A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ABVA

Since its beginnings in May 1983, the Alberta Buddhist Vihara Association has grown to its present status as a community oriented religious organization serving its members and the public at large. Records on file show a group of founding members who felt the need for a Buddhist Association to serve the needs of Sri Lankan Buddhists living in Edmonton and surrounding communities.

The inaugural committee and subsequent office bearers who were instrumental in initiating and sustaining the ABVA were: Andy Wickramasuriya, Sudu Vatagodakumbura, Saman Silva, Sanath and Eeshani De Silva, Nick De Silva, Lakshman Makavita, Ratnasiri Fernando, Edwin Wijedasa, Dr. Tissa Kappagoda, Raja and Pushpa Liyanage and Dr. Mano Senaratne. In 1994, the ABVA received the Registered Charitable Association (Reg. No: 89304 3646 RR 0001) status from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. This has enabled the ABVA to issue tax receipts to acknowledge all donations

The late, Venerable Dr. Havanpola Ratanasara of the Dharmavijaya Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, California was the first patron who guided the initial phases of the fledgling ABVA in 1983 and for a few years thereafter.

Since the passing away of Venerable Ratanasara, several patrons have been invited by the ABVA to provide guidance. They are:

Venerable Madawela Punnaji, Spiritual Director of the Toronto Westend Buddhist Vihara
Venerable Madawla Seelawimala of the American Buddhist Seminary in Sacramento, California
Venerable Henepola Gunaratane, Bhavana Society of West Virginia,
Venerable Dedunupitiye Upananda of the Calgary Ehipassiko Buddhist Centre
Among the other distinguished venerable monks who have been hosted by the ABVA over the years are:

Walpola Piyananda, Dharmavijaya Buddhist Vihara, L.A.
Mirisse Dhammika, Vancouver Buddhist Vihara
Kumbalgoda Siriniwasa, Vancouver Buddhist Vihara
Kurunegoda Piyatissa, New York Buddhist Vihara
Pannila Ananda, Houston Buddhist Vihara
Brahmanagamage Muditha, Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara, Michigan
Siyambalagoda Ananda, Buddhist Assn. of Olympia, Washington
Alawala Subhuti, Las Vegas Buddhist Vihara
Ahangama Ratnasiri, Toronto Maha Vihara
Sona, Birken Forest Monastery, B.C.
Kolitha, Sarachchandra Meditation Center, N. Hollywood
We owe our gratitude to these and other venerable monks not listed above for their compassion and guidance in the Dhamma.

The following are highlights of major events organized by the ABVA during the past:

    1. Annual Pirith Ceremony: To invoke blessings of the triple gem. (This event started by Dr. Tissa Kappagoda, when he was the President of ABVA, has been continued without a break)
    2. Radio/TV interviews by Venerable Punnaji
    3. Talks at University of Alberta by Venerable Punnaji, Venerable Gunaratane, Venerable Sona
    4. Lecture series on Buddhist Philosophy by Venerable Punnaji
    5. Lecture series on Buddhism by Venerable Gunaratane
    6. Meditation retreats conducted by Venerable Punnaji, Venerable Gunaratane, Venerable Sona
    7. Children's Dhamma classes conducted by visiting monks and ABVA lay teachers
    8. Seniors meditation program conducted by Venerable Seelawimala
    9. Stress management workshops conducted by Venerable Punnaji

Our Affiliations
The ABVA is affiliated with the following Associations and/or organizations:

    1. The Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation, whose compassion and generosity has enabled the members of the ABVA to have a place of worship and meditation for nearly 18 years.
    2. The Light of the Dhamma Society (Edmonton), with whom the ABVA has jointly conducted a number of meditation retreats and public lectures on Buddhism.
    3. The International Buddhist Friends Association (Edmonton), with whom the ABVA has participated in annual Buddhist celebrations and lectures on Buddhism.
    4. The Sri Lanka Canada Friendship Association of Edmonton, of which the ABVA is an affiliate member, thus having privileges to use the community building.

Samatha- Vipassana Meditation Centre - Established in 2006
After some 25 years of existence, the ABVA was successful in establishing a home or a Centre to be the hub of its activities in 2004. The Centre is located at 2329 Millbourne Road West in South East Edmonton in the Community of Milwods. It is headed by Venerable Talgaswewe Seelananda and assisted by Venerable Galkulame Meddhankara.