Connect. Grow. Enlighten.
In the heart of Grafton, Massachusetts, the New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center (NEBV & MC) stands as a beacon of peace and mindfulness. Founded in 2004 as a non-profit religious organization, NEBV & MC has fostered spiritual growth and inner-peace within the New England community for over two decades.
Today, NEBV & MC has embarked on an inspiring journey to enhance the sanctuary by constructing a new building within the existing temple land. This initiative serves as a call to action for all those who wish to contribute to a landmark project that promises to enrich the community and its spiritual practices.
Why your support is crucial
Limited space:
The temple, with a 500 square foot Dhamma hall, struggles to accommodate the spiritual and communal needs of devotees. Vital programs, including the monthly Sil, the Dhamma School with nearly 70 students, and pivotal meditation programs, are constrained by the lack of space. This limitation forces the search for external venues, incurring logistical challenges and additional costs—a solution far from sustainable.
Winter accessibility:
Winter snow makes the scenic but winding path to the temple impassable, hindering event organization and community participation in spiritual activities.
Zoning and legal compliance:
The current premises, classified as a single-family dwelling, face legal challenges for use as a temple. It must meet Assembly Structure (A-3) standards for safety and accessibility to properly serve as a place of worship and community gathering.
Vision for the future
The vision goes beyond just building anew; it seeks to establish a sanctuary that bolsters a wide array of spiritual programs, from meditation to educational pursuits for students.
Envisioned as a haven for all ages to learn and grow, it aims to deepen meditation practices and enhance understanding of spiritual teachings, promoting holistic development.
This new, supportive space will accommodate the community’s varied needs, fostering spiritual exploration and lifelong learning.
Join this transformative journey
Stay connected: Witness each step of progress through detailed updates on this page, including major milestones, donations raised so far, goals, and expenses, for complete transparency.
Support the vision: Now more than ever, your support plays a crucial role. With collective effort, a space will be created that caters to the community’s growing needs, facilitating the continuation of Dhamma teachings and significantly improving the spiritual well-being of participants.
Impact on our collective future: By supporting the construction of the new building, contributors are not just adding to a physical structure. They are helping to preserve and expand a sanctuary of learning and peace—a place where future generations can explore the depths of their spiritual journey in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Fundraising status
Last updated: May 15, 2024
Goal: $1,000,000
Annual growth of the temple building fund
Project roadmap
Project expenses (2023 – 2024)
| Date | Description | Expense |
| Feb 2023 | Driveway inspections and report | $540.00 |
| Feb 2023 | Wetland study | $1,075.00 |
| Dec 2023 | Driveway survey | $3,100.00 |
| Mar 2024 | Site survey permit application | $4,800.00 |
| May 2023 – To date | Lawyer fees | $4,000.00 |
| Total | $13,515.00 |
Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will play a vital role in making this vision a reality. Every donation brings us closer to building a vibrant center for spiritual growth and community connection.
Join us in creating a lasting legacy for the New England Buddhist Vihara. Donate today and be a part of something truly transformative.
Building committee members
- Ven. A Dhammajothi Thero
- Ven. D Pannasiri Thero
- Keerthi Jayasuriya
- Udaya Silva
- Chitra Amarasiriwardena
- Dulasiri Amarasiriwardena
- Kushan Wijerathne
- Saman Amarasinghe
- Janath De Silva
- Indika Hemachandra
- Vincent Sandanayake
- Savithru Jayasinghe
- Samurdhi Wijesundara
- Ashan Abeysekera
- Nalin Hettiarachchi
- Nanda Gulavita
- Suba Bogamuwa
- Lilupa Munindradasa
- Shavik Gunarathne
- Nalin Silva
- Durga Manawasinghe
- Lakmini Prematillake
Reference artifacts
- Preliminary site plan for pre-existing common driveway widening: Sheet 1, Sheet 2
- Vicinity Map