Photo Gallery
Some photo albums of monasteries and events that the minds remembered to capture on various occasions.
Embedded Files
Dhamma Book Printing Project
Sayādaw U Thuzana has kindly granted BHMC permission to reprint the book, The Middle Path. We feel very blessed and grateful to work on the second edition of the manuscript including a new book cover design and adding suitable pictures throughout the book. Thanks to the generosity of BHMC members and friends, $7000 was raised for this book reprinting project. The book will be printed by Inward Path Publisher, based in Malaysia. All the funds will be utilized 100% for printing and shipping costs. Total copies of the book to be printed are to be determined by the cost of printing.
Much appreciation to all the donors and the following supporters:
Finance Coordinators: Irene Wu & Serena Wong
Manuscript Team: Sayādaw U Thuzana, Sayalay Manāpikā, Serena Wong, Santamuni Catherine Ng, & Inward Path Publisher
Publication Coordinator: YiJun Loh
Status: Books are available for distribution in Malaysia and the U.S.
Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
Making & Offering of Meditation Tents
As this meditation tent with leg extension for resting were out of stock, we were delighted to find the manufacturer of the meditation tents in Vietnam who were willing to produce them for us at a cost of $18 each.Thanks to the generosity of BHMC members and friends, $1440 was collected to commission 80 meditation tents to be made in Vietnam along with a surplus of $141 to cover miscellaneous fees. The intention of these meditation tents is to offer them to various monasteries and Sangha and also to project donors should they wish to have one for themselves. Whenever possible, photos were taken to be shared with all the donors and supporters.
Much appreciation to all the donors and the following coordinators:
Project Coordinator: Binh La
Finance Coordinator: Hilary Hien Nguyen
Vietnam Production Coordinator: Van Thien Loc
Vietnam Shipping Coordinators: Adam Lam &
Sayalay Viriyapala (Su Co Tan Luc)
Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
Making & Offering of Nuns Robes
In America, Burmese nuns robes are not readily available for purchase and often have to be imported from Burma. Women who are interested in ordination in the Burmese tradition have difficulty in finding robes and a few with sewing skills make it for themselves. To support these monastic aspirants, BHMC have ordered 60 sets of brown nuns robes (20 sets of small size, 20 medium, and 20 large) to be made by local seamstresses in Vietnam. The cost is $30/set. Thanks to the generosity of many BHMC members and friends, $1800 was collected for the project cost. Whenever possible, photos were taken to be shared with all the donors and supporters.
Much appreciation to all the donors and the following coordinators:
Project Coordinator: Binh La
Finance Coordinator: Hilary Hien Nguyen
Vietnam Production Coordinator: Sayalay Viriyapala Vietnam Shipping
West Coast Northern CA Distributor: Kari Houangvilay @ 510-927-6936
West Coast Southern CA Distributor: Kim Nguyen @ 949-350-5991
East Coast (FL) Distributor: Hilary Hien Nguyen @ 859-905-9208
Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
Ordination
Perhaps, one of the most special event to be part of is the Ordination Ceremony of monk or nun. Whether one is attending a fellow being's ordination ceremony or one's own ordination ceremony, it is indeed a rare and meritorious event. It is important to note that ordination is not a requirement for enlightenment. A lay practitioner can attain purification of mind equally by practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
Over the years, we had attended ordination ceremony of both monks and nuns and we rejoiced in their good Pāramī to be able to enter the monastic path for life. Some BHMC members had also taken temporary ordination ranging from days to months. The ordination ceremony varies from each tradition and from each monastery.
On March 12, 2022, our BHMC co-founders Talersak and Sumedha entered the monastic path and ordained under the Most Venerable Sayadawgyi U Khippapañño (Ngài Kim Triệu) at the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Meditation Center in Leesburg, Florida. Their meditation teacher, Sayadaw U Thuzana, gave them the Dhamma name Theravama and Manāpika, respectively. Dhamma friends in attendance captured photos and later created an ordination video clip.
On December 3, 2022, Samanera Theravamsa received the Higher Bhikkhu Ordination (Upasampada) from preceptor Luang Por Maha Prasert, Abbot of Wat Buddhanusorn, in Fremont, CA. Witnessing and conferring his ordination was a very honored group of 16 bhikkhus consisting of nine Thai and six Burmese monks. Among the Sangha presence included: Sayadaw U Thuzana (Abbot of the Tathagata Meditation Center), Sayadaw U Tejanana (Abbot of the Panditarama Meditation Center - Hawaii), Sayadaw U Ghositabhivamsa (Abbot of Mettananda Vihara) and the Thai Sangha from Wat Chaimonkgol of Fairfield, CA. Over 70 BHMC members and Dhamma friends from Northern to Southern CA attended in person and rejoiced in this auspicious renunciation. They also brought generous food dana offerings to the Sangha and everyone as well as many requisites gifts including many robes to the newly minted Bhikkhu Theravamsa and Luang Por Maha Prasert. The ceremony was streamed live and was recorded into an ordination video thanks to Dhamma friends Shirley Salanio and YiJun Loh.
Whether one ordain with aspiration of Nibbāna and ultimate release from all sufferings, to live a simple life in a Sangha community, to pay back gratitude and debt to our parents or for other reasons, it is indeed a very good experience to learn to let go of many attachments. The videos, The Path of Ordination (monk), Meditation & Ordination (nun), and Monk & Novice Ordination Ceremony (Children) are examples of videos on YouTube that provide a good glimpse into the ordination process and the mental preparation of detachment, of renunciation. May all those who aspires on this renunciation path be successful in attaining Ultimate Happiness! Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
Sangha Health Project @ Wat Buddhanusorn - June 11, 2023 (Fremont, CA)
The Sangha Health Project arranged a day of free medical services to all the Sangha and temple members on Sunday, June 11, 2023. As a BHMC tradition, the medical and non-medical volunteers join in a group meditation session from 9:00 - 9:30AM followed by a brief talk on the benefits of giving services. Treatment program was from 10:00am - 2:00pm.
The Sangha Health Project arranged a day of free medical services to all the Sangha and temple members on Sunday, June 11, 2023. As a BHMC tradition, the medical and non-medical volunteers join in a group meditation session from 9:00 - 9:30AM followed by a brief talk on the benefits of giving services. Treatment program was from 10:00am - 2:00pm.
Both eastern medicine and western medicine practitioners were on site including Dr. Billy Tang, Dr. Thomas La, Dr. Dat On, Dr. Thao Nguyen, Dr. Kin Fok, Robert Heide and Tom. Thank you very much for your tireless work and dedication to the Sangha and community members.
Both eastern medicine and western medicine practitioners were on site including Dr. Billy Tang, Dr. Thomas La, Dr. Dat On, Dr. Thao Nguyen, Dr. Kin Fok, Robert Heide and Tom. Thank you very much for your tireless work and dedication to the Sangha and community members.
The Sangha at Wat Buddhanusorn expressed their gratitude and was very impressed by the skills of the practitioners. Some of the members asked if they can come back again. If the conditions are right, it is very possible to arrange for future health services. We anumodana and rejoice to the doctors and volunteers that participated. Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
The Sangha at Wat Buddhanusorn expressed their gratitude and was very impressed by the skills of the practitioners. Some of the members asked if they can come back again. If the conditions are right, it is very possible to arrange for future health services. We anumodana and rejoice to the doctors and volunteers that participated. Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
Dhamma Field Trip to Paramananda Pa Auk Monastery - May 7, 2023 (San Jose, CA)
On May 7, 2023, a group of BHMC
members joined Bhante Theravamsa to visit the new Paramananda Pa Auk Monastery in San Jose, CA.. Situated on a 52 acres estate in the Evergreen hills, the quiet and peaceful center is surrounded with majestic views all around. The members offered lunch dana, meditation tents and donations for the four requisites to the Sangha (Photos). Abbot Sayadaw U Agganna gave a Dhamma talk on the Four Treasures. Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
On May 7, 2023, a group of BHMC
members joined Bhante Theravamsa to visit the new Paramananda Pa Auk Monastery in San Jose, CA.. Situated on a 52 acres estate in the Evergreen hills, the quiet and peaceful center is surrounded with majestic views all around. The members offered lunch dana, meditation tents and donations for the four requisites to the Sangha (Photos). Abbot Sayadaw U Agganna gave a Dhamma talk on the Four Treasures. Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
Dhamma Field Trip to Sarasota Forest Monastery - May 7, 2023 (Englewood, FL)
On May 7, 2023, several BHMC members joined Sayalay Manapika to visit the Sarasota Forest Monastery in Englewood, FL, a Thai forest monastery. The Sunday program starts at 10:00AM and consists of Pali chanting, lunch dana offering, sitting meditation at the Dhamma Hall, sitting meditation inside the forest and Q&As session. Abbot Phra Ajahn Chichung Lin is well-versed in English and is fluent in Thai and Mandarin (Photos). Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
On May 7, 2023, several BHMC members joined Sayalay Manapika to visit the Sarasota Forest Monastery in Englewood, FL, a Thai forest monastery. The Sunday program starts at 10:00AM and consists of Pali chanting, lunch dana offering, sitting meditation at the Dhamma Hall, sitting meditation inside the forest and Q&As session. Abbot Phra Ajahn Chichung Lin is well-versed in English and is fluent in Thai and Mandarin (Photos). Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
BHMC Milestone Celebration Retreat 2022 - Video
On February 12-13th, 28 of our Dhamma friends reunited together to celebrate our Dhamma projects milestones and friendship over the years. We had the opportunities to take refuge in the Triple Gem, observe Eight Precepts, meditate, reflect on our Dhamma journey together, participate in Dhamma activities, learn about the Dependent Origination from Sayadaw U Thuzana, take part in dana and services, and eat plentiful of delicious and healthy food and snacks. We also wrote down our aspirations and put them into a time capsule to be opened in our future celebration retreat in Year 2032. And lastly, we made offering to our host temple Niem Phat Duong for lending us their facility. May you all rejoice in your merit from amisa and patipatti puja offering. Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
The Kesariya Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world, situated in the East Champaran district of Bihar, India. where Buddha gave the popular teaching Kalama Sutta. Photo taken on a Pariyatti Pilgrimage in 2015.
Pilgrimage to India & Nepal
"There are four places, Ananda, which the devotees should visit with feelings of inspiration (Samvega). The places where he can say 'Here the Tathagata was born [Lumbini], here the Tathagata attained perfect and supreme Enlightenment [Bodhgayā]. Here the Tathagata preached the first sermon on the incomparable wheel of the Dhamma [Sārnāth]. Here the Tathagata attained the final goal of Maha Parinibbana [Kusinara] – deathless', and there will come, Ananda, to these places, pious Brethren and sisters of the Holy Order, and devout men and women." —Mahaparinibbana Sutta
Over the years, many BHMC members have taken the pilgrimage journey to visit the Buddhist sacred sites in India and Nepal through their local temple group or through organization like Pariyatti. The Pariyatti Pilgrimage is intended for meditators thus meditation is central and integrated into the entire 21-day journey with daily group sittings and four daylong retreat at each of the four main sacred sites. There are specific eligibility requirements to join this pilgrimage and eligible pilgrims will have the opportunity to walk along the Buddha's path with fellow meditators from around the world, visit the main sacred sites as well as many less-traveled sites, stayed at various temples/meditation centers, offer Sangha Dana, and so much more.
As an alternative, interested meditators can explore Kaya21's Pilgrimage, leads by Jörn Materne, experienced tour guide of Pariyatti Pilgrimage. Kaya21 pilgrims need to complete one Vipassana course as opposed to three Vipassana courses to attend the Pariyatti Pilgrimage. Bon voyage!
Vassa & Kathina Sponsor
Vassa is the annual three-month rains retreat that usually beings in July and is observed by monastic, especially in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. During the Vassa period, monastic would stay put in a particular monastery and would often undertake intensive practice to deepen their cultivation. Some lay practitioners may also choose to deepen their cultivation during this period by giving up certain attachments. To ensure that the monastic has all the needed requisites for the three-month retreat period, often a devotee or family of devotees may take up the role of a Vassa and Kathina Sponsor at a particular monastery.
At some monasteries, the waiting list to be a Vassa and Kathina Sponsor can be as long as ten or more years. Interested sponsors would often plan years in advance for this rare offering as it would allow them to save up money to help the monastery with the three-month expenses such as lodgings, utilities costs, basic household items, food, medicine, robes, and other offering items. Some Vassa and Kathina Sponsors may also choose to financially support certain monastery construction projects as part of their offerings.
So being a Vassa and Kathina Sponsor is a highly involved process. Prior to the beginning of the three-month retreat, Sponsor would offer one set of robe and a certain number of bathing robes corresponding to the number of Sangha members in the monastery. With this offering, Sponsor invites the Sangha to observe the Vassa at the monastery. During the Vassa period, Sponsor ensures that all the Sangha's requisites are met so that they can focus on their practice without worry. Depending on each monastery’s operation process, this might involve Sponsor assisting with coordinating the daily meal offerings to the Sangha along with other food donors.
The three-month Vassa Rains Retreat ends on the full moon day of the eleventh lunar month and it is known as Pavarana or Sangha Day. During this day, the Sangha would convene together and one by one they would tell the assembly where their practice might have fell short and/or whether they might have given offense. Each monastic member would invite the assembly to reprimand him/her; thus, allowing the opportunity to reflect on one's shortcomings.
After the Vassa is a month-long observance of Kathina where the sponsor and laypeople can offer the Sangha cloth for new robes as well as other useful items such as socks, razor blades, shower towel, etc. The sponsor may take on the responsibility of assisting with planning the Kathina Ceremony and supporting the event expenses financially. The Kathina Ceremony is an annual important observance for lay devotees as well as for the monastic community.
Over the years, some of the BHMC members had the opportunity to be the Vassa and Kathina Sponsors of various monasteries. It has truly been a great blessing. May all beings share in this merit. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Dhamma Field Trip to Taungpulu Monastery - October 16, 2021 (Boulder Creek, CA)
On a beautiful October day, a group of 15 Dhamma friends went on a field trip to the Taungpulu Kaba-Aye Monastery in Boulder Creek, CA. We paid respect to Abbot Sayadaw U Vimala and offered monetary gifts for the four requisites along with dana for the next day. During this trip, we had a chance to hike on the forest trail, did a 30-minute group meditation inside the pagoda, relaxed and enjoyed some snacks, did a 30-minute group meditation outside another pagoda, shared merit and metta, and paid respect to Taungpulu Sayadaw. Our deepest gratitude to Sayadaw U Vimala for his generosity and metta and also for Mama Bee for serving as our Burmese translator. Trip photos.
Dhamma field trips to monasteries are occasionally organized so members can meet various teachers, visit different practice centers, meet-up with our Dhamma friends and practice together in person as well as sharing fun times, delicious foods and happy moments together.
Beautification Day - July 17, 2021 (Morgan Hill, CA)
Our Dhamma family has a chance to meditate together in person on July 17th after more than a year-long break. The event took place at Metta Buddhist Heritage Garden & Meditation Center in Morgan Hill. After our group meditation to beautify our minds, we had a very productive day to beautify the environment through cleaning, gardening, and sorting woods for future construction of the 10,000ft meditation hall. The abbot shared that their plan is to start construction at the end of this year and complete the meditation hall within a few years.
Thank you to all the donors for the abundance of breakfast and lunch and plenty of food, fruits, desserts, and drinks for everyone to take home and enjoy. Everyone was having a wonderful and Dhamma-full time so we only remember to capture a few photos.
Over the years, we have organized or participated in various Beautification Day or cleaning projects at various monasteries.
The Buddha gave a teaching on the five merits of cleaning:
1) Cleaning creates a clear mind for yourself.
2) Cleaning brings about a clear mind in others.
3) Cleaning attracts celestial beings.
4) Cleaning causes beauty.
5) Cleaning causes rebirth in the deva or celestial realms.
Sangha Dana - June 7, 2021 (Morgan Hill, CA)
Our deepest gratitude to the Sangha attendees including Sayadawgi U Khippapanno and Sangha from Santi Stupa, Sakyamuni Buddhist Meditation Center, Tathagata Meditation Center, Ananda Vipassana Meditation Center, Mettananda Vihara, Wat Chaimongkol, Dharmapala Institute and Triple Gem Monastery.
We are grateful to event host Abbot Thích Pháp Chơn of Tâm Tư Metta Buddhist Heritage Garden & Meditation Center, 69 donors, volunteers, and a team of 14 very dedicated and skillful Sangha Dana Committee members for putting together this Sangha Dana in seven days while following through with all the county COVID safety guidelines.
For a short video clip, full event video including Sayadawgi’s Dhamma Talk in Vietnamese with English subtitle and photo album, please click on the respective links. Photos courtesy of Do Tran & BHMC members. May all beings share in this merit. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Sangha Health Project - January 2021
During the Covid pandemic, the Sangha Health Project team put together an immune system support package which consists of MegaCidin throat spray. Thanks to the generous support of many donors, 142 immune system support packages were delivered in person or mailed out to 42 monasteries in California and one monastery in Florida.
The Sangha Health Project would like to express our appreciation to all the volunteers, donors and supporters over the years in taking care of the various Sangha communities.
Santi Stupa Bodhi Tree Project - September 27, 2020 (San Jose, CA)
Santi Stupa planned to build a simple structure to plant a bodhi tree near the center’s entrance. Many BHMC members took this opportunity to support the Bodhi Tree Project through monetary donation and physical labor. The work party started at around 2:00PM on Sunday September 27th and around 20 BHMC members, family and friends showed up to help with the Bodhi Tree Project. Since we have so many manpower, some members also helped with cleaning the Dhamma Hall, cleaning the center, taking things for donation, and preparing snacks for everyone.
Bhante U Punna expressed his deep appreciation to the group and offered to have a special dedication marker to BHMC in commemorating this project. BHMC members met and discussed the design of the marker and we agreed to use our BHMC arahant logo. Ms. cuc, a Santi Stupa volunteer, painted the BHMC arahant logo on a paver stone and the stone is now placed under the Bodhi Tree. Here is the photo link of the Bodhi Tree Project. Bhante U Punna wished that, “May we all grow the Bodhi Tree of Enlightenment within us!”
Dhamma T-shirt Project - June 2020 (San Diego, CA)
BHMC members (Kari, Puma, Talersak, and Chanda) and their parents Bounkheung Ky and Chanmany Houangvilay) started a Dhamma T-Shirt Project for the benefits of BHMC members. Members who were interested submit their t-shirt design for printing or requested a ready made design by other members.
Much appreciation to Chanda for helping with the t-shirt design and overseeing the production process. Our gratitude also to the parents for funding the entire project costs.
Meditation Retreat with Bhante U Mangala - March 7-8, 2020 (Santa Clara, CA)
BHMC hosted Venerable Bhante U Maṅgala for a 2-Day Meditation Retreat at Buddhi Vihara in Santa Clara and also Dhamma talks at Santi Stupa.
Bhante U Maṅgala was born in Malacca, Malaysia in 1968. He was a graduate of the Law Faculty, University of Malaya. Bhante U Maṅgala was ordained in 1996 by Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadawgyi as a bhikkhu at Pa Auk Forest Monastery in Mawlamyine, Myanmar, taking Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw as his Preceptor. Pa-Auk Sayadawgyi appointed Bhante as a meditation teacher in 2006. Bhante established Tusita Hermitage, serving Buddha Sasana, both locally and overseas with his team since 2008.
Much appreciation to our host temples for allowing us to use their space for Bhante's teachings as well as other monastic teachings.
BHMC Reunion - October 5, 2019 (San Jose, CA)
BHMC Reunion took place on Saturday, October 5th from 6-9pm and was attended by 34 members and friends. Reunion is always a wonderful time where meditators of the various locations and communities can come together to develop fellowship and learn from each other. Our gratitude to Santi Stupa for hosting our reunion.
11th Global Conference on Buddhism (GCB11) - June 29-30, 2019 (Berkeley, CA)
Video clips of the GCB11 that took place at the UC Berkeley Campus are now available on their website. There are clips of the Welcome and Opening Keynote speech from Ajahn Brahm, Panel Discussion on Building Bridges Across Traditions with Rev. Heng Sure as Moderator, and Master Jian Hu, Ven Pannavati and Drukmo Gyal as panelists, Sound of Metta by Imee Ooi and JSJG and others.
"Between talks, there was an outdoor festival where attendees and event partners could let go of transactional exchanges and practice giving and receiving with the simple goal of connecting and sensing their own experience. It was a festival of sharing - Turn insights into practice. Festival partners such as Sangha groups, nonprofits, local businesses, as well as individuals hosted outdoor tents of unique offerings to share with conference participants in diverse forms of capital. Rather than a quid-pro-quo market, this was an opportunity for all present to engage and unlock community wealth in the forms of presence, attention, knowledge, art, inspiration, creativity, compassion and beyond."
A special thank you to Irene Wu and Binh La for serving as BHMC coordinators for the conference.
5th International Tipitaka Chanting - September 29-30, 2018 (Berkeley, CA)
This is an extraordinary opportunity to hear the words of the Buddha in Pali with the greater assembly of the International Theravada Maha Sangha of Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis from around the Bay Area and around the world.
The 5th International Tipitaka Chanting in Berkeley opened on the evening of September 28th at Dharma College. On Saturday morning at 8am, the Chanting program began with a peace walk around Berkeley's Dharma College and Mangalam Center led by the Maha Sangha.
The Chanting program began at 9am on Saturday, continuing where we left off the year prior from the Digha Nikaya, and concluded at 8pm on Sunday. Periods of chanting the Pali-text suttas were led by different group of Sangha; thus, attendees have the opportunity to hear the Burmese, Cambodian, Laos, Sri Lankan, and Thai chanting style. There were intervals of English-language explication of the meaning of those suttas chanted. Each evening was concluded with an English-language Dhamma talk from a guest teacher. A few photos that we captured.
Luang Por Liem Thitadhammo visit in the USA - June 24, 2018 (Fremont, CA)
On June 24, 2018, many Dhamma friends went to Wat Buddhanusorn to pay respect and offer dana to Luang Por Liem Thitadhammo and the large Sangha gathering there. It was truly a blessing to be in the present of Luang Por Liem and to listen to Luang Por Liem's Dhamma teachings (Photos).
Venerable Luang Por Liem Thitadhammo, a Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition, was born in Sri Saket Province in the Northeast of Thailand in 1941. After higher ordination at 20 years of age, Luang Por practised in several village monasteries throughout the Northeast until he took up the forest training in 1969 under Luang Por Chah
Currently the abbot of Wat Nong Pah Pong, Luang Por Liem was conferred twice the title "Tan Chao Khun" by his Magesty, King of Thailand and he is presently known as Tan Chao Khun Phra Rachabhavanavigrom.
Sayādaw U Thuzana's teaching @ BHMC - July 4, 2018 (San Jose, CA)
Sayādaw U Thuzana was born in Myanmar on April 30, 1954. At an early age before ordination, Sayādaw practiced at various kinds of meditation centers in
Myanmar with the support of his late father U Aung Hla (Sayādaw U Eindaka). He was ordained as a bhikkhu in December 1978.
Sayādaw's pariyatti teachers included First Gandaron
Sayādaw, Ashin Supannidābhivamsa, Visudarāma Sishin
Sayādaw, Ashin Aggañanābhivamsa, and other famous teachers. In 1983, Sayādaw practiced meditation at the Mahāsi center in Yangon under the guidance of
Sayādaw U Pandita. In 1989, Sayādaw practiced in Taungpulu forest.
From 1995 to 2000, Sayādaw taught monks and students at Mandalay Visudaron Shweponwun Monastery. From 2000 to 2003, Sayādaw taught at a forest center in Myanmar. He taught meditation to local and foreign yogis and taught Buddhism to novices and nuns. From 2003 to 2011, Sayādaw was the meditation teacher at the Malaysian Buddhist
Meditation Centre (MBMC) in Penang, Malaysia, where he instructed meditation to international yogis and gave teachings about Buddhism to novices and nuns. Since 2011, Sayādaw has been the abbot of the Tathagata Meditation Center in San Jose, California, USA. He teaches meditation to international yogis and Buddhism to local students.
Additionally, since 2001, Sayādaw has conducted meditation retreats for yogis at Dhammaramsi Meditation Center in Profondeville, Belgium, Shakyamuni Buddhist
Meditation Center in Riverside, California, and Mahāsatipatthāna Meditation Center in Leesburg, Florida.
In addition to Sayādaw U Thuzana, Sayādaw U Kovida was also in attendance.
With deep gratitude to Sayādaw U Thuzana for his metta and compassion to share teachings with the BHMC members on various other occasions.
Tharmanaykyaw Sayādaw's teaching @ BHMC - November 26, 2017 (San Jose, CA)
Sayadaw Ashin Dhammikabivamsa or better known as Tharmanaykyaw Sayadaw (達馬聶久禪師) was born on July 28, 1956 and became a novice at age 11. He became a monk at age 20, with the well known Maha Gandhayon Sayadaw U Janakabhivamsa as his preceptor. Sayadaw received the well respected Tharmanaykyaw degree, Dhammacariya degree and passed the Sakyasiha examination. Sayadaw stayed at the Mahasi Center for 8 years and followed Panditarama Sayadaw U Pandita to his center afterward.
Since 2006, Tharmanykyaw Sayadaw has been residing at the Tharmanaykyaw Mahagandhayon Monastery in Mawbi, Myanmar. Sayadaw gives instructions to vipassana yogis, teaches Pali to monks, novices, nuns and children; and works for the good of Sasana. Sayadaw has written more than hundred books so far and has visited Malaysia, Singapore, Canada and United States to teach meditation retreats.
In addition to Sayadaw, Sayalay Javananani will be joining us also on this rare teaching occasion. Sayalay ordained when she was 11 and has been practicing for over 33 years and serving the Sasana for decades.
Ayya Gunasari's teaching @ BHMC - August 29, 2017 (San Jose, CA)
Ayya Gunasari was born in Myanmar in 1932 and after becoming a physician, immigrated to the United States to work in medicine with her husband in 1961. After raising five children, she started her meditation in the late seventies under the tutorship of the late Taungpulu Sayadaw, the late Sayadaw U Silananda and Sayadaw U Pandita.
Over nearly 30 years, through many retreats with these teachers, she has developed the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and Vipassana Meditation as taught by them.
In 2002, then a grandmother, she entered into monastic life as a samaneri (female novice) at the age of 70 at Dharmavijaya in Los Angeles, ordained by Venerable Bhante Pannyaloka Mahathera and Ven. Bhante Dr. Walpola Piyananda, Chief Sangha Nayaka Thero of the Sri Lankan Sahgha in North America.
In the year 2003, Venerable Gunasari and Venerable Saccavadi became the first two Burmese women in modern times to receive full ordination as Bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka in accordance with the Theravadan tradition via dual ordination by Venerable Dhammaloka Nayaka Thero of the Amarapura Sect in Sri Lanka.
Following full ordination, she returned to the United States where she was actively involved in organizing Vipassana Meditation retreats and Youth Dhamma classes at Thanti Thisar Vipassana meditation Center in Riverside, Southern California.
In 2006, she was awarded as an Outstanding Woman in Buddhism on International Women’s Day at the United Nations in Bangkok. In 2007, called for by HH the Dalai Lama, she participated as a speaker at the First Global Congress of Buddhist Women in Hamburg, Germany.
In 2008 she was invited to become abbess of Mahapajapati Monastery where she currently resides.
BGR Walk to Feed the Hungry: 2011-2021
(San Jose, CA)
On September 11, 2011, Buddhist Global Relief held the 1st annual Walk to Feed the Hungry in San Jose. The 17-mile “walk of compassion” to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger started in San Jose and ended in Palo Alto.
In 2012, the San Jose Walk to Feed the Hungry was a 12-mile walk from San Jose to Mountain View.
In 2013, the San Jose Walk to Feed the Hungry was 4.6 mile with a lunch stop at the San Jose Rose Garden.
In 2014, Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi led the 4.6 mile San Jose Walk to Feed the Hungry.
From 2015 - 2021, we continue to support the BGR Walk to Feed the Hungry through participation and/or donation. With collective effort, we raised funds through our Happy Feet Team. May all beings be released from the chronic disease of hunger! Photo album.
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