Sri Lanka Flood Relief 2025 – Urgent Fundraising Appeal

URGENT: Families in Sri Lanka Need You Today

Devastating floods have struck Sri Lanka again in November 2025. Thousands of families have lost their homes, clean water, medicine, and food. Children cannot go to school. Hospitals are overwhelmed.

This is the worst flooding in years, and the need is immediate and massive. We are on the ground coordinating with trusted monks and community leaders to get help where it is needed most.

Every single dollar you give will reach the victims because Gift Sri Lanka Foundation transfers funds with NO fees deducted.

100% to Flood Victims: Board members are personally covering all administrative and transfer costs.

Fully tax-deductible: U.S. donors receive a receipt for 2025 taxes.

How Your Donation Changes Lives

Every contribution matters. Here are some ways your gift can help families facing the worst floods Sri Lanka has seen in years.

$25

Emergency Food Pack

Provides dry rations and safe drinking water for a family for several days while they are in a shelter or stranded at home.

🍛 Give $25

$50

Hygiene & Health Kit

Supports hygiene and medical kits with soap, sanitary items, and basic medicine for one or more families.

🧴 Give $50

$100

Shelter & Bedding Support

Helps provide bedding, mats, and essential items for families who have lost or cannot safely return to their homes.

🛏️ Give $100

$250

Rebuild & Recover Communities

Supports early recovery: basic home repairs, school supplies for children, and replacement of essential household items.

🌱 Give $250

Prefer a different amount or want to give monthly? Set your own amount or become a monthly supporter →

Why Give Through Gift Sri Lanka Foundation?

✅

Trusted & Accountable

In partnership with Georgia Buddhist Vihara (www.gavihara.org). Funds are transferred directly to verified organizations in Sri Lanka.

🌍

Tax Deductable

Gift Sri Lanka Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

⏱️

Corporate Matching

Ability to double your impact through gift matching programs through your employer.

How to Double Your Impact with Corporate Matching?

Thousands of companies (Apple, Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and many more) will match employee gifts.

• Step 1: Make your personal donation first using the buttons above.
• Step 2: Submit your gift to your company’s matching program.
• Step 3: Contact us if you need help – we will guide you through the process.

A simple five-minute matching request can double the impact of your generosity for families in Sri Lanka.

Give Hope, Restore Lives This Giving Tuesday

"Hundreds of thousands have been displaced and are now living in temporary shelters. They are in urgent need of essential relief items. As we enter the month of November and December, a time when many practice generosity and giving, I kindly invite you to support Sri Lanka."

- Venerable Panamwela Wajirabuddhi Thera

🙏 Donate Now

The floods may have taken homes and livelihoods, but together we can help protect lives, ease suffering, and support Sri Lankan families as they rebuild. Your gift today, no matter the size, is a powerful act of love. Thank you for your extraordinary generosity. Together, we will help Sri Lanka rise again.

With deep gratitude,
Georgia Buddhist Vihara and Gift Sri Lanka Foundation.

Read More

GBV Food Fair 2025 Saturday, November 15 • 3–9 PM at GBV Premises

Don’t Miss It: Sri Lankan Food Fair at GBV Premises
(November 15, 3–9 PM)

We warmly invite you, your family, and friends to the GBV Sri Lankan Food Fair  2025, a community fundraising event in support of the Dharma Shaalawa and Buddha Mandhiraya project at Georgia Buddhist Vihara. This year, you can enjoy authentic Sri Lankan flavors while helping us build a welcoming, peaceful space for learning, meditation, and community service. How to participate Pre-order your favorite dishes: Secure your selections in advance and skip the wait. Dine in, take away, or get delivered: Choose the option that’s most convenient for you. Share the invitation: Forward this email or share our event link with friends who love great food and meaningful causes. Pre-order and event link  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-gbv-food-festival-preorder Why your support matters Proceeds from this event directly support the Dharma Shaalawa and Buddha Mandhiraya project—spaces dedicated to Dhamma education, meditation programs, children’s Sunday school, cultural activities, and community outreach. Your participation helps us foster a compassionate, mindful community and preserve a living Buddhist tradition for future generations. Highlights you’ll love Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine crafted by our community Convenient options: dine-in, to-go, or delivery A joyful cultural experience with a meaningful purpose Can’t attend? You can still support the project by placing a pre-order for pickup, arranging delivery for a friend, or sharing the event with your network. Thank you! On behalf of the monks and the GBV community, thank you for your generosity and continued support. We look forward to welcoming you to the Food Fair and sharing this special day together. With Metta, Georgia Buddhist Vihara 3153 Miller Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 info@gbvihara.org www.gbvihara.org P.S. Pre-orders help us reduce waste, plan portions, and raise more funds—thank you for reserving early.

 

Read More

Connecting Our Community

 

Connecting Our Community: New VOIP Phone System at the Temple

Volunteer Project Led by Thevin Jayawardena, A Senior at Milton High School

Introduction

We are excited to announce a major upgrade to the telecommunications system at the Temple, thanks to the dedicated volunteer work of Thevin Jayawardena, a senior at Milton High School, under the guidance of his father Niroshena Jayawardena, a senior Software Engineer, BSc (Hons), M.Sc. in computer science. Thevin’s technical knowledge, relentless commitment, and his father’s expertise have resulted in the implementation of a modern VOIP-based phone system. The new VOIP phone system not only brings our growing Buddhist community in Georgia, USA, closer but also enables members from across the country to stay connected, collaborate, and share religious activities at the temple as well as Buddhist teachings.

Technical Implementation: Building the Foundation

Thevin began his project by setting up the backbone of the system—an Ubuntu server. This server acts as the central hub for all telecommunication at the temple. Several key services were installed:

·         TFTP Server: Handles transfer of phone configuration files.

·         MySQL Server: Stores phone directories and system data securely.

·         Apache2 Server: Powers the web interface for managing the phone system.

On top of these, Thevin installed and configured Asterisk and FreePBX, two open-source platforms that work together to manage calls, voicemails, and other phone features. Ubuntu provides a stable and flexible environment for these tools, ensuring reliability and ease of maintenance.

Phone Configuration: Bringing CISCO 7975g Phones to Life

A highlight of the project was modifying the existing CISCO 7975g phones to work seamlessly with the new open-source platform. These phones were originally designed for proprietary networks, but Thevin reconfigured them to operate using SCCP (Skinny Client Control Protocol) with Asterisk. This involved:

·         Installing the SCCP module on Asterisk.

·         Adapting the module to support all necessary phone features.

·         Customizing configuration files and firmware settings to ensure compatibility.

With these changes, the phones now connect reliably to the temple’s network, providing high-quality voice communication for all users.

System Features: Enhancing Communication

The new phone system introduces several features designed to serve the needs of both resident monks and devotees:

·         Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System: A newly designed IVR guides callers to the right resident monk, making it easier to reach the appropriate Monk dedicated to the Specific task.

·         New Phone Extensions: Extensions have been set up to connect directly to individual monks, departments, or temple facilities.

·         General Voicemail: All users now be able to leave voice messages, ensuring that no important communication is missed.

·         Intercom System: Internal communication is streamlined, allowing quick announcements and coordination throughout the temple.

·         Devotees Phone Directory: A comprehensive directory makes it simple to contact fellow devotees, enhancing community interaction.

Community Impact: Strengthening Connections

The new VOIP system has significantly improved connectivity within our temple. Resident monks can now communicate more efficiently with devotees and themselves, whether inside the temple or remotely. The system makes it easier for devotees to reach out, ask questions, and participate in temple activities. With this high-tech communication system, we are fostering a more connected, responsive, and inclusive community.

Cost Savings: Integration with Google Voice

A standout achievement of the project is the integration of Google Voice with our phone system. This allows the temple to make and receive calls without traditional phone lines, eliminating costly monthly bills. Thevin’s solution leverages free and open-source tools while providing reliable service and substantial savings for this nonprofit Organization, which provides enormous service to our community.

Conclusion: Appreciation and Looking Ahead

We sincerely thank Thevin Jayawardena for his hard work, technical skills, and generosity in volunteering for this project. His contribution has brought lasting benefits to our Buddhist community in Atlanta, Georgia. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to his parents for their guidance and financial support throughout the project. With our new VOIP phone system, we are ready to embrace the future, maintain strong connections, and serve our community even better.

Read More

GBV Katina Ceremony 2025

GBV Katina Ceremony (October 18th, 2025)

Dear Devotees of Georgia Buddhist Vihara and Friends,

The Katina Ceremony of Georgia Buddhist Vihara 2025 will be held on October 18th. We warmly invite all of you to join us and participate in various meritorious deeds. We appreciate your generous support thus far in various ways during this Katina Season, and we are grateful if you could support us further to make this meritorious event a success. Below are the ways that we seek your support, and we hope you consider donating (dana) via the following signups.   Volunteer Clean-Up Sessions (October 11th & October 12th) We are planning to have two volunteer clean-up sessions in preparation for the Katina Ceremony. If you would like to help us please come between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-57471762-katina Katina Ceremony Day Schedule: (October 18th) 6:00 AM: Bringing the Katina Cheevara to the Temple 6:30 AM: Buddha Pooja 7:00 AM: Heel Dana (Breakfast for Monks) 7:30 AM: Breakfast for Devotees 8:00 AM: Dhamma Discussion 9:00 AM: Cheewara Pandu Peweema (Katina Robe Coloring) 10:00 AM: Besajja Pindapatha (Offering Medications to Monks) 10:30 AM: Buddha Pooja 11:00 AM: Dawal Dana (Lunch for Monks) 12:00 PM: Lunch for Devotees 1:30 PM: Katina Perahera (Procession) 2:30 PM: Cheewara Pooja (Offering of Katina Robe) 5:00 PM: Conclusion of Program & Clean-Up Dhamma Discussion (8:00 AM) Your participation in this meritorious deed will be highly appreciated. Cheewara Pandu Peweema (9:00 AM) We encourage all of you to come and participate during the Katina Robe Coloring using tree barks and medicinal herbs.   Besajja Pindapatha (10:00 AM) We would like to encourage all of you to participate in Offering Medications to the Monks using the link below (For 12 Monks): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-59294088-bhesajja   Dawal Dana (Lunch) If you would like to provide lunch items for the monks and devotees, please use the link below. Please sign up by October 15th: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-59294071-katina   Kapruka If you would like to bring items to place under the Kapruka, below are the much-needed items for the temple: Paper towels, paper cups, paper plates, disposable spoons, Ziploc bags in assorted sizes, aluminum foil, cling wrap, kitchen towels, dishcloths, brooms, Clorox wipes, toilet paper, trash bags (large and 13 gal.) Oatmeal, almond milk (non-perishable), sliced almonds, cashews, walnuts, raisins, dried cranberries (unsalted only)

With Metta, Katina Hosting Committee Please email gabvkatina2025@gmail.com OR Send a text message to 770-990-5192 if you have any questions or concerns.

Read More

Poya and Day Long Bhavana Retreat

 

Invitation – Day-Long Vipassana Meditation Retreat Saturday, September 27, 2025

Dear Friends, We hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the Georgia Buddhist Vihara, we warmly invite you to join our Day-Long Vipassana (Mindfulness) Meditation Retreat on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara (3153 Miller Road, Lithonia, GA 30038). This one-day retreat is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice, explore meditation techniques from the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, and experience the benefits of mindfulness in a supportive community environment. The retreat is open to everyone—whether you are completely new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner. All meditation instructions and discussions will be conducted in English & Sinhala. Please have breakfast before coming. Lunch will be provided. Tentative Schedule Morning Program 8:30 - 9:00 AM – Observance of the Eight Precepts & Traditional Buddhist Chanting (optional) 9:00 - 10:00 AM – Guided Vipassana (“Mindfulness”) Meditation 10:00 - 10:15 AM – Break (Coffee/Tea) 10:15 - 11:15 AM – Metta (“Loving-Kindness”) Meditation 11:15 - 11:30 AM – Lunch Preparation & Traditional Buddhist Chanting 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM – Lunch & Clean-Up Afternoon Program 12:30 - 1:30 PM – Walking Meditation 1:30 - 2:30 PM – Vipassana Meditation 2:30 - 3:00 PM – Break (Coffee/Tea) 3:00 - 4:30 PM – Sutta Discussion 4:30 - 5:00 PM – Conclusion: Termination of the Eight Precepts & Observance of the Five Precepts May you, your family, and friends be well, happy, and peaceful! With Metta, Bhante Wajirabuddhi Thero On behalf of the Georgia Buddhist Vihara Georgia Buddhist Vihara 3153 Miller Road Lithonia, GA 30038 www.gavihara.org

Read More

The retreat changed me.

 

My Overall Experience

By Suwin De Silva

 

 My experience at the retreat changed me. It influenced how I act, speak, move, and think around others. That change will have a lasting impact on my life. I am confident that this retreat and the ones I will attend in the future will help me make better decisions.

 

Anyway, back to the retreat itself. I had a great time. I reconnected with some old friends. I had forgotten about them, but they clearly had not forgotten about me. I enjoyed every activity, but I especially loved mindful walking. At first, I did not like it, but as I got better at it, I started to enjoy it more.

I was confused at first about why we had to sleep at 9:00 p.m., since I usually sleep at 10:00 or 11:00. But I understood once I had to wake up at 4:30 in the morning. I am used to waking up at 10:00, so 4:30 felt extremely early, but eventually, I got used to it.

I also had to adjust to not having dinner. On the first day, I had a small lunch and assumed I would eat more at dinner, but there was no dinner. There was nothing I could do, so I went to bed hungry. After that experience, I will never take food for granted.

I learned many other things too, like impermanence and the concept of Buddha’s atom. And that sums up my experience at my very first retreat.

Read More

A Meaningful Break for My Bustling Life!

 A Meaningful Break for My Bustling Life!

It was a beautiful Monday morning during my summer break when I decided to attend

the Georgia Buddhist Viharas’ Sil retreat. At first, I was nervous, as this was the first long retreat

I ever participated in. However, as I entered the meditation room, I saw my friends, and

excitement flushed over me. Without showing my excitement, I quickly and quietly got into my seat.

We began the morning by meditating in two different ways: the first, walking meditation,

and the second, sitting meditation. Both meditations were equally hard in my opinion, because

when I did the walking meditation, we had to walk on the bricks with dirt, tiny stones on them,

and tiny bugs like ants that we had to avoid stepping on. In the sitting meditation, we had to sit

still in silence, which was very hard because many people were making noises or getting

distracted. But both meditations taught me something, like how to be focused and mindful, and

how to be quiet and respectful.

Later, when we were eating, I learned to be mindful of how I was eating, and that I

should not talk or disturb the others while we were eating. I also learned to finish all the food I

got, because otherwise it would be wasteful. I also learned during mealtimes that we should eat

to nourish our bodies, instead of eating for ourselves or our pleasure. After all of us had eaten,

we chanted a Gatha to pass on the merits to the departed and everyone else.

 

Then came the most exciting part for me, which was work time. During work time, all of

us helped clean the temple and tidy up the meditation room. My friends and I helped broom and

sweep all the leaves and other uncomfortable things out of the walking path. It made me think

about how we should clean out all the bad thoughts in our minds and instead replace them with

pure, clean thoughts that we can use to help us gain more merits.

Overall, this experience at the retreat was great because I learnt so much about the

Buddha and how we should apply his teachings into our lives. I learned to be mindful, focused,

and most of all, respectful to everyone around me. I also learned to be kind and compassionate

with every action and thought. It was also very easy to learn the dhamma because all the aunties

and uncles devoted their time and effort to be there for us, and the Bhantes were especially kind

and caring to help us learn more. I hope to continue coming to this retreat for future years, and

may everyone be well, happy, and peaceful.

Thank you,

Theruwan saranai

Sumindee Jayasinghe

Read More

GBV Katina 2025 - Upcoming Events

 

GBV Katina 2025 - Upcoming Events July 10 - October 18 Dear Devotees of Georgia Buddhist Vihara and Friends, We would like to inform you of upcoming events during the Rainy Season. During this time, several religious and meritorious activities will take place, and we would like for you to join us to rejoice these merits. This year’s Katina will be especially meaningful, as it will be organized in collaboration with our community's youth.     •    Daily Atavisi Buddha Pooja: Every Day (7:00 PM) Kindly sign up for the Daily Atavisi Buddha Pooja (in person only) using the link below. If no one has signed up for the Atavisi Buddha Pooja on the day of your dana then, if possible, please bring flowers, candles, and fruit juice for pooja. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-57470892-atavisi     •    Saturday Dhamma Sermons: (Time Chosen by Hosting Family) Every Saturday there will be an opportunity to sponsor a sermon. Kindly sign up for the Saturday Dhamma Sermons using the link below. To arrange your sponsor time, please speak directly with Bhante Wajirabuddhi Thero. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-57470900-saturday     •    Clean-Up (Shramadāna): Bi-Weekly Collective action to clean up and prepare for the Katina ceremony (A chance to engage in mindful service and community spirit). Kindly sign up for the Clean-Up Sessions using the link below. If you've signed up, please make an effort to participate at least once a month. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-57471762-katina     •    Daily Dana: (For Katina Season Only) If you wish to make any changes to your dana date, are unable to bring dana, or would like to request a specific date please send a text to 770-870-9897     •    Pirith Chanting & Pahan Pooja: Saturday, October 4th (7:00 PM) To invoke blessing and protection to all devotees, there will be a Seth Pirith Chanting and Pahan Pooja. More information will be conveyed later.     •    Katina Ceremony: October 18th (6:00 AM - 5:00 PM) The Katina Ceremony will conclude the Vassa Season for 2025. Kindly join us to rejoice the merits gained throughout the Vassa Season. With heartfelt gratitude, Katina Hosting Committee Please email gabvkatina2025@gmail.com OR Send a text message to 770-870-9897 if you have any questions or concerns.

Read More

GBV Katina 2025 - Katina Aradhana & Upcoming Events

GBV Katina 2025 - Rainy Season Invitation
Katina Ārādhana & Upcoming Events
July 10 - October 18

Dear Devotees of Georgia Buddhist Vihara and Friends,

We warmly invite you and your families to participate in this year’s Vassana (Rains Retreat) season, which begins on July 10 and culminates in the Katina Ceremony on October 18, 2025.

This year’s Katina will be especially meaningful, as it will be organized in collaboration with our community's youth. This unique opportunity will allow them to cultivate leadership, generosity, teamwork, and a deepened connection to the Dhamma while taking on a central role in planning and service throughout the season.

As we prepare for the sacred Vassana season, we are excited to share several upcoming events and activities that will offer rich opportunities for learning, service, and spiritual growth:

    •    Katina Ārādhana: Thursday, July 10th (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Formal invitation of the Bhantes to reside at the temple and be cared for the duration of the three-month rains retreat.

    •    Daily Atavisi Buddha Pooja: Every Day (7:00 PM)

Kindly sign up for the Daily Atavisi Buddha Pooja (in person only) using the link below. If no one has signed up for the Atavisi Buddha Pooja on the day of your dana then, if possible, please bring flowers, candles, and fruit juice for pooja.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-57470892-atavisi

    •    Saturday Dhamma Sermons: (Time Chosen by Hosting Family)

Every Saturday there will be an opportunity to sponsor a sermon. Kindly sign up for the Saturday Dhamma Sermons using the link below. To arrange your sponsor time, please speak directly with Bhante Wajirabuddhi Thero.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-57470900-saturday

    •    Clean-Up (Shramadāna): Bi-Weekly

Collective action to clean up and prepare for the Katina ceremony (A chance to engage in mindful service and community spirit). Kindly sign up for the Clean-Up Sessions using the link below. If you've signed up, please make an effort to participate at least once a month.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AA9AA22A1FF2-57471762-katina

    •    Daily Dana: (For Katina Season Only)

If you wish to make any changes to your dana date, are unable to bring dana, or would like to request a specific date please send a text to 770-870-9897

    •    Pirith Chanting & Pahan Pooja: Saturday, October 4th (7:00 PM)

To invoke blessing and protection to all devotees, there will be a Seth Pirith Chanting and Pahan Pooja. More information will be conveyed later.

    •    Katina Ceremony: October 18th (6:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

The Katina Ceremony will conclude the Vassa Season for 2025. Kindly join us to rejoice the merits gained throughout the Vassa Season.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Katina Hosting Committee

Please email gabvkatina2025@gmail.com
OR
Send a text message to 770-870-9897 if you have any questions or concerns.

Read More

I began to understand the beauty of mindful movement.

I began to understand the beauty of mindful movement.

  By: Deshon

As many of you know, I am Deshon Aiya. I’ve been attending the youth retreat since I was 12, entering my teenage years. From that very first experience, I felt a sense of purification that has drawn me back year after year—except during the pause brought on by COVID. Thankfully, I returned in 2023 and have continued ever since.

That first retreat was life-changing, even though waking up early in the morning was (and still is) difficult, especially for someone like me who barely sleeps at night. I’ve always been more of a night owl, somehow managing to f
unction with little to no rest. This year was no exception. On the night before Day 3, I joined the retreat after a long and tiring day, just as everyone was heading to bed. I found myself sleeping on the hardwood floor with my semi-luxurious low mattress. Despite the noise from chatty kids and loud snoring, and despite my restless mind and annoying itchiness, I strangely found comfort in the firm support of the floor. It reminded me that even discomfort can have its own kind of peace.

Luckily, on the second night, I moved to the upstairs shrine room and slept better. These minor struggles aside, the retreat serves as a powerful reminder to live meaningfully and not just drift through life chasing distractions and pleasures.

Our days began early—around 4:30 AM—with warm drinks and silent meditation in the dhamma hall, chilled by the AC. That early morning meditation, despite its physical challenge, brings a kind of peace hard to find elsewhere. The indoor walking meditation, especially, stood out to me this year. Though it was difficult at first, I began to understand the beauty of mindful movement. Feeling each step, the cool sensation beneath my feet—it felt like I was finally doing it right. That simple act grounded me more deeply than I can describe.

Bhante Deepankara, as always, guided us with wisdom and compassion. His teachings come from a place of deep empathy and understanding, helping us stay positive and reflective.

There were also fun and lighthearted moments, like the group play competition. We had to perform a skit based on a Buddhist topic in a specific genre. We even had to chant, not sing, to avoid breaking a precept (“nacca-gīta vādita…”). That part sparked some giggles and awkward moments, but it lightened the mood and gave us all something to laugh about.

Bhante Kondanna Thero, visiting from New York, replaced the usual post-COVID art session we would’ve had with Bhante Piyananda. This year, we made paper lotus flowers using colorful paper and Styrofoam cups. Though I don’t consider myself artistic, the activity felt like a form of passive meditation—creative, peaceful, and joyful. Some surprised themselves with their creations.

Then came one of the most impactful moments for me: Dr. Deeptha’s Abhidhamma class. We hadn’t studied this topic in depth since 2019, and it absolutely blew my mind. The 17 moments of sensory perception, broken into processes that happen in a split second, showed me just how intricate and profound the workings of the mind truly are. Learning about the aggregates, the 8 octet, karmic reactions, and how all of this ties into consciousness was awe-inspiring. It was also reassuring to know that karma is not absolute fate. If it were, enlightenment would be impossible. Dr. Deeptha also explained the stages of spiritual progress, like becoming a Sotapanna and beyond, with clarity and passion that made us all eager to learn more.

Dr. Ayesha’s session was equally meaningful. She reminded us of what shraddha/saddha truly means—not blind belief, but confident trust and faith in the Dhamma. Her gentle wisdom encouraged us to understand the purpose behind our good deeds and not just follow rituals without reflection. I hope her talk inspires the younger generation to offer dana and perform meritorious acts with genuine understanding and intention.

This youth retreat is far more than a spiritual sleepover. It's a training ground for personal growth, a gateway to deeper understanding, and a community where meaningful friendships blossom. It strengthens our shraddha, sharpens our awareness, and helps us live by the Dhamma with courage and clarity. We laugh, we learn, and we support one another as spiritual friends—kalyana mitta.

After the retreat, I even stayed 18 extra days with Samanera Rahula (Venura) to continue my practice, and I’m grateful for every moment of it. He’s a wonderful kalyana mitta, and I’m glad we could encourage each other on this path.

I want to thank my mother for encouraging me to attend, and extend deep gratitude to:

• Taniya Aunty & Dr. Deeptha for organizing and educating,

• Sahan Uncle for his constant help (and waking up the boys!),

• Dr. Ayesha for her timely and inspiring discussion,

• Mr. Steve for his session and teaching us Qigong,

• Mr. Justin, whom I missed this year due to my late arrival,

• and every person who contributed to this program and its success.

Let us all stay curious, stay mindful, and stay compassionate. Or in the words of Steve Jobs, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

Theruwan Saranai & Namo Buddhaya.

 

Read More