2026 ~ Georgia Buddhist Vihara

Wednesday, July 08, 2026

The Friends Who Shape Our Path

Wednesday, July 08, 2026

The Friends Who Shape Our Path

Reflections from the Georgia Buddhist Vihara Youth Sil Retreat 2026

By Sumindee Jayasinghe

Just as a lotus flower blossoms beautifully in pure water, our lives flourish when we are surrounded by noble and wholesome friends. This profound lesson became the most meaningful insight I gained during this year's Youth Sil Retreat at Georgia Buddhist Vihara. Throughout the retreat, I learned that the people we choose to walk beside have a powerful influence on the direction of our lives. Good friends inspire us to cultivate kindness, strengthen our wisdom, and discover lasting happiness.

During the Dhamma discussions, the Bhantes and guest speakers taught us about the qualities that distinguish true friends from harmful companions. A good friend is like a guiding light that continues to shine even on cloudy days. They encourage us when we feel discouraged, support us during difficult moments, and gently remind us to choose what is right when we are uncertain. Through honesty, compassion, and selfless encouragement, they help us grow in virtue and inspire us to practice the Buddha's teachings with loving-kindness, patience, and respect.

One of the most memorable experiences of the retreat was participating in walking meditation and sitting meditation. As I walked slowly and mindfully, I realized that choosing friends is much like choosing where to place each step. A careless step can lead us away from our intended path, while a mindful step brings us closer to peace and understanding. During sitting meditation, although remaining still was sometimes challenging, I learned that a calm and focused mind enables us to make wise decisions, including choosing friendships that support our spiritual growth.

Another meaningful aspect of the retreat was sharing meals in silence. This practice helped me appreciate each bite with mindfulness and gratitude. The simple experience of eating together reminded me that good friends nourish our character just as wholesome food nourishes the body. Wise and compassionate companions strengthen our hearts, encourage positive qualities, and help us become better individuals. After each meal, we gathered for chanting and shared merits with all beings, reinforcing the values of generosity, gratitude, and interconnectedness.

Perhaps the most important lesson I learned was that if I wish to have good friends, I must first strive to become a good friend myself—someone who can be trusted, respected, and relied upon. True friendship begins with our own actions, words, and intentions.

Guided by the Buddha's teachings, I hope to continue my journey through life with mindfulness and wisdom. I aspire to walk beside friends who inspire goodness, and equally important, to become that kind of friend for others. I am deeply grateful to the Bhantes, teachers, volunteers, aunties, and uncles who dedicated their time and effort to making this retreat such a meaningful experience. Their guidance and kindness have left a lasting impression on my heart.

May I continue to practice these teachings each day, and may all beings be well, happy, healthy, and peaceful.

Theruwan Saranai.

— Sumindee Jayasinghe

Georgia Buddhist Vihara Youth Sil Retreat 2026

Finding Peace in the Rain:

Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Finding Peace in the Rain: My Experience at the GBV Youth Retreat

By Oneth S. G. Gamage

In this year’s youth summer retreat, I learned so much during the time I spent at the temple, even though it rained for all four days. Some of the most important lessons I took away were how to be more mindful in my daily life and the history behind the eight precepts we observed.

Embracing the Eight Precepts

Our journey began with a commitment to the Eight Precepts. While many of us are familiar with the five basic promises—abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and intoxicants—the retreat invited us to go deeper. We added three more:

Refraining from eating at improper times.
Abstaining from beautifying ourselves with cosmetics or jewelry.
Refraining from singing, dancing, or watching entertainment.

Observing these precepts allowed us to simplify our focus and truly immerse ourselves in the spiritual experience.

We also attended several sessions hosted by volunteers who generously shared their wisdom and knowledge to help us become better, more mindful individuals. Afterward, we chanted our blessings and shared a meal. Practicing gratitude, I took both foods I liked and some I didn't prefer, ensuring I finished everything on my plate.

Planting Seeds of Intention

One of the most impactful teachings came from Bhante Deepankara, who spoke about the "seeds" we plant in our minds. He explained that while the effort to grow a seed is the same whether it is good or bad, it is our intention that determines the harvest.

To bring this lesson to life, our group performed a skit. I played a farmer planting "bad seeds," illustrating the consequences of unwholesome thoughts. The experience reinforced the idea that we must be the diligent gardeners of our own minds, cultivating only what is wholesome.

Another day, Dr. Ayesha generously provided dana by preparing food for all of us. Afterward, she led a session discussing the qualities of good and bad influences. She emphasized the importance of choosing our friends wisely, as the people we are frequently exposed to heavily shape our behavior. We also had an insightful session with Mr. Steven, who spoke about avoiding bad company. He shared a personal story from his college days when he chose not to room with a friend he knew frequently stole items. His choice proved wise, as that individual was later arrested for stealing a school stereo. Mr. Steven reflected on how thankful he was to have avoided that situation, showing us the real-world impact of the company we keep.

At the conclusion of the summer youth retreat, we participated in a meaningful closing ceremony where everyone delivered a speech. Some speeches were long and detailed, while others were short, but everyone did a wonderful job sharing their unique experiences. My own speech was compact yet comprehensive; I made sure to thank everyone who made the 2026 Summer Youth Retreat possible, including the Bhantes, the uncles, the aunties, and all the fellow participants who supported me along the way.

To capture the memories, we all gathered on stage for a group photo. Afterward, we moved to the main building where my dad chatted with the other parents and my sister caught up with her friends. Although my mom wasn’t able to be there, I still had a fantastic time and gained a tremendous amount of knowledge. Before heading home, I returned my retreat clothing and sash, went downstairs to the kitchen to see my friends, and enjoyed a final snack. I then said goodbye to everyone at the temple and caught my ride home.

Mindfulness in Motion

Reflecting on the specific practices, my favorite activity was walking meditation led by Bhante Deepankara. We practiced in the concrete parking lot in front of the shrine room. We had to be incredibly mindful of where our feet landed to ensure we didn't harm any small living beings, like ants or spiders. We also focused deeply on the physical sensations of walking. I noticed how the ground felt rougher on one side of the lot and smoother on the other, and how the pavement was wet in some areas from the rain and dry in others. It truly taught me to slow down and pay close attention to my surroundings.

Morning candlelight meditation:

I also loved the candlelight meditation we practiced every morning. It helped me start the day feeling relaxed and peaceful. At the end of the session, we stood up one by one from each side of the shrine room to respectfully place our candles before the Buddha statues.

Thank you for reading about my experience at the 2026 Summer Youth Retreat at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara!

Theruwan saranai.

Dhamma

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Annual Katina Sponsors

Year	Sponsors	Media
2026	Dr.Neranga, Nadeepa, Mrs. Dullma, and Sukitha Families
2025	Edisa Jayarathne
2024	Daminda & Sumudu Manamendra family; Piyathilake Adris & Visaka Adris family
2023	Dr. Deeptha & Mrs. Thaniya Jayarathne family	[Photos]
2022	Drs. Luminda & Kisa Kulasiri family; Drs. Ajith & Harsha De Silva family	[Video]
2021	Dr. Manjula & Mrs. Dasheema Dharmawardhana; Mr. Jinath Gamage & Hasini Yatawatte	[Photos]
2020	Mr. Kumara Madagma; Mrs. Devika Weerasinghe; Mr. & Mrs. Suresha & Dilhan Fernando; Mr. & Mrs. Thalanka & Varuna Buwaneka; Mr. & Mrs. Vathsala & Lasantha Rathnayaka; Mrs. Dung Nugen Families	[Photos]
2019	Drs. Ranga & Ayesha Jayasinghe Family	[Photos]
2018	Mr. & Dr. Niroshena & Erosha Jayawardana family	[Photos]
2017	Dr. & Mrs. Amarasinghe family; Mr. & Mrs. Dhaminda & Sumudu Manamendra families
2016	Mr. & Mrs. Saratha & Sujeewa Weeraseka	[Photo]
2015	Dr. & Mrs. Deeptha & Taniya Jayarathne	[Photo]
2014	Mr. & Mrs. Uditha & Ruwani Walivita	[Photo]
2013	Mr. & Mrs. Gayan & Dhammi Hapugoda
2012	Mr. & Mrs. Ranjith & Roshini Siyasena	[Photos]
2011	Mr. & Mrs. Janaka & Nishani Silva	[Photo]
2010	Mr. & Mrs. Prasanna & Kumudu Wickramasuriya
2009	Mr. & Mrs. Daminda & Sumudu Manamendra	[Photo]
2008	Dr. & Mrs. Deeptha & Taniya Jayarathne	[Video] [Photo]
2007	Mr. & Mrs. Ushan & Chami Subasinghe	[Video] [Photo]
2006	Mr. & Mrs. Laxman & Anoja Wickramaracci	[Photo]
2005	Drs. Ananda & Chandra; Drs. Unil & Shrima Perera	[Photos]
2004	Mr. & Mrs. Viduranga & Haridra Jayarathne
2003	Mr. & Mrs. Vishaka & Adris Piyatilake
2002	Drs. Lalith & Manori Silva	[Photos]
2001	[Information Missing]