Health Savings account Fund

In this HSA account plan, each resident monks have their own HSA account. Your contribution towards these accounts are tax-deductible and roll over to following years if that is not used. For these HSA account money is a great help for monks to have good health coverage. It can be used to obtain a high deductible insurance plan with low monthly payment and, can be used to cover Copay and for prescriptions.

For each year HSA account could carry max $3350 per monk and our goal is to raise $6700 for both of the monks for the year.

Please make check or cash payable to Georgia Buddhist Vihara (or just write GBV) and mentions the donation is for HSA account contribution. Your donation is equally divided between the monks.  Remember that every donation makes a difference, regardless of the amount. Click here to make a difference. Thank you in advance for your support. 

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Vap Poya

Schedule for Two-day Vassana Retreat

At Georgia Buddhist Vihara 3153 Miller Road, Lithonia, GA 30038

 October 6th  & October 7th, 2018  

from 8:00am - 5:00pm 

Led by Bhante Suthadara from Ventura Buddhist Society 

Dear Participants,
Please take your breakfast prior to arrival at the Vihara. Monks will have their breakfast early due to for the time-consuming matter. Recommended arrival time is 7:30 am.

Saturday  program will be conducted in Sinhalese;
October  6th  Saturday

AM 

8:00   = Observance of Precepts and guided meditation
9:00   = Short Break
9:15   = Guided walking meditation
10:00 = Sitting meditation
11:00 = Buddha puja.
11:15 = Lunch & break
12:30 = Dhamma discussion among the practitioners

PM 

1:30   =  Presentation of what discussed and Mindful chanting
2:00   = Dhamma talk
3:00   = Tea break
3:30   = Original Sutta study/Dhamma discussion
4:30   = Sitting meditation/Guided meditation for Metta
5:00   = Sharing merit with all beings and end.

===============================================

Sunday  program will be conducted in English;

October 7th Sunday 

AM 

8:00   = Observance of Precepts and guided meditation
9:00   = Short Break
9:15   = Guided walking meditation
10:00 = Sitting meditation
11:00 = Buddha puja and lunch  

PM 

12:30 = Dhamma discussion among the participants
1:30   = Presentation of what discussed among the groups
2:00-4:00 = for the children and adults
5:00   = Sharing merit with all beings and end.

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Atavisi Buddha Vandana

Atavisi Buddha Vandana 

Everyday @ 7:30pm EST 

(Live Stream on Youtube)

This Rains Retreat season, Atavisi Buddha Puja is live-streamed on YouTube on every evening. Devotees can continue to follow this event at home with family. 

Daily Live Stream Link

Atavisi Buddha Vandana Sign up Sheet

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Binara Poya Two Day Retreat

Schedule for Two-day Vassana Retreat

At Georgia Buddhist Vihara 3153 Miller Road, Lithonia, GA 30038

  Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018  

from 8:00am - 5:00pm 

Led by Bhante Seelananda from Bhavana Society WV 

Dear Participants,
Please take your breakfast prior to arrival at the Vihara. Monks will have their breakfast early due to for the time-consuming matter. Recommended arrival time is 7:30 am.

September 8 Saturday

AM 

8:00   = Observance of Precepts and guided meditation
9:00   = Short Break
9:15   = Guided walking meditation
10:00 = Sitting meditation
11:00 = Buddha puja.
11:15 = Lunch & break {Five monks will be for the lunch Dana}
12:30 = Dhamma discussion among the practitioners

PM 

1:30   =  Presentation of what discussed and Mindful chanting
2:00   = Dhamma talk
3:00   = Tea break
3:30   = Original Sutta study/Dhamma discussion
4:30   = Sitting meditation/Guided meditation for Metta
5:00   = Sharing merit with all beings /End.

===============================================

September 9 Sunday  

AM 

8:00   = Observance of Precepts and guided meditation
9:00   = Short Break
9:15   = Guided walking meditation
10:00 = Sitting meditation
11:00 = Buddha puja and lunch {Only Bhante Seelananda will be for the lunch, Dana}

PM 

12:30 = Dhamma discussion among the participants
1:30   = Presentation of what discussed among the groups
2:00   = Dhamma talk
3:00   = Tea break
3:30   = Sutta discussion
4:30   = Sitting meditation
5:00   = Sharing merit and end.

Venerable Seelananda Thero was born and bred in Sri Lanka as a Theravada monk. Having received the invitation extended from American Sri Lankan Buddhist Association of New York he came to the U.S. for the dissemination of the Dhamma in 2002. Bhante Seelananda, along with his friends, established a meditation Center named “Samatha Vipassana Meditation Centre” in Edmonton Canada. Ven. Seelananda continues to lead retreats at the Bhavana Society and worldwide. Some Dhamma talks by Bhante Seelananda can be found in Internet Archive.

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Nikini Poya

Nikin Poya Program will be observed on Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. We invite you all to join the program.

Venerable Heenbunne Kondanna Thero will be conducting the Nikini Poya Program.  It can be more beneficial for the children. Children Sil Program will start at 8; 30 am till 2:30 pm.   

Bhante Kondañña is a Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk. He received his novice ordination in 1968, his monastic training in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a BA in Buddhist Philosophy from University of Kelaniya also in Sri Lanka. In 1985, he came to the USA to participate and also provide his helpful skills and services at the New York Buddhist Vihara. During that time, the dignified Kondanna began to attend classes at CUNY and now holds a BS in Social Work. Moreover, in 1997, he obtained a MSW from Fordham University in New York.  Bhante Kondanna believes that human beings should grow up having a spiritual foundation. He hopes that his contributions, experiences, and philosophy enrich and enhance the lives of everyone here in New York City, and wherever he wishes to bring his proficiencies.

Program

8:30 am-8:45am -Observance of the eight Precepts, for adult and children/ Buddha Puja and Heel Dana.

8:45am- 9:15am-(self Serving breakfast)

Tea & coffee break

9:15am-10: 15am- 1.Dhamma Desanawa in Sinhala By Ven,  Piyananda Thero 

                               2: Children program by Ven, Kondanna Thero

10-15:am-11am- Bhavana for all (adult and especially for the Children) by Bhante Kondanna                       Thero

11:00am-Buddha Pooja (Must start @ 11.00)

Dana offering to the Bhanthes and those who observe eight precepts; (Self Serving lunch) 

12: noon-Luncheon

1:30- 2:30 Activities for the  for the children by Konddanna Thero; 
  Sutra Discussion   By Bhante Wajrabodhi 

2:30-2:45   Tea & coffee break

2.45-5:30- Discussion with Bhante Kondanna Thero 

Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja

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Rains Retreat Observance Invitation (Vas Ārādhanā)

Rains Retreat Observance Invitation

(Vas Ārādhanā)

The Georgia Buddhist Vihara cordially invites you to participate this year Vas Aradhana (Rains Retreat Invitation) for resident monks on  Saturday, July 28th, 2018 from 5:45 pm to 6:45 p.m. at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. This year Vas Aradhana will be performed by  Niroshena & Erosha Jayawardena family.

 Agenda:
 5:40pm - Gathering & Preparation
 6.00pm - Observing precepts and worship
 6:30pm - Rains Retreat Invitation ceremony
 6:45pm - Anusasana

Atavisi Buddha Vandana Sign up Sheet

Atavisi Buddha Puja is offering obeisance to 28 past Buddhas including the present Gautama Buddha. This ancient devotional practice increases our affinity with infinite virtues of Buddhas and deepens and our commitment on the Path. In this event, we recite the names of past 28 Buddhas and make offerings to them individually. Traditionally this is performed to bring health, prosperity, and success.

We perform Atavisi Buddha Puja all three months in this Rains Retreat season. Please bring your family and friends to participate. Please arrive at the temple by 6:45 PM EST.

The devotees who bring Dana in the evening for the following day could sign up for the Atavisi Buddha Puja for the same evening.

This Rains Retreat season, we live stream Atavisi Buddha Puja on YouTube in every evening. That way one can continue to follow the "Sutta Deshana" that we are planning to discuss every day. 

Georgia Buddhist vihara YouTube live streaming link.

Atavisi Buddha Vandana Sign up Sheet

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Esala Poya and Vas Ārādhanā

Esala Poya Program will be observed on Saturday, July 28, 2018, 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	–	8:30	a.m.	Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30	–	8:45	a.m.	(self Serving breakfast) Tea & coffee break
8:45	–	10:00	a.m.	Dhamma Desanawa By Ven, Morakandegoda Piyananda Thero
10:00	–	11:00	a.m.	Bhavana
11:00	–	11:15	a.m.	Buddha Pooja (Must start @ 11.00)
11:30	–	12:00	Noon	Dana offering to the Bhanthes and those who observe eight precepts; (Self Serving lunch)
12:00	–	1:00	p.m.	Luncheon
Afternoon Program
1:30			2:30	Sutra Discussion  MN16 (චෙතොඛිල සූත්‍රය)
2:30	–	2:45	p.m.	Tea & coffee break
2.45	–	5:30	p.m.	Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
		5:30	p.m.	Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja

Rains Retreat Observance Invitation

(Vas Ārādhanā)

The Georgia Buddhist Vihara cordially invites you to participate this year Vas Aradhana (Rains Retreat Invitation) for resident monks on  Saturday, July 28th, 2018 from 5:45 pm to 6:45 p.m. at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. This year Vas Aradhana will be performed by  Niroshena & Erosha Jayawardena family.

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.

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Poson Poya

Poson  Poya Program will be observed on Saturday, Jun, 9th, 2018 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	–	8:30	a.m.	Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana
8:30	–	8:45	a.m.	(self Serving breakfast) Tea & coffee break
8:45	–	10:00	a.m.	Dhamma Desanawa By Ven, Morakandegoda PiyanandaThero
10:00	–	11:00	a.m.	Bhavana
11:00	–	11:15	a.m.	Buddha Pooja (Must start @ 11.00)
11:30	–	12:00	Noon	Dana offering to the Bhanthes and those who observe eight precepts; (Self Serving lunch)
12:00	–	1:00	p.m.	Luncheon
Afternoon Program
1:30			2:30	Sutra Discussion  MN16 (චෙතොඛිල සූත්‍රය)
2:30	–	2:45	p.m.	Tea & coffee break
2.45	–	5:30	p.m.	Discussion (base on Abhidhamma) by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne
		5:30	p.m.	Termination of the Sil and Gilanpasa Puja

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Monthly Meditation Retreat

On behalf of the Georgia Buddhist Vihara to invite you to the next day-long  vipassana (mindfulness) meditation retreat on Saturday, May 19 from 7:30am to 5pm. This one-day meditation retreat will be held at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara (3153 Miller Road, Lithonia, GA 30038). This one-day retreat is a great way to strengthen and enrich your spiritual practice, explore meditation practices from the Theravada Buddhist tradition, and explore firsthand the benefits of mindfulness meditation. 

This retreat is open to everyone - those who are new to meditation as well as those who are experienced meditators. All meditation instructions and discussions during this retreat will be conducted in English. 

The following is a tentative schedule of the day's events:

MORNING PROGRAM

7:00–7:30am - Arrive and prepare the vihara for the day’s activities

7:30–8:00am: Observance of the Eight Precepts and traditional Buddhist chanting

8:00–9:00am: Breakfast (as a group) and clean-up

9:00–10:00am: 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 sutta/discourse that will be discussed is the What is the purpose? (1. Kimatthiyasutta) found in the Anguttara  Nikaya, discourse # 10-1. You can access the sutta onlineClick here-. Please print and bring a copy of the sutta to the Dhamma discussion.

4:30–5:00pm:  Conclusion - Termination of the Eight Precepts by observing the Five Precepts  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLEASE NOTE:

Participants are asked to contribute (i) a light breakfast food (e.g., fruits, bagels, etc.) and (ii) a lunch dish (preferably vegetarian) to share with the resident monks and the retreat participants. It is common practice to bring flowers, candles, or incense to place on the shrine as an offering – you may do so if you wish. It is also customary in the Theravadan tradition for those observing the eight precepts to wear white clothing to signify purification of morality, though this is not a requirement for attendance.

During this special time, please consider making a monetary donation to the vihara as a way of helping to support the resident monks who make the teachings available and to keep the vihara open so that all people are able to practice and learn the Dhamma.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, July 29. I request 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 this program or other programs offered by the Georgia Buddhist Vihara, please feel free to contact me by email at justinhowell2112@gmail.com. 

I hope that you will be able to join us for this auspicious day. If you are unable to make this retreat, please know that we will be having regular, day-long vipassana retreats throughout the year.  Additionally, I would encourage you to join the community for meditation instruction and Dhamma discussion on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 pm.  

May you, your friends, and family members be well, happy, and peaceful. 

With Metta,

Justin

========================================
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

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