New Year Blessings 2015

Georgia Buddhist Vihara warmly invites you, your families, and friends to spend the New Year with us with thoughts of loving kindness, and to confer blessings, For good health and happiness.


The New Year is the time to open the door to new beginnings and new resolves, new hopes with positive thoughts of kindness, forgiveness and compassion.

May all beings be happy, and content - May all be free from suffering, fear, and anxiety!

May all your wishes come true - May you remain healthy and peaceful!

Our Program for the day:
January 1st 2015

10.30 a.m.   Gathering
11.00 a.m.  – Buddha Pooja
11.30 a.m.  – Dana for the monks  
12.00 n.n.   – Lunch to all participants
  1.00 p.m.  – Dharma Deshana delivered by Ven Aluthgama Chandananda Thero
                       and simultaneously 
                      Dhamma Class for children conduct by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
  2.00 pm  – Pirit Chanting            
  



Unduvap Poya Program

Unduvap Poya Program will be observed on the Sunday, December 7th, 2014 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program.

Please sign up for the program
Check out who is coming!!!! 


Morning Program
7:30
8:30
a.m.
Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30
8:45
a.m.
Tea & coffee break
8:45
10:00
a.m.
Vipassana Meditation By Ven, Panamwela Wajirabodhi Thero
10:00
11:00
a.m.
Sathipattana Meditation Discussion
11:00
11:30
a.m.
Buddha Pooja
11:30
12:00
noon
Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts
12:00
1:00
p.m.
Luncheon
Afternoon Program
1:00
3:30
p.m.
Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
3:30
3:45
p.m.
Tea & coffee break
3.45
5:30
p.m.


5:30
p.m.
Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja


Il Poya Program

Il Full Moon Poya Program will be observed on the Sunday, November 16th, 2014 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program.

Please sign up for the program
Check out who is coming!!!! 




Morning Program
7:30
8:30
a.m.
Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30
8:45
a.m.
Tea & coffee break
8:45
10:00
a.m.
Vipassana Meditation By Ven, Panamwela Wajirabodhi Thero
10:00
11:00
a.m.
Sathipattana Meditation Discussion
11:00
11:30
a.m.
Buddha Pooja
11:30
12:00
noon
Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts
12:00
1:00
p.m.
Luncheon
Afternoon Program
1:00
3:30
p.m.
Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
3:30
3:45
p.m.
Tea & coffee break
3.45
5:30
p.m.
Sutra Discussion: Kosmbi Sutta (English, Sinhala, Pali)
By Ven Aluthgama Chandananda Thero


5:30
p.m.
Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja



Vap (full moon Poya day in October)


The significant events commemorated during this month are: the conclusion of The Buddha's preaching of the Abhidhamma for three months to his mother in the Heavenly realm (devaloka), King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka sending envoys to King Asoka requesting him to send his daughter Arahat Sanghamitta Theri to Sri Lanka to establish the Bhikkhuni Sasana (Order of Nuns)

බලන් සබඳ ඒ මුණි තෙද අසිරිය..

“Crash” the “I” in order to obtain true happiness

“Crash” the “I” in order to obtain true happiness
My Experience of the 2014 Retreat
--------------------------
By: Jeewaka Manamendra.
               

                    A famous person, Bruce Lee, once said” Be the water, you can either flow like a river, or crash like a waterfall.”
    I realized during the youth retreat that I would rather crash like a waterfall and end the suffering with the power of the Dhamma, rather than flow like everybody else and indulge myself in sensual pleasures. Return to the Samsara cycle and continue suffering.
 
      Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) himself used to indulge in sensual pleasures until one day he “crashed” and became enlightened. The Buddha then shared his wisdom of the Dhamma to help others “crash” the “I” in order to obtain true happiness, which is what all Buddhists study to this day. The youth retreat gave me a great opportunity to increase and practice my knowledge in Dhamma.

Day 1
    In the morning, I did Metta meditation, and I had a lot of trouble concentrating, due to the fact I was very uncomfortable, and I was not able to stay in one posture for very long. Consequently, I feel as though I did not do well in Metta; next time I will try to bring my mind back to the Metta rather than the cramps in my leg and the numbness in my feet.
    A famous Sutta the Buddha discoursed was the Madhupindika Sutta, which was among the most interesting topics in Dhamma I learned during the youth retreat which was elaborated perfectly by Venerable Wajirabuddhi. The Madhupindika sutta explains that if someone indulges in their six sense doors, which are the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, body, and mind, they will develop unwholesome thoughts in the mind. However, the Madhupindika sutta also explains that if we guard our sense doors then we will be able to get rid of unwholesome thoughts without any remainder. Once we guard our sense doors there is no craving or delight in sensual pleasures. The reason is that we know what we see, smell, or touch are all unnecessary and impermanent, therefore, getting rid of the  in us.
    Soon after our Sutta discussion we had an Abhidhamma session with Venerable Deepaloka. He taught us about the different consciousnesses that the human brain develops in the mind. Apparently there are three different types of mind sets; there is the immoral consciousness, moral consciousness, and the rootless consciousness. We first studied the immoral consciousness, which talks about how you can either be unprompted or prompted for an unwholesome act. A good example to demonstrate this situation, was if you steal an apple from a tree without anyone telling you steal the apple then it is considered an unprompted unwholesome act. But if any other person told you to steal that apple from the tree, it becomes a prompted unwholesome act. Nonetheless, if someone tells you to steal the apple a specific way but you don't steal that way, you obtain more bad karma   as it becomes an unprompted act as a result the one who ordered the act gets less bad karma.
    Venerable Deepaloka also told us that if we ever do a good deed with the utmost intention, then we will receive the most amount of merits, but if we do a good deed with the lowest intention then we will barely receive any good merits. At the end of the day, I realized that we can use the slightest opportunity to our advantage in order to gain an immense amount of merits. For instance, most days I put out bread for the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds in our backyard.  While I put out food, I do Metta for all of the animals in the universe. From a simple act, I get much joy just knowing that I am enhancing my good merits just by doing Metta in my head with the utmost intention.
 
Day 2
    As we started the day off with Metta meditation, I was able to concentrate more this time. I still felt quite uncomfortable at times but at least I felt at peace with myself. For some odd reason, during the Metta meditation my mind always wandered off. However, constant reminders from Bhante helped me bring my mind back to the our meditation. Soon we moved on to the breathing meditation, which was easier for me to envision and concentrate on. The way I imagined the breathing  meditation is that I see a diagram of the human body containing the veins and the different organs. In my mind's eye, I visualize air going through the nose and into the lungs from the veins. Although I was able to concentrate on breathing meditation, I found it easier to concentrate on walking meditation. During the walking meditation I also noticed there was much trash from the food carnival, which I picked up during the work period. After work period, we all entered the shrine room for our next Sutta discussion with Venerable Wajirabuddhi.
    This time we have learned about the Eightfold Path, which is a common topic in Buddhism, which caught my attention. Although, we did not study the entire Eightfold Path, we studied the most important part, Sammaditthi. By studying this, I learned that the Four Noble Truths go hand in hand with the Eightfold Path. Once the intention arises to end all suffering, you follow the Eightfold Path to obtain Arahant-hood. In order to follow the Eightfold Path, you have to monitor the sense doors to become mindful which is also part of the Madhupidinka Sutta.
    For our afternoon Abhidhamma session, Venerable Deepaloka excellently elaborated on how knowing the thought process of the human mind allows us to monitor our sense doors. Apparently, there are 17 “minds” in one form of thought, and the first “mind” is the past Bhavanga meaning the default state of the mind. Next comes the vibrating Bhavanga and then comes the arrest Bhavanga, which is the end of the default state of mind. After the default state of mind is gone then you receive information in your mind through the sense doors, which then forms a thought in your mind. Each thought then has an impulsion depending on the consciousness. There are seven impulsions of the thought, but the 4th and 5th impulsions are the strongest impulsion of the mind.  For instance, if I did a good deed with the 5th impulsion of the mind then, I would receive the most amount of merits. Likewise, if I did a bad deed with the 5th state of mind also, then I would receive the worst karma possible. These include the "minds" 9 through 15, but once the impulsions happen then the minds registers the consciousness for 2 "minds". Although, all of this information seemed confusing at first I think Venerable Deeplaoka did a great job explaining something so complicated.

    Before I knew it the retreat was over, and I was quite disappointed because I felt a sense of bliss and peace during the retreat.  The only complaint that I have is I think there was not enough time to learn everything thoroughly. Although the retreat was shorter this time, there are also chances to learn more Dhamma during the poya or sil days in the future. I would also like to take this chance to urge anyone who is reading this article, to always take any opportunity to expound your knowledge of the Dhamma. This mentality came to me when I was looking at the statue of  Maha-Moggallana Thera. I knew that everything is impermanent and that I don't know what terrible deeds I could have done in the past. Therefore, I am lucky to be born in a society like this and to be exposed to the Dhamma, so I have to take this golden opportunity to learn all of the Dhamma that I can. I would like to give a special thanks to Venerable Wajirabuddhi and Venerable Deepaloka (Mr. Deeptha Jayaratne) for giving me this memorable experience. I would also like to thank Mr. Steve, and all of the parents that prepared the Dhanas and motivated their children to come to the retreat and made this retreat possible!

With Metta,
Jeewaka M.





Binara Poya Day Program

Binara Full Moon Poya Program will be held on the Sunday, September 7th, 2014 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program.



Please sign up for the program
Check out who is coming!!!! 

Morning Program
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30 am – 8.45 am: Tea & coffee break
8.45 am – 10:00 am: Vipassana Meditation
10:00 am – 11:00 am:  Sathipattana Meditation Discussion
11.00 am – 11.30 am Buddha Pooja
11:30 am – 12:00 nn: Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts.
Afternoon Program
12:00 nn – 1:00pm Luncheon
1:00 – 3:00 pm Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
3:00 – 3:15 pm: Break.
3:15 pm – 5:30 pm:  Sutra Discussion: Vimansaka Sutta (English, Sinhala, Pali)
5:30 pm:  Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja.

GBV Youth Retreat 2014


Georgia Buddhist Vihara’s Youth Retreat 2014
(August 29th 30th, 
31st)




Devotees and Friends of the Georgia Buddhist Vihara,

We are happy to announce the dates for the Georgia Buddhist Vihara's 4th annual youth retreat. This year's youth retreat will begin at 7pm on Friday, August 29th with a brief orientation for all participants and conclude on the afternoon of , Sunday, August 31st. This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to spend dedicated time learning about self-discipline, meditation, Buddhist teachings, and the Buddhist tradition. Young people will learn through first-hand experience the benefits of following the Buddhist path through a period of focused learning and practice.  

The retreat is open to any young person between the ages of 12 and 25 years old. If you are interested in registering for the youth retreat or learning more about the retreat, please contact the GeorgiaBuddhist Vihara at gbvihara@gmail.com or 770 987 8442.




The Significance of Nikini Poya Day

The Significance of Nikini Poya Day
Nikini is the eighth Full Moon Poya of the year. In ancient India, even before the time of Buddha, all Poya Days had been kept as holy. The Buddhist adopted all religious activities and observances that were there earlier and followed on Poya Days. The Nikini Full Moon Poya Day is important as far as the Buddhist Order is concerned. Buddhist Monks and lay devotees perform an act, according to certain rules and regulations laid down by Gautama Buddha the "Great Mahapurisha". The close association and the link that bind the Devotees and the Sangha, can be clearly seen on Poya Days.
After the Enlightened One preached his first sermon, DHAMMA CHAKKA PAVATTANA SUTRA the Wheel of Dhamma, to the five disciples, Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama, Assaji, in the Deer Park , Isipathana, in Banares, he advised his disciples to spread the Buddhist Doctrine and the Message of Noble Dhamma to Mankind. Nikini Poya is connected with VAS- Rainy Season - which commence from Esala Poya. During the "VAS" season, Buddhist monks are assigned themselves to be stationed in one place, under one roof during.
According to the principles and rules laid down by the Blessed One, Buddhist monks are not expected to live outdoors, under the trees, in cemetries or open - air, commencing from Esala Poya, for four months.
VAS can be divided into two segments. "PERA – VAS" and "PASU – VAS" – namely Pre – Retreat and Post - Retreat. The period beginning with VASSANA is a colourful and eventful period. The dawn of the VAS season in the month of Nikini records a religious awakening among the lay devotees and it has a tremendous impact on their moral thinking.
After delivering the "Dhamma chaka pavattana sutta", Gautama Buddha, observed the first recorded VAS – Rainy Retreat at Migadaya Deer Park Isipathanaramaya.
According to the climatic and weather conditions globally, there are four recorded seasons. The first season of the year, Autumn, when plants begin to grow, coming between Winter and Summer, is from March to May in the Northern Hemisphere. The Summer, the warmer season of the year outside topic comes between Spring and Autumn from June to August in the Northern Hemisphere. The third season of the year, coming between Summer and Winter, falls between September to November in the Northern Hemisphere. The last and the coldest season of the year, winter comes between Autumn and Spring, is from December to February in the Northern Hemisphere.
The month of Nikini comes with the South West Monsoon. If you analyze the seasonal wind in South Asia, especially in the Indian Ocean, blowing from South West from April to October and from North East from October to April, brings Rainfall.
The Thathagatha Gautama Buddha always appreciated constructive criticism. As the Buddhist Monks were earlier involved in religious activities and missionary during Rainy Season, there was a public cry against them in some quarters. The Thirthakas,followers of Jainism, protested, stating that the Buddhist Monks are not assigned to indoors during the Rainy Season and violating the age old rule. Buddha, then advised the Buddhist Monks to assign themselves to indoors. With this began the Vas season or period of Rainy Retreat.
Another important significant event that took palace on Nikini Full Moon Day was the holding of the First Sanga Council, led by Maha Kassapa, under the patronage of Ajasatta, at Rajagaha.
This important council was a landmark in history of Buddhism. Buddha in HIS eightieth year, on a Veask Full Moon Poya Day, attained Parinibbana. After the passing away of Buddha there were a large number of Bhikkus in the Sasana. There were some undesirable Monks, too, who joined the Buddhist Order, for worldly gains. With the exception of Arahats and those who achieved the state of Anagami, all others wept, cried in grief. There was one Bhikku by the name of Subaddha, a monk who joined the order in his old age. Bhikku Subaddha requested the mourners not to weep, but, be happy and rejoice, because, they are now free to do anything they want as the Master is not there. Further, this Bhikku Subhadda stated that Buddha had been an obstacle for their freedom.
It was Maha Kassapa Thera , who boldly took steps of conducting the First Sangha Council. Maha Theras such as Upali, Ananda, and Anurudda provided the fullest support to Venerable Maha Kassapa, the "Dharmabhandagarika" – (The Treasurer ofDhamma).
Ananda Maha Thero, who possessed a powerful retentive memory, played a leading part in the First Council. He attained Arahatship free from postures of sitting, standing walking or sleeping. Ananda Thero attained Arahatship at the night on the day before the First Dhamma Sangayanawa or Council. This council was held to arrest the deterioration of the Sasanaya and to discipline the Buddhist Order.
The lay devotees or Dayakas, invite the Maha Sangha to observe "Vas", which can be considered as one of the most sacred events, (it is known as "Vas Aradhana Pinkama"), which ends with Katina Puja Pinkama. The lay devotees see to the comfort of the Buddhist monks with great respect and care. The Maha Sangha in return, shower their Blessings. The sight of Dhamma, undoubtedly excels all other sights.(Sabbha Dhanam Dhamma Dhanam Jinathi). They live indoors for nearly four months.
The advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka took place during the reign of Devanampiyatissa with the establishment of, the Buddhist Order in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Buddhist monk with a retinue of monks, observed the first Vas- Rainy Retreat in 68 rock caves at Mihintala Missaka Pabbhata. This took place during Nikini season.
On the Nikini Full Moon Day, lets’ recall that the Buddha, who was spending the 14th Rainy season, since His Enlightenement at "Devramvehera" in Sravastipura, giving advice on Meditation to the Reverend Rahula Thero- his son in his lay life, preachedRAHULOVADA SUTTA to him and that the Reverend Thera, Rahula listening attentively attained Arahanthship at the end of the Discourse.
In the Buddhist Philosophy, transient are all conditioned things, when this, with wisdom, one discerns, then is one disgusted with ill; THIS IS THE PATH TO PURITY.
Sabbe Sankhara Anicca ti-
Yada Pannaya Passati-
Atha Nibbidati Dukkhe-
Esa Masso Visuddiya- Massa Vagga (Dhammapada- 277)
When with wisdom one discerns transience of conditioned things, one wearily fromDukkha turns Treading the Path to Purity.)
In Sri Lankan Buddhist history another important event that took place on a Nikini Full Moon Poya Day was the laying of the foundation stone for Seruwila Chaitya. Nikini Perehera at Seruwila Raja Maha Viharaya was also commenced on a Nikini Poya.
The Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya annual Perahera will be held during the month of Nikini, this year 2009. This will be one of the most important cultural pageants in Sri Lanka. Courtesy of The Island News paper 8/5/2009

Mind cultivation

Greetings one and all,

I hope this message finds each of you doing well. I am writing on behalf of the Georgia Buddhist Vihara to invite you to the next vipassana (mindfulness) day-long meditation retreat and noble day of silence on Saturday, August 30, 2014 from 7:30am to 5pm. This one-day, monthly meditation retreat will held at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara (3153 Miller Road, Lithonia, GA 30038).  For this retreat, all meditation instructions and discussions will be conducted in English. This retreat is open to everyone....those who are new to meditation as well as those who are experienced meditators.

Below is a tentative schedule of the day's events:

MORNING PROGRAM

7:007:30am - Arrive at the vihara and prepare the space for breakfast
7:30–8:00am: Observance of Refuge and the Eight Precepts and traditional Buddhist chanting

8:00–8:45am: Breakfast (as a group) and clean-up

8:45–10:00am: Guided vipassana ("mindfulness") meditation 

10:00–10:30am: Break (coffee/tea)

10:30–11:30am: Metta ("Loving-Friendliness") meditation 

11:30am–12:00pm: Preparing lunch & traditional Buddhist chanting
12:00–12:45pm:  Lunch (as a group) and clean-up

AFTERNOON PROGRAM

12:45–1:30pm: Walking meditation

1:30–2:30pm: Vipassana meditation

2:30–3:00pm: Break (coffee/tea)

3:00–4:30pm: Sutta Discussion led by Ven. Wajirabuddhi Thera. The topic of the discussion will be the Nivapa Sutta (The Simile of the Deer Feeder Discourse/Teaching) - Majjhima Nikaya #25. You can access the sutta online here: NIVAPA SUTTRA. Please print out a copy of the sutta and bring it to the Dhamma discussion.
4:305:00pm:  Termination of the Retreat: Observance of the Five Precepts and concluding chanting
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLEASE NOTE:
Participants will need to bring (1) a light breakfast food (e.g., fruits, bagels, etc.) and (2) a lunch dish (preferably vegetarian) to share with the resident monks and the retreat participants as a form of dana (offering).  It is also customary to bring flowers, candles, or incense to place on the shrine as an offering. It is traditional and customary to wear white clothing when participating in a meditation retreat, though this is not a requirement for attendance.

During this special time, please consider making a monetary donation to the vihara as a form of dana (an offering that generates positive merits/kamma) so that we can continue to support the monks who make the teachings available to us and to keep the vihara open so that all people are able to practice and learn about the Dhamma (the Buddha's teachings).

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, August 30 at the vihara.  I would ask that you RSVP (by email) in order to let us know that you will be joining us so we can adequately prepare for those who will be participating in the retreat. To confirm that you are planning on attending the retreat or if you have questions about our program, please feel free to contact me by email (justinhowell2112@gmail.com)

I hope that you will be able to join us for this day of quiet contemplation,meditation, and sutta study.  If you are unable to make this retreat, please know that we will be having regular, day-long vipassana retreats once a month throughout the year. Additionally, I would like to encourage you to join us for meditation, sutta study, and Dhamma discussion on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  
May you, your friends, and family members be well, happy, and peaceful……

Justin Howell

========================================
Justin Howell
Cell phone: 404.375.0264

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.  Learn as if you were to live forever."  -M. Gandhi

"You can't lead the people if you don't LOVE the people. You can't save the people if you won't SERVE the people."  - Cornel West

Nikini Poya Day Program

NIkini (Read More) Full Moon Poya Program will be held on the Sunday, August 10th, 2014 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program.



Please sign up for the program
Check out who is coming!!!! 

Morning Program
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30 am – 8.45 am: Tea & coffee break
8.45 am – 10:00 am: Vipassana Meditation
10:00 am – 11:00 am:  Sathipattana Meditation Discussion
11.00 am – 11.30 am Buddha Pooja
11:30 am – 12:00 nn: Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts.
Afternoon Program
12:00 nn – 1:00pm Luncheon
1:00 – 3:00 pm Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
3:00 – 3:15 pm: Break.
3:15 pm – 5:30 pm:  Sutra Discussion: Maha dhammasamadana Sutta (English, Sinhala, Pali)
5:30 pm:  Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja.

Katina Ceremony 2014




Vas Season (Rains Retreat) was started during the time of the Buddha, the Awakened One. Full ordained monastics all over the world continue, up till the present time to observe this Rains Retreat or Monsoon Season Retreat for three months – from the full moon day in July to the Katina Ceremony. During this time, they dedicate their time to spiritual activities such as practicing meditation and studying dhamma thoroughly. This gives an opportunity for Buddhist community to take care of the monastics by offering them food, drinks, medicine, etc. and also to participate in spiritual activities more often.

This year Vas Season will be host by  Ruwani & Uditha Walivita Family. Please find the dana and atavisi buddha puja arrangements from following link. http://1drv.ms/1n6eCpq

Article about Vas Season Rain retreat, unrivaled Buddhist event

Esala Full Moon Poya Day

Esala Full Moon Poya Program will be held on the Sunday, July 13th, 2014 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program.

Vas Aradhana
The Georgia Buddhist Vihara cordially invites you to participate this year Vas Aradhana (Rains Retreat or Monsoon Season Retreat Invitation) for resident monks on  Saturday, July 12th, 2014 from 7:00pm to 8:00 p.m. at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. This year Vas Aradhana will be done by  Ruwani & Uditha Walivita Family. 
http://www.gavihara.org/2014/07/vas-aradhana-rains-retreat-invitation.html





Please sign up for the program
Check out who is coming!!!! 

Morning Program
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30 am – 8.45 am: Tea & coffee break
8.45 am – 10:00 am: Vipassana Meditation
10:00 am – 11:00 am:  Sathipattana Meditation Discussion
11.00 am – 11.30 am Buddha Pooja
11:30 am – 12:00 nn: Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts.
Afternoon Program
12:00 nn – 1:00pm Luncheon
1:00 – 3:00 pm Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
3:00 – 3:15 pm: Break.
3:15 pm – 5:30 pm:  Sutra Discussion: Chula Wedalla Sutta (English, Sinhala, Pali)
5:30 pm:  Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja.

Poson Full Moon Poya Day

Poson Full Moon Poya Program will be held on the Sunday, June 15th, 2014 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program


Please sign up for the program
Check out who is coming!!!! 

Morning Program
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Tea & coffee break
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Vipassana Meditation
11:00 am – 11:30 am:  Meditation
11:30 am – 12:00 nn: Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts.
Afternoon Program
12:00 nn – 1:00pm Luncheon
1:00 – 3:00 pm Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
3:00 – 3:30 pm: Break.
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm:  Sutra Discussion: Chula Wedalla Sutta (English, Sinhala, Pali)
5:30 pm:  Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja.




Vesak Celebration 2014





Georgia Buddhist Vihara 
Vesak; the Triple Anniversary Program 
On May 18th  2014


Georgia Buddhist Vihara wishes you a happy and a peaceful Vesak!

Our annual Wesak program celebrates three events of the utmost significance in the life of prince Siddhartha who became a Buddha – His Birth, his attainment of Enlightenment, and his passing away. Georgia Buddhist Vihara warmly invites you to be a part of the triple commemoration. Wesak full moon day has been for centuries regarded as the Buddha Day. For it was on a Wesak full moon day, that the Sakyan prince Siddhartha Gautama was born, in Lumbini Park, on the frontier of Nepal, attained Enlightenment, under the Bodhi tree in Gaya, and passed away in Kusinara.   The Buddhists all over the world celebrate with devotion the Triple Anniversary of Wesak. To a true follower of the Buddha, there is no greater day than Wesak Poya which also symbolizes peace, love, compassion and piety.  


Program for Sunday, May 18 ,2014

7.30 am   Observance of the Eight Precepts,for both adult and young; Buddha Pooja and Heel Dana   
08.30 Break for Tea/Coffee   
09.00 Bhavana   
10.00 Sil program for children.
11.00 Buddha Pooja     
11.20 Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts. (Parents and other devotees will contribute dishes for the Dana.) If you like to contribute for the Dana, please contact us at 770 987 8442.   
12.00 Lunch   
01.00 Pm Abhidhamma lessons by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne   
01.00 pm Dhamma presentation  for children (PowerPoint presentation)
02.30 Break   
02.45 Sil termination  for children  
03.45 Group Discussion     
05.00 Termination of Sil for adults, Gilanpasa Pooja.
05.30 Vesak Devotional presentation by Sunday School children.


Please sign-up for food items.
  • To view sign up spread sheet


Sri Lankan New Year Celebration 2014





Every year Sri Lanka celebrates the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which falls on the 13th or 14th of April. The Sri Lankan New Year is a time where family and friends come together to celebrate and participate in traditional events associated with the beginning of a new year. There are many different events that are carried out at auspicious times during this festive season. Boiling milk over a clay pot signifies the welcoming of the New Year. The New Year festivities commence with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp. Gifts such as new clothes and money are exchanged and the entire family gathers around the dining table where traditional food such as kiribath (milk rice) and other delicacies are shared. Activities such as pin the tail on the elephant, sack race and tug of war are some of the games that are enjoyed by both the young and the old during the New Year celebrations.


On behalf of the Georgia Buddhist Vihara and Sri Lankan Community in Georgia, We wish all our friends and well-wishers a very happy Sinhala & Tamil New Year and cordially invite you all to the Sinhala & Tamil New Year Celebrations at 10.00 A.M. on Saturday 12th April 2014 at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara, Lithonia GA.

Agenda:

10.00 am Arrival
11.00 am Buddha Puja
11.30 am Dana for the Maha Sangha
12.00 nn  Lunch for laity
01.00 pm Celebration Assembly Lighting the traditional oil lamp and Pirth Desana.
01.30 pm Sigiti avurudu: singing by Sunday school children
  • Traditional New-year Games
  • Bursting balloons (Children)
  • Bun eating competition (Children)
  • Placing the eye on the elephant (Adults)
  • Ow, Na, Ba (open)
  • Musical chairs (Children)
  • Musical chairs (Female)
  • Musical chairs (Male)
  • Running in sacks (Children)
  • Running in sacks (Adults)
  • Pacing with a lime on a spoon (Adults)
  • Insert the thread through the eye of the needle (couple)
  • and many more traditional events....
  • Presenting awards to children
Anumodana

Join us for a day filled with traditional  food and  games.   
If you know of anyone who has not received this email please forward it to them.

All are welcome .....
  • For Sigiti avurudu program contact: Ms Sudanti (susantha2@hotmail.com)
  • We kindly seek volunteers to organize games. contact: Mr. Sarath weerasekara: (sweerasekara@comcast.net)
  • Please signup for food items.
  • Please signup for games & activities.
Following food menu has been suggested and any variations are welcome. Those who are interested may also bring curries to go with rice for Dana & lunch for guests. Expected turn out is 100. Three families can share bringing each food item.

Bak Full Moon Poya Program

Bak Full Moon Poya Program will be held on the Sunday, April 06th, 2014, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program

Bak Poya Day commemorates the second visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka in the fifth year of his Enlightenment in order to reconcile two local chiefs Mahodara and Choolodara (Uncle and Nephew), who were about to wage a war due to a jewel-embedded throne. The history states that the Naagadeepa chaithya was built by placing this throne inside it.


MORNING PROGRAM

7:30 am – 8:30 am: Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana

8:30 am – 9:00 am: Tea & coffee break

9:00 am – 11:00 am: Vipassana Meditation

11:00 am – 11:30 am:  Buddha Puja

11:30 am – 12:00 nn: Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts.

AFTERNOON PROGRAM

12:00 nn – 1:00pm Luncheon

1:00 – 3:00 pm Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne

3:00 – 3:30 pm: Break.

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm:  Sutra Discussion: Chuula Veadalla Sutta

5:30 pm:  Termination of the Sil Gilanpasa Pujava



Madin Full Moon Poya Program

Madin Full Moon Poya Program will be held on the Sunday, March 16th, 2014, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara.  We invite you all to join the program




MORNING PROGRAM

7:30 am – 8:30 am: Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana

8:30 am – 9:00 am: Tea & coffee break

9:00 am – 11:00 am: Vipassana Meditation

11:00 am – 11:30 am:  Buddha Puja

11:30 am – 12:00 nn: Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts.

AFTERNOON PROGRAM

12:00 nn – 1:00pm Luncheon

1:00 – 3:00 pm Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne

3:00 – 3:30 pm: Break.

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm:  Sutra Discussion: Maha-Satipatthana Sutta (EnglishSinhalaPali)

5:30 pm:  Termination of the Sil Gilanpasa Pujava

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