your gratitude to the Triple Gem, The Buddha, Dhamma (The Buddha’s teachings) and The Sangha (disciples of the Buddha) which you may do at the time of offering food during lunchtime at your own house.
The program of the day is as follows:
- 8:30am – 9:00am: Buddha puja/Sila observance
- 9:00am – 11:15am: Dhamma/Meditation
- 11:30am – 1:00pm: Buddha puja/Dāna
- 1:00pm – 4:15pm: Dhamma/meditation/discussion
- 4:15pm – 4:30pm: Sil pavaranaya
- 7:00pm – 8:15pm: Buddha puja and seth pirith
A sil program for the children will be held on May 16th (we encourage the adults to participate in the children’s sil program as well. You will be receiving more information about this later on).
Satipatthana Sutta Series
A series of six dhamma discussions on the Satipatthana Sutta will be held via Zoom every Sunday, from March 29th to May 3rd, 7:00pm – 8:15pm. The discussions will be led by Bhante Pannasiri.
Poya Day Program – February 2020
You are cordially invited to the Poya Day Program on Saturday, February 8th 2020. The program will be held from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
2019
Download the 2019 event calendar here.
Annual Katina (Robe Offering) Ceremony 2019
Dear Devotees, Well-Wishers, and Friends of the Temple,
We wish to inform you that this year’s Kathina Puja Ceremony of New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center (NEBV&MC) will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM at the Keefe Regional Technical School, 750 Winter St, Framingham, MA 01702. We believe that this is a better choice of a venue as it provides more space and parking facilities to accommodate the large number of families expected for the event.
Tentative Program
8:00AM – Sewing the Kathina Robe
10:30AM – Buddha Puja
11:30AM – Sanghika Dana/ Offering Lunch for monks
12:15AM – Devotees Partaking Lunch
01:30PM – Kathina Procession
02:15PM – Offering Kathina robe and Katinanisansa speech
03:00PM – Dedication of Merits and Sutra Chanting for blessing
03:30PM – Afternoon tea and clean-up
Please make an effort to get your entire family to participate.
May all these immensely meritorious activities performed in this Vassana-season lead you down the path to Enlightenment. With the blessings of the merits accrued, may you all be well, happy, peaceful and successful.
One Day Meditation Retreat – September 14th 2019
There will be a one day meditation retreat on Saturday, September 14th 2019 conducted by Bhante Chandima.
Teacher : Bhante Chandima
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm / Duration: 8 hours
Date : Saturday, 9/14/2019
Registration Status: Closed
Medium: English
Registration required.
Bhante Chandima:
Bhante Chandima is a fully ordained Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka. He served as the resident Buddhist monk at the Buddhist Vihara Society in Vancouver, British Columbia from 2011 to 2016 until he moved to Victoria, British Columbia to work on a research fellowship on the project “How To Neutralize The Influence Of Bad Karma According To Theravāda Buddhism” at the University of Victoria’s prestigious Centre for Studies in Religion and Society. Upon completing the fellowship, in December 2016, he moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he served as a resident Buddhist monk at the Alberta Buddhist Vihara Association until January 2018. At the request of his monastic teacher Bhante Hemalankara, in January 2018, Bhante Chandima moved to Ottawa, Ontario to serve as a resident Buddhist monk at the Ottawa Theravada Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Center (Ottawa Buddhist Monastery).
Bhante Chandima has earned a Bachelor of Arts with First-Class Honours (2008), majoring in Sanskrit and minoring in Pāli and Buddhist Philosophy and a Ph.D. (2015) in Sanskrit on his work “An Annotated Translation Into English Of Ratnamālāvadāna With A Critical Introduction” from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura in Sri Lanka.
Summer Dhamma Camp – August 24th 2019
The annual children’s program is scheduled for Saturday, August 24th from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. We are really pleased to announce a program specially designed for high school age through college/post-college students. This program will be conducted by Bhante Kondañña, who is a resident monk in the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara in New York.
- Dhamma Program (Group 1) Elementary
- Dhamma Program (Group 2) Teenage
- Dhamma Program (Group 3) College and post-college
About Bhante Kondañña
Bhante Kondañña is a Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk. He received his novice ordination in 1968, his monastic training in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a BA in Buddhist Philosophy from University of Kelaniye in Sri Lanka. In 1985, he came to USA to participate and also provide his helpful skills and services at the New York Buddhist Vihara. During that time, the dignified Kondanna began to attend classes at CUNY and now holds a BS in Social Work. Moreover in 1997, he obtained a MSW from Fordham University in New York. Bhante Kondanna believes that human beings should grow up having a spiritual foundation. He hopes that his contributions, experiences and philosophy enrich and enhance the lives of everyone here in New York City, and wherever he wishes to bring his proficiencies.
The Season for Observing the Annual Vassana (the Rains-Retreat) – 2019 “Vas Araadhana”
On this occasion, a formal invitation to observe the rainy retreat “Vas Araadhana” will be extended to the venerable monks by the families of Chrishantha and Aruni Wawlagala, Kelum and Shakila Perera and Sujeewa and Damindi De Silva, sponsoring this year’s event on the Esala Full Moon Day, Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 5.00 pm at the premises of the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. As part of the Rains-Retreat observances, there will be a Dhamma program for all lay devotees on every weekend from July 27th to October 12th which will include homage to the Buddha, Buddha Vandana & chanting followed by a special Dhamma sermon.
There will be one day meditation retreat on July 21st 2019 conducted by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi Thero. Registration required.
Please note that only the attendees who are planning to participate in both morning and afternoon session (meaning, full day) are requested to apply for registration. We have made this decision to give them priority within the limited number of positions available.
Teacher : Bhante Bhikkhu Bodhi
Time: 8:30am
– 4:30pm / Duration: 8 hours
Date : Sunday, July
21st 2019
Registration
Status: Closed
Medium: English
Registration
required.
Bhikkhu Bodhi Thero is an American Buddhist monk from New York City. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1944, he obtained a BA in philosophy from Brooklyn College (1966) and a PhD in philosophy from Claremont Graduate School (1972). Drawn to Buddhism in his early 20s, after completing his university studies he traveled to Sri Lanka, where he received novice ordination in 1972 and full ordination in 1973, both under the late Ven. Ananda Maitreya, the leading Sri Lankan scholar-monk of recent times.
Special Dhamma Sermon – Saturday June 22nd 2019
There will be a Dhamma Sermon in Sinhala on June 22, 2019 at 6:30 pm by Ven. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero.
Poya Day Program – June 8th
Saturday, June 8th, 8am to 4pm
Annual Cricket Tournament – June 1st
We are planning our 13th Annual Cricket Tournament matches, Volleyball Tournament games, and a Kids Fair on June 1st Saturday at Hopkinton State Park. We need cricket teams and volleyball teams. The program is sponsored by the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. Please keep this date free and if you like to participate in the events by forming your own teams, please send an email. Both men and women can take part in any event (teams).
Email: [email protected]
Nalin: 508-922-6033
Upul: 508-596-4476
Indika: 484-687-2621
Sujeewa: 508-925-4762
Dharma Sermon – May 29th
Venerable Galigamuwe Gnanadeepa thero will be conducting a dharma deshana at 8pm on May 29th, 2019 at NEBV & MC.
Residential Meditation Retreat
here will be a 3-day residential meditation retreat organized by devotees of the NEBV & MC for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, May 25, 26 and 27, 2019. The retreat location was selected to provide lodging for the attendees to get the maximum benefit of the retreat.
Retreat location:
The Wat Nawamintararachutis Meditation Center,
Thai Buddhist Temple located at 382 South St East, Raynham, MA 02767
http://watnawamin
Registration: May 24th 6 pm to 8 pm
Retreat Dates: May 25, 26 & 27, 2019
Retreat Teacher: Venerable Aluthgamgoda Gnanaweera Thero,
Vesak Ceremony and Children’s Sil Program on Saturday, May 18th 2019
Please join us in the celebration of Vesak Day, an officially recognized United Nations (UN) holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama The Buddha on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 at 5:30pm at NEBV&MC, 162, Old Upton Rd, Grafton, MA 01519. The Buddha’s teachings focused on compassion, peace and goodwill with the possibility to awakening wisdom within every human being. His teachings have become a beacon of light pervading the far corners of earth today guiding millions through the darkness of human suffering. We invite you to light a candle to show your gratitude to the Buddha, your beloved teacher. You may come prepared to adorn the temple with decorations and flowers on Vesak Day. Following a Vesak tradition practiced in the Asian continent, Sri Lanka in particular, a Dansala (alms-giving stall) will be held on premises to offer you food free of charge, concluding the day’s events.
The Vesak celebration is scheduled to be held at the temple on May 18th Saturday. The program details are as follows:
Children’s Meditation program – Sil Observance from 2:15pm to 4:30pm
- Observance of the Eight Precepts (All children)
- Dhamma program (Group 1)
- Dhamma program (Group 2)
Sil Pavāranaya at 4:30pm
We request all children to be in proper attire for the sil program. Comfortable clothing which covers the body is suggested. White is preferred.
Evening Program from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
- Mal perahara/Procession
- Making symbolic offerings to the Triple Gem (Buddha Pooja)
- Blessings
- Messages
- Devotional songs sung by children and adults of the community
- Lighting of Vesak decorations
- Silent Auction
- Dansala
- End of Celebration and clean up
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day Program
Adults Sil Program on Saturday, May 11th 2019
Dear Dhamma Friends: You are cordially invited to the Vesak Poya Day Program on Saturday, May 11th 2019. The program will be conducted in Sinhala.
The program of the day:
- 08:30am – Kiripidu pooja/Sila Observance
- 09:15am – Meditation
- 10:15am – Meditation/discussion
- 11:15am – Buddha pooja
- 11:35am – Devotees partaking lunch
- 01:00pm – Dhamma
- 02:00pm – Dhamma/discussion
- 04:00pm – Buddha pooja/seth pirith until 4:30pm
An Interfaith gathering to remember lives lost in Sri Lanka
An interfaith gathering is hosted by Open Spirit: A Place of Hope, Health & Harmony to remember recent lives lost in Sri Lanka, US and in New Zealand in acts of hate in churches Mosques and Synagogues.
The remembrance will be led by Rev. Dr. Deborah Clark, Interfaith Coordinator of Open Spirit and Bhante Pannasiri, New England Buddhist Vihara.
When: Sunday, May 5, 5:00 pm
Where: Edwards Hall Building, 39 Edwards Street, Framingham
Avurudu 2019
The Sri Lankan New Year will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13th, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Journey of the Spirit: Learning more about the faith of our neighbors
A visit to New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center
This new program of Open Spirit’s Multi-Faith Collaborative begins on Sunday, April 7th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 162 Old Upton Road, Grafton.
On our first visit, we’ll be welcomed by the monk in residence, Bhante Pannasiri, Multi-faith Collaborative member, Neela de Zoysa, and others who will:
- Share about the history of this community, faith and traditions;
- Lead an experience of chanting, meditation and their sacred space; and
- Invite curiosity and conversation among us.
Join us on this journey of discovery to gain greater understanding and appreciation of faith and traditions of our neighbors, deepen relationships among fellow travelers, and strengthen our shared commitment to this community.
To register: www.openspiritcenter.org/journey-of-the-spirit
Deadline for registration is April 1st.
Watch for more details and dates in coming weeks!
For more information contact:
Karen Nell Smith, program coordinator 508-331-3081, [email protected]
Spring Retreat: Cultivating awareness & wisdom
Teacher : Bhante Pangnatissa
Time : 8:30am – 4:30pm / Duration: 7 hours
Date : Saturday, April: 06th 2019
Registration Status: Closed
Medium: English
Registration required.
Spring Food Festival
The Festival will feature delicious authentic Sri Lankan dishes, including Hoppers, Rolls, Patties, Kottu and a variety of rice and vegetarian curries with special Sri Lankan herbs and spices.
This is a fund-raising event for the New England Buddhist Vihara & Meditation Center, Grafton MA.
When: Saturday, March 23rd 2019
Where: Edwards Church, 39 Edwards Street, Framingham MA 01701
Time : from 4:00pm to 9:00pm
Please contact the temple for further details: 508-839-5038
Enjoy the taste of authentic Sri Lankan Food for a nominal fee.
Meditation Retreat for University Students
There will be a two-day meditation program for the students of Harvard University on January 21st & 22nd at NEBV&MC.
Poya Day Program
Saturday, January 12th 2019
You are cordially invited to the Poya Day Program on Saturday, January 12th 2019. The program will be held from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The program of the day
8:30am – 09:00am – Buddha puja/Sila observance
9:00am – 11:15am – Dhamma/Meditation
11:30am – 01:00pm – Buddha puja/Dāna
01:00pm – 4:15pm – Dhamma/meditation/discussion
4:15pm – 4:30pm – Evening Tea and clean-up
New Year Blessing to Welcome 2019 – Atavisi Buddha Puja
January 1st 2019
The program will be held from 3:00pm – 4:30pm.
As we have done in the beginning of previous years, we are planning to hold the Atavisi Buddha Puja Ceremony to invoke blessings on the community for the New Year 2019. The ceremony will be held at the Edwards church at 39 Edwards St, Framingham, MA 01701 on January 01, 2019 at 3:00PM.
We urge our devotees and friends to bring all the basic necessities such as flowers, juices-&-medicines (Gilanpasa) and other offerings to prepare 28 trays for the ceremony. You may also bring simple items of food and sweets to share with the attendees following the day’s activities. We also urge you to support in setting up the event and the ensuing clean up activities.
2018
Download the 2018 event calendar here.
Poya Day Program
You are cordially invited to the Poya Day Program on Saturday, December 08th 2018, at the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. The program will be held from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Medium: Sinhala
Thankgiving Retreat
This program has been canceled due to inclement weather.
We thank you for your understanding. Please contact the temple for any questions or concerns.
There will be a one day meditation retreat on Saturday, November 17th 2018 conducted by Bhante Pangnatissa. Please use the below form for registration.
Time : 8:30am – 4:30pm
Registration Status : Closed
Registration: Required, for providing the lunch to the participants
Medium: English
Annual Katina (Robe Offering) Ceremony 2018
We cordially invite you to attend the 2018 Annual Katina (Robe Offering) Ceremony of our temple on Saturday, September 29th 2018 at the temple premises.
This year’s Katina ceremony is sponsored by the Keerthi and Devika Jayasuriya family, Udara and Dinusha Dharmasiri family, and Sanath and Nirmala Wijerathna family together with the help of all other members of the (NEBV&MC) Boston Buddhist Vihara.
This is the traditional ceremony where we offer robes to the monks to mark the end of the Vassana retreat (retreat during the rainy season). On this auspicious day, there will be a Sanghika Dana (offering of alms as mid-day meal and other necessities). The visiting monks from different states of USA and other countries will participate in this.
THE PROGRAM OF THE DAY
07:00 AM – Offering Buddha Puja and Dana
07:30 AM – Stitching the Katina robe
10:30 AM – Preparing Buddha Puja and Dana
11:00 AM – Offering Buddha Puja
11:30 AM – Sanghika Dana / Offering lunch for monks
12:15 PM – Devotees partaking lunch
01:45 PM – Katina procession
02:15 PM – Offering Katina robe and Katinanisansa speech
03:00 PM – Transferring merit
03:15 PM – Blessing
03:30 PM – Afternoon tea and clean-up
Vassana Buddha puja and Dhamma sermons – 2018
We cordially invite you to be part of these activities by sponsoring the Saturday Buddha Puja and Dhamma sermons. You may sign-up for a date convenient to you by calling the temple or filling the form below. May you be well & happy!
Summer Dhamma Camp at the Farm – August 25th 2018
The annual summer program for children will be held on Saturday, August 25th from 8.30 am to 2.00 pm.
We are able to offer an exciting outing to a nearby farm to volunteer in their daily operations for the first half of the program. We will be helping with harvesting, washing and packing the produce. The Community harvest project is located in Grafton, MA – about an 8 minute drive from the Temple. It is a non-profit farm that engages volunteers to grow fresh fruits and vegetables to provide to those experiencing hunger. This is a great opportunity for the children to learn about growing food, how much fun it is to be outdoors, and most of all helping out people in need.
Registration begin date: Monday 7/22/2018
Registration status: Open
How to register: Fill the form below
Deadline: Please let us know on or before Wednesday, August 15th
Full details of the program will follow after registration closes. Please contact the temple if you have any questions regarding registration.
One-day Meditation Retreat
This one-day meditation retreat was conducted by Bhante Kondañña on Saturday, July 21st 2018, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
About Bhante Kondañña:
Bhante Kondañña is a Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk. He received his novice ordination in 1968, his monastic training in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a BA in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. In 1985, he came to USA to participate and also provide his helpful skills and services at the New York Buddhist Vihara. During that time, the dignified Kondañña attended classes at CUNY and now holds a BS in Social Work. Moreover in 1997, he obtained a MSW from Fordham University in New York.
The Season for Observing the Annual Vassana (the Rains-Retreat) 2018
Poya Day Program and Vas Aradhana
On this occasion, a formal invitation to observe the rainy retreat “Vas Aradhana” was extended to the venerable monks by the families of Keerthi and Devika Jayasuriya, Sanath and Nirmala Wijerathne, and Udara and Dinusha Darmasiri, sponsoring this year’s event on the Full Moon Day of Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 5.00 pm at the premises of the New England Buddhist Vihara Meditation Center. As a part of the Rains-Retreat observances, there will be a Dhamma program for all lay devotees on every weekend from June 23rd to September 29th which will include homage to the Buddha, Buddha Vandana & chanting followed by a special Dhamma sermon.
Annual Cricket Tournament
Our 12th Annual Cricket Tournament, Volleyball Tournament, and Kids Fair was held on Saturday, June 9th at the Hopkinton State Park.
The program was sponsored by the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center.
Vesak Ceremony 2018
The Vesak ceremony was held at the temple on Saturday, May 19th.
The program details are as follows:
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Children’s meditation program.
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Evening program – offerings, blessings, messages, devotional songs, lighting of Vesak decorations, Dansala and more..
Happy Vesak Day!
Two-day Dhamma retreat
This Dhamma retreat was conducted by Aluthgamgoda Gnanaweera Thero in the Sinhala medium.
Day 1 – May 19th 2018 at Edwards Church from 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Day 2 – May 20th 2018 at the Temple (Grafton) from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Vesak Poya Day Program
The Poya day program was held on Saturday, May 5th from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Medium: Sinhala.
Program of the day
- 08:30am – Kiripidu pooja/Sila Observance
- 09:15am – Meditation
- 10:15am – Meditation/discussion
- 11:15am – Buddha pooja
- 11:35am – Devotees partaking lunch
- 01:00pm – Dhamma
- 02:00pm – Dhamma/discussion
- 04:00pm – Buddha pooja/seth pirith until 4:30pm
Sri Lankan New Year Event
The Sri Lankan New Year was celebrated on Saturday, April 14th, 2018 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the temple (NEBV & MC).
One-day Meditation Program
Saturday – April 7th, 2018
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
A guided mindfulness meditation program was conducted by Bhante Dhammaloka.
Poya Day Program
Saturday – March 3rd, 2018
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
The March Poya Day program was held on Saturday March 3rd 2018, from 8:30 am to 4 pm. The program was conducted in the Sinhala medium.
Poya Day Program
Saturday – February 3rd, 2018
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
The February Poya Day program was held on Saturday, February 3rd 2018, from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. The program was conducted in the Sinhala medium.
Meditation Program – Canceled
Wednesday – January 17th, 2018
7:00PM – 8:30PM
This meditation program was canceled due to inclement weather. It will be held at the regular time from next week onward. If you have any questions please be kind enough to contact the temple.
Poya Day Program
Saturday – January 13th, 2018
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
The January Poya Day Program was held on 13th Saturday, 2018, from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. The program was conducted in the Sinhala medium.
Blessing Ceremony
Monday – January 1st, 2018
3:30 pm
The New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center (Boston Buddhist Vihara) organized an Atavisi Pooja (offering to the Buddhas) and Blessing Ceremony to welcome the New Year 2018. The event was held from 3.30 pm onwards on January 1st, 2018. The ceremony was held at the Edwards Church in Framingham since snow and ice conditions made accessibility to the temple premises very difficult.
2017
Download the 2017 event calendar here.
Katina (Robe Offering) Ceremony
Saturday – October 7th 2017
7:00 am – 3:30 pm
The 2017 Katina robe offering ceremony of the Boston Buddhist Vihara was held on Saturday October 7th at 162 Old Upton Road Grafton MA 01519, from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm with the participation of Maha Sanga from the Tristate Temples. The Katina ceremony marked the ending of the rain retreat which began on the July full moon day.
This year’s Katina ceremony was sponsored by the Arjuna & Vanoji Balasuriya family and the Janak & Deepani Ambalangoda family, together with the help of all members of the Boston Buddhist Vihara.
The Program of the Day
07:00 AM – Offering Buddha-pooja and daana
07:30 AM – Stitching the Katina robe
10:30 AM – Preparing Buddha-pooja and daana
11:00 AM – Offering Buddha-pooja
11:30 AM – Sanghika daana
12:15 PM – Devotees partaking lunch
01:45 PM – Katina procession
02:15 PM – Offering Katina robe and Katinanisansa speech
03:00 PM – Transferring merit
03:15 PM – Blessing
03:30 PM – Afternoon tea and clean-up
One Day Meditation Retreat
Saturday – September 16th, 2017
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
A one-day meditation retreat was conducted in English by Bhante Dhammaloka on September 16th, 2017 at the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center.
Annual Youth Camp for children (Elementary through College age)
Saturday – August 19th, 2017
9.00 am – 4.00 pm
The annual children’s program is scheduled for August 19th Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
This year’s program was offered to participants from elementary through college age. We were really pleased to host a program specially designed for high-school through college students. The program was conducted in English by Bhante Pemaratana, who is a resident monk at the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center.
Bhante Pemaratana holds a bachelor’s degree with first class honors in Buddhist Studies from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and a master’s degree in philosophy from the National University of Singapore. Amongst the places he has lectured are, the University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka and the Buddhist and Pali College of Singapore. He received his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh in April 2017. He is currently the chief abbot of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. He offers workshops on meditation at the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center and Yoga studios in the greater Pittsburgh area and provides spiritual counseling to help people to deal with challenging issues of life.
One Day Meditation Retreat
Sunday – July 16th, 2017
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
A one-day meditation retreat was conducted in English by Bhante Bhikku Bodhi on July 16th, 2017 at the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center.
