The Abbot of the Vihara
Venerable Panamwela Wajirabuddhi Thera
Current Roles:
Abbot, Georgia Buddhist Vihara
Chief Sangha Nayaka (Judicial), North America (Appointed 2024)
Personal Profile
Venerable Panamwela Wajirabuddhi Thera was born in the Matara District of Sri Lanka. He dedicated himself to a life of spiritual service from a young age, entering the monastic order as a novice monk in 1980 at the Dharmaduthashrama Vidyalaya in Colombo 09. His ordination was conducted under the guidance of the late Venerable Dr. Parawahera Pangnananda Nayaka Maha Thera. In 1987, he received his higher ordination (Upasampadā) at the historic Malwathu Maha Vihara in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Education
Venerable Wajirabuddhi possesses a profound foundation in Buddhist studies and traditional monastic education, complemented by modern academic disciplines:
Monastic Education: Completed at Dharmaduthashrama Vidyalaya/College, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) "Thripitakavedi" Degree: Awarded by the Bhikkhu University of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree: Completed in Pali and Buddhist University, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Diploma in Language Skills: Completed at the Interactive College of Technology in Atlanta, USA.
International Experience and Cultural Immersion
To deepen his practice and understand diverse Buddhist traditions, Venerable Wajirabuddhi has spent significant time studying and working internationally:
Thailand: He resided for nearly ten months at Wat Srakete, engaging in traditional study and practice within the Thai monastic tradition.
United States: In 1994, he traveled to the U.S. and lived with the Cambodian Buddhist community in Los Angeles, immersing himself in the Cambodian language and culture.
Service and Leadership in the United States
Venerable Wajirabuddhi has been a pioneering force in the establishment and growth of the Buddhist community in Georgia:
Founding of Georgia Buddhist Vihara: After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1999, he established the Georgia Buddhist Vihara in June 2000. He has served as its abbot since its inception, dedicating himself to promoting Buddhist education, meditation practice, and cultural understanding across diverse communities in the United States.
Community and Academic Outreach: He serves as the Dhamma teacher for the Emory Buddhist Club at Emory University in Atlanta.
Humanitarian Work: He is the founder and president of the Siv Vanak Arana Ayurvedic Healing Center in Sri Lanka.
Sangha Leadership: In 2024, the Malwathu Chapter appointed him as the Chief Sangha Nayaka (Judicial) of North America, recognizing his spiritual authority and administrative responsibility within the North American Sangha.
Bhante Panamwela Wajirabodhi
Current Role:
Vice Abbot, Georgia Buddhist Vihara
Early Life and Monastic Foundation
Bhante Panamwela Wajirabodhi was born in Sri Lanka, in the village of Panamwela within the Matara District. He dedicated himself to the monastic life at a young age, receiving his Samanera (novice) ordination in 1980 at the Padhanagara Maha Vihara, part of the Dharmadutashrama College in Colombo 09. His ordination took place under the esteemed guidance of the late Venerable Dr. P. Pangnananda Nayaka Thera, Venerable Wehelle Attadassi Dhammapala Nayaka Thera, and the late Venerable Matara Sumangala Thera.
In 1989, he received his higher ordination (Upasampadā) at the historic Malwatu Maha Viharaya in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Education and Academic Achievements
Bhante Wajirabodhi possesses a strong academic background in both traditional monastic studies and higher education:
Monastic Education: Completed at Dharmadutashrama College, Sri Lanka.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree: Awarded by the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Master's Degree: Completed at the Buddhist and Pali University, Sri Lanka.
His extensive studies reflect his commitment to understanding and preserving the profound teachings of the Buddhadharma.
Service and Contributions
Bhante Wajirabodhi has dedicated his life to the practice and sharing of the Dhamma, bringing his wisdom and experience to diverse communities:
International Travel: He traveled to Thailand for a short visit, engaging with another rich Buddhist tradition.
Georgia Buddhist Vihara: On January 28, 2004, Bhante Wajirabodhi arrived at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. Since then, he has continued his dedicated work as a scholar monk, contributing significantly to the Vihara's spiritual growth and education. As the Vice Abbot, he plays a vital leadership role in the community, providing guidance and support to practitioners.
Bhante Wajirabodhi is recognized for his scholarship, humility, and unwavering commitment to the path of the Dhamma.
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Bhante Okkampitiye Deepankara Thero
Current Roles:
Resident Monk and Dhamma Teacher of Georgia Buddhist Vihara
Program Leader & Instructor (Meditation, Sutta Study, Sunday School)
Early Life and Monastic Foundation
Bhante Okkampitiye Deepankara Thero was born on December 8, 1987, in the town of Okkampitiya, Sri Lanka. He recognized his spiritual calling early in life, entering the monastic order as a novice monk in 2000. His ordination was conducted at the Dharmaduthashrama Vidyalaya (college) in Colombo 09, under the esteemed guidance of the late Venerable Dr. Parawahera Pangnananda Nayaka Maha Thera.
Following years of dedicated study and practice, Bhante Deepankara received his higher ordination (Upasampadā) on June 17, 2008. The solemn ceremony took place at the historic Malwathu Maha Vihara in Kandy, Sri Lanka, a central seat of authority and tradition within Theravada Buddhism.
Higher Education and Academic Studies
Bhante Deepankara Thero possesses a strong foundation in both traditional monastic studies and modern academic disciplines:
Monastic Education: Completed at Dharmaduthashrama Vidyalaya (College), Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree: Awarded by the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
His academic background reflects a deep commitment to understanding and preserving the rich teachings of the Buddhadharma.
Service and Contributions
Bhante Deepankara has brought his wisdom and experience to the Georgia Buddhist Vihara, significantly enhancing its spiritual offerings and outreach:
Saturday Guided Meditation & Sutta Study (English): He leads the weekly program on mindfulness/loving-kindness meditation and detailed sutta study (Buddhist discourses), conducting the program in English.
Thursday Guided Meditation & Sutta Study (Sinhala): He leads the weekly program on meditation and sutta study, conducting it in the Sinhala language from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Poya Day Program (Monthly): He facilitates the monthly program observation of Poya (Full Moon Day), leading participants in meditation, sutta studies, and insightful discussions on the Dhamma.
Sunday School Education: He is an active and dedicated teacher in the Sunday School for children, helping to impart Buddhist values and teachings to the next generation.
Bhante Okkampitiye Deepankara Thero is recognized for his scholarship, humility, and dedicated commitment to sharing the path of the Dhamma with all who seek it.