Theravada Buddhist Temple and Vipassana Meditation Center

The Georgia Buddhist Vihara is dedicated to the promotion of the Theravada Buddhist teachings through the practice of meditation, study of Buddhist scriptures, Dhamma School for children and regular religious ceremonies. The Vihara was established in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Monday, March 12, 2012




Vipassana ("mindfulness") meditation retreat and noble day of silence on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 7am to 6pm.  This one-day meditation retreat will held at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara (3153 Miller Road, Lithonia, GA 30038).  For this retreat, all meditation instructions, discussions, and Dhamma talks will be conducted in English. This retreat is open to everyone....those who are new to meditation as well as those who are experienced meditators.

Below is a tentative schedule of the day's events:

MORNING PROGRAM

7:30am – 8:00am: Observance of Refuge and the Eight Precepts, Buddha Puja ("offerings"), and traditional Buddhist chanting in Pali (with English translations).

8:00am – 8:30am: Breakfast (self-service)

8:30am – 10:00am: Meditation instructions and vipassana meditation

10:00am – 10:30am: Break (coffee/tea) and personal reflection/reading

10:30am – 11:00am: Metta ("Loving-Friendliness") meditation



11:00am - 11:30am: Buddha Puja

11:30am – 12:30pm:  Lunch (self-service)

AFTERNOON PROGRAM
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Walking meditation

1:30pm – 2:00pm: Break (coffee/tea) & personal reflection/reading

2:00pm - 3:00pm: Vipassana meditation

3:00pm – 5:00pm: Sutta Discussion: We will continue our investigation of the teachings found in the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle Length Teachings) by discussing the Dvedhavitakka Sutta: Two Kinds of Thoughts (MN #19) - In this teaching, the Buddha describes his pursuit of Awakening, and his realization of two types of thoughts...those that lead to Awakening and those that lead to more problems/suffering/dukkha. Please click here for the Suttra  - Please print a copy of the sutta and bring it to Saturday's discussion.)

5:00pm - 6:00pm  Observance of the Five Precepts and Termination of the Eight Precepts, Buddha Puja, and concluding chanting.

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PLEASE NOTE:

Participants will need to bring (1) a small breakfast food that would go along with oatmeal which will be provided (for example fruits, bagels, etc.) and (2) a lunch dish (preferably vegetarian) to share with the monks and the participants in the retreat as a form of dana (generosity).  It is also customary to bring flowers, candles (tea light), or incense to place on the shrine as an offering. It is also customary to wear white clothing when observing the Eight Precepts, though this is not a requirement.

During this special time, please consider making a monetary donation to the vihara as a form of dana (generosity) so that we can continue to support the monks and to keep the vihara open so that all people are able to practice and learn about the Dhamma (the Buddha's teachings).

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, March 17 at the vihara.  To confirm that you are planning on attending the retreat or if you have questions about our program, please feel free to contact me either by email (justinhowell2112@gmail.comor by phone at 404/375.0264



I hope that you will be able to join us for this day of quiet contemplation.  If you are unable to make this retreat, please know that we will be having regular, day-long vipassana retreats once a month throughout the year. Additionally, you may join us for meditation and discussion on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00pm.

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

Sunday, January 8, 2012


The Georgia Buddhist Vihara Sunday Dhaham  Pasala  will be held on following days;  
Please mark your calendars for 2013 and 1014  schedule of activities of the
Georgia Buddhist Vihara Sunday Dhamma School and look at the Vihara
website for further detail. Two families are assigned for providing with snack for these activities. If these assigned dates are not convenient for you please discuss among yourselves and exchange dates. We would appreciate it very much if each family would kindly remove the garbage and clean the kitchen after serving the snacks. It would also be an excellent example for children to keep the kitchen and Vihara clean. Needless to say how appreciative all of us would be if you would kindly remember to bring some flowers to offer to the Buddha
on the day you serve snacks.  Please Note: If you have any suggestion of these dates; changes or adjustment,  let us know as soon as possible.


·  Sept-22      Sanali Senanayake  Family and Nileesha, Suranga  Family

·  Oct-6         Niroshana,  Erosha   family and Kithmin & Krishani Family

·  Nov-03      Luminda,  Kisa family  and Ajith, Harsha Family

·  Dec-01       Ajith,  Shayamali family and Viranga,  Rasika family

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2014

·  Jan-12       Hiruni,  Mindika and Indrachapa,  Sam family

·  Feb-02      Nayana,Nadija Family,Kalinga,KumuduFamily

·  March-02 Chamila ,Chirangee  Family and Uditha,Ruvani Family

·  April-06    Padmashanta,Achala family and Sajee,Sampath Family

·  May-04     Taniya ,Deeptha Family and Ranjith,Roshini Family.


Dec 13:   Deepal Jayagoda Family and Daminda Manamendra Family

Dec 27:    Ranjith Siyasena Family and  Lalith Jayasinghe Family

With Metta

Bhante Wajirabuddhiwe can help,

we need to understand,

before we can understand,

we need to listen,

before we can listen,

we need to be quiet.

----------------------------------

From;

Path to peace

Dear Parents and Children,

The next Sunday school will be held on Dec, 13. See you all at 1.30pm.

Dec 13:   Deepal Jayagoda Family and Daminda Manamendra Family

Dec 27:    Ranjith Siyasena Family and  Lalith Jayasinghe Family

With Metta

Bhante Wajirabuddhiwe can help,

we need to understand,

before we can understand,

we need to listen,

before we can listen,

we need to be quiet.

----------------------------------

From;

Path to peace

Dear Parents and Children,

The next Sunday school will be held on Dec, 13. See you all at 1.30pm.

Dec 13:   Deepal Jayagoda Family and Daminda Manamendra Family

Dec 27:    Ranjith Siyasena Family and  Lalith Jayasinghe Family

With Metta

Bhante Wajirabuddhiwe can help,

we need to understand,

before we can understand,

we need to listen,

before we can listen,

we need to be quiet.

----------------------------------

From;

Path to peace

Dear Parents and Children,

The next Sunday school will be held on Dec, 13. See you all at 1.30pm.

Dec 13:   Deepal Jayagoda Family and Daminda Manamendra Family

Dec 27:    Ranjith Siyasena Family and  Lalith Jayasinghe Family

With Metta

Bhante Wajirabuddhi

Sunday, January 1, 2012


Maratajjaniya Sutta  
Translation by Upalavanna
(http://tipitaka.wikia.com/wiki/Maratajjaniya_Sutta)

I heard thus.

At one time venerable Mahaamoggallaana was living in the Bhagga country, in the deer park among the Su.msunaara peaks in the Bhesakalaa forest. At that time venerable Mahaamoggallaana was walking in the open. Death the Evil One entered venerable Mahaamoggallaana’s stomach through the groins Then it occurred to venerable Mahaamoggallaana, why is my stomach so heavy, as though in advanced pregnancy. Then venerable Mahaamoggallaana stepped out of the walking meditation and entered the monastery and sat on the seat prepared.

Seated he directed his attention inside. When attending internally he saw the Evil One in the stomach entered through the groins, and addressed him: Evil One get out! Do not worry the Thus Gone One and the disciples of the Thus Gone One. It will be for your unpleasantness for a long time. Even his Teacher would not know me so quickly, how could his disciple know me so quickly. Evil One I know your thinking, "He does not know me" You are the Evil One. I knowing and seeing you address. Get out Evil One! Do not worry the Thus Gone One. Do not worry the disciples of the Thus Gone One. It will be for your unpleasantness for a long time . Even if it was his Teacher, he would not know me so quickly. How could his pupil know me so quickly Evil One did it occur to you, "even his teacher would not know me so quickly, how could the pupil know me so quickly?" Then it occurred to Death the Evil One, This recluse knows me and sees me and says Get out! Evil One. Do not worry the Thus Gone One and do not worry the disciples of the Thus Gone One. It will be for your unpleasantness for a long time. Then Death the Evil One came out of the mouth and got stuck in the throat.

Venerable Mahaamoggallaana saw the Evil One stuck in the throat and said, I see you there too. You are stuck in the throat. In the past there was an Evil One named Duusi. To me there was a sister named Kaali. You were her son. Then you were my nephew. It was at the time of the perfect rightfully enlightened Blessed One Kakusanda’s time. To the perfect rightfully Enlightened One, Kakusanada, there were two chief disciples named Vidura and Sa~njiiva. Out of the disciples of the Enlightened One Kakusanda, there wasn’t anyone comparable to venerable Vidura in teaching. He was so sharp, with that meaning he was given the name Vidura. As for venerable Sa~njiiva, gone to the forest, to the root of a tree or to an empty house, would without difficulty attain the cessation of peceptions and feelings. It happended that one day venerable Sa~njiiva attained to the cessation of perceptions and feelings. Then the cowherds, cattle-herds, farmers and wayfarers saw venerable Sa~jiiva attained to the cessation of perceptions and feelings, at the root of a certain tree. Then it occurred to them, it is wonderful, and surprising this recluse has fulfilled time seated. Then they collected grass, sticks, cowdung and dirt on top of him and set fire to it, and went away. Then venerable Sa~njiiva got up from the cessation of perceptions and feelings at the end of that night. Cleaning up his bowl and robes and putting on robes and taking bowl and robes entered that village for alms. The cowherds, cattleherds, farmers and wayfarers seeing venerable Sa~njiiva going for alms were surprised and said, this recluse had fulfilled time seated and now he has got up from it, he is alive again. Thus the name sa~njiiva came to him

Then to the Evil One Duusi it occurred thus: I do not know the comings and goings*1) of these virtuous bhikkhus, what if I took possession of the brahmin householders and scolded and abused the virtuous bhikkhus. Then if we arouse the bhikkhus, we would get a chance to change the minds of these bhikkhus. Then the Evil One Duusi took possession of the brahmin householders and scolded the bhikkhus and worried them: These are recluse shavellings, menials, wicked ones, born from the foot of Brahma, saying we concentrate, muse with drooping heads and face turned down. Reflect and waste, like owls waiting among branches for mice. These recluse shavellings, menials, wicked ones, born from the foot of Brahma, saying we concentrate, muse with drooping heads and face turned down..Reflect and waste, like jackals on the bank of the river waiting for fish. These recluse shavellings, menials, wicked ones, born from the foot of Brahma saying we concentrate muse with drooping heads and face turned down. Reflect and waste, like a cat waiting for rats on a heap of rubbish. These recluse shavellings, menials, wicked ones, born from the foot of Brahma, saying we concentrate muse with drooping heads and face turned down. Reflect and waste, like a donkey released from its burden standing in a heap of rubbish. O! Evil One, many humans who died at that time, were born in loss, in hell.

Then the perfect and rightfully enlightened, Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: Bhikkhus, the brahmin householders are possessed by the Evil One Duusi. If they scold and worry these bhikkhus we will get a chance, when the minds of these bhikkhus change. Come bhikkhus, abide with the thought of loving kindness pervading one direction, so too the second, the third, the fourth, above, below and across. In all circumstances, for all purposes, and towards all, abide with that thought of loving kindness developed and grown great without anger. Abide with the thought of compassion. Abide with the thought of intrinsic joy. Abide with the thought of equanimity pervading one direction, so too the second, the third, the fourth, above, below, and across. In all circumstances, for all purposes and towards all abide with the thought of equanimity developed and grown great without anger. Evil One, those bhikkhus advised by the enlightened one Kakusanda, gone to the forest, to the root of a tree, or to an empty house, abode with the thought of loving kindness pervading one direction, so too the second, the third, the fourth, above, below and across. In all circumstances, for all purposes, and towards all, abode with that thought of loving kindness developed and grown great without anger. Abode with the thought of compassion. Abode with the thought of intrinsic joy. Abode with the thought of equanimity pervading one direction, so too the second, the third, the fourth, above, below, and across. In all circumstances, for all purposes and towards all, abode with the thought of equanimity developed and grown great without anger.

Then it occurred to Duusi the Evil One, doing this the goings and comings of the virtuous bhikkhus, are not known. What if I possessed the minds of these brahmin householders and made them revere, honour and worship these virtuous bhikkhus. Then we will get a chance, when the minds of these bhikkhus change. Come, householders, revere, honour, and worship these virtuous bhikkhus. So the brahmin householders revered, honoured, and worshipped the virtuous bhikkhus. Most of the humans who died at that time went to increase, were born in heaven.

Then O! Evil one, the perfect, rightfully enlightened Kakusanda Blessed One, addressed the bhikkhus. Bhikkhus, the brahmin householders are possessed by the Evil One Duusi. He says, come, revere, honour and worship these virtuous bhikkhus. Then we will get a chance, when the minds of these bhikkhus change Therefore bhikkhus abide developping loathesomeness of the body, loathesomeness of supports, the perception of detachment from the whole world. Seeing impermanence in all determinations. Then those bhikkhus, thus advised by the perfect rightfully enlightened Kakusanda Blessed One gone to the forest, to the root of a tree or to an empty house would abide developping loathesomeness of the body, loathesomeness of supports, the perception of detachment from the whole world and seeing impermanence in all determinations.

Then the perfect rightfully enlightened Kakusanda Blessed One, putting on robes in the morning and taking bowl and robes entered the village for alms with venerable Vidura as second recluse. Then Duusi the Evil One taking possession of a certain boy taking a stone hit on the head of Venerable Vidura. The head split and with blood streaming he followed close behind. The perfect rightfully enlightened Kakusanda Blessed One looked at him with the elephant’s look thinking this Maara Duusi should know his limits, and together with that look he was born in the Great Hell. This hell has three names; The sphere of the six contacts, pulled along with iron spikes, giver of internal pain. Then I approached the waderers of that hell and asked, good sirs, from when were your hearts pierced with spikes. They do not know it, and experience it since a thousand years. O! Evil One, I have experience of suffering in that hell for a hundred thousand years. For ten thousand years I suffered in that hell prominently suffering with a special pain. Evil One in that hell I had the body of a human and the head of a fish.

How was the hell that Duusi suffered,
Harming the disciple Vidhura and the brahmin Kakusanda.
A hundred iron spikes pierced the heart giving internal pain,
Duusi suffered in such a hell, harming the disciple Vidhura and
The brahmin Kakusanda
If he knew this much, this is a disciple of the enlightened one,
Hurting such a bhikkhu I would go to dark unpleasantness.
In the middle is a mansion which stands for a world cycle
It shines like the lapis gem
Nymphs dance there decked in various colours.
If he knew this much, this is a disciple of the enlightened one,
Hurting such a bhikkhu would go to dark unpleasantness
He who was chosen by the enlightened one, out of the community,
To shake the palace of Migaara’s mother with the toe.
If he knew this much, this is a disciple of the enlightened one,
Hurting such a bhikkhu I would go to dark unpleasantness
He shook the Vejanta palace with his toe,
Full of super normal powers aroused consternation in the gods.
If he knew this much, this is a disciple of the enlightened one,
Hurting such a bhikkhu, I would go to dark unpleasantness,
At the Vejanta palace, he questioned Sakka
Venerable one do you know the release with the destruction of craving.
To him Sakka explained, when the question was asked
The disciple of the enlightened one who could do this much
If he knew this much, this is a disciple of the enlightened one,
Hurting such a bhikkhu, I would go to dark unpleasantness.
He questioned, Brahma fearlessly in the Sudhamma assembly,
Venerable one do you maintain that view, you had earlier,
That we see you, enjoying the pleasures of the brahma world..
Then Brahma explained in stages, that he does not maintain that view
Although I enjoy the pleasures of Brahma
I know it is a mistake to think it is permanent and eternal.
If he knew this much, this is a disciple of the enlightened one,
Hurting such a bhikkhu, I would go to dark unpleasantness
He touched the peak of Mahaameru attained to voidity
Touched the forests of Pubbavidheha and the people sleeping there
If he knew this much, this is a disciple of the enlightened one,
Hurting such a bhikkhu, I would go to dark unpleasantness.
Fire does not think I will not burn the fool,
It burns the fool and also the wrong doer
Thus Evil One, you have hurt the Thus Gone One,
By oneself is one burnt, as the fool who has touched fire.
Evil One you have accumulated demerit, hurting the Thus Gone One
Evil One do you think, results of demerit will not come to me
Evil One, the doer accumulates demerit throughout a long time,
Evil One, go away from the enlightened one, do not worry the bhikkhu.
Thus the Evil One did not hurt the bhikkhu in the Bhesakalaa forest.
The displeased demon, vansihed from there.



Thursday, December 29, 2011



The Duruthu Poya day program will be held on on Sunday, Jan 08, 2012, from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara,  We invite you all, to join the program.



MORNING PROGRAM

7:30am – 8:30am Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana.

8:30am – 9:00am Tea, & coffee break

9:00am – 11:00am Vipassana Meditation.

11:00am Buddha Puja

11:20am – 12 Noon Dana offering to the monks and those who observe eight precepts. For more information please feel free to contact the Vihara at 770-987-8442.)

AFTERNOON PROGRAM

12nn – 1:00pm Luncheon

1:00 – 2:30pm Discussion will be base on Abhidhamma by Dr. Deepta Jayaratne

2:30 – 2:45pm Break.

3.00-4.00 Dharmadeshanawa

4:00 – 5:30 Sutra Discussion;Vammikasutta : The Simile of the Ant Hill  (English, Sinhala)

5:30 pm  Termination of the Sil, Gilanpasa Pujava

Tuesday, December 6, 2011




  • The unique event of bringing the Bo-sapling of the sacred Jayasiri Maha Bodhi (under which our blessed one, the enlightened one, attained the supreme bliss of Buddhahood) from India to Anuradhapura by Sangha Miththa Maha Rahath Therani (Emperor Asoka’s  daughter, Arahat Mahinda thera’s sister,  young beautiful, charming, princess Sangamitta, who entered the Bhikkuni Sasana at the age of 18 years).  Sangamitta Therani arrived in Dambakolapatuna port in Jaffna (after seven days of sea journey) with a right branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi in India accompanied by a retinue of several others who joined her in this voyage.  This Bo-Sapling was planted in the "Mahamevuna Uyana", the headquarters of Buddhism in ancient Sri Lanka. This event symbolises that Buddhism took deep root throughout the length and breadth of Sri Lanka.

  • The second most important mission or the purpose of Sangamitta’s arrival, was the establishment of Bhikkuni Sasanaya or order of the Buddhist nuns. Queen Anula, was the first to be ordained. Later thousands of ladies from all walks of life entered the Buddhist order as Bhikkunis.

Friday, October 7, 2011


Annual Kathina Maha Pinkama 


Katina refers to the offering of  a special robe (katina civara) carefully prepared by  pious laity and presented by them to monks who have completed the three-month period of retreat called Vas in Sinhala and Vassana in Pali (literally, ‘the period of rain’).  Katina literally means ‘firm’ or ‘solid,’ as the offering of a Katina robe helps one to earn good, solid karma. The Katina Ceremony has a history spanning more than 2500 years.  A special element of the Katina robe offering   is that it is not offered to an individual monk, but to the entire community of Sangha; to all noble disciples of the Buddha --  and not only to enlightened ones, but also to those monks yet to be enlightened.  The Katina robe can be offered only during a specified period at the end of the rains retreat, between the full-moon day of October and the full-moon day of November. It is a monastic tradition long preserved and observed by Buddhists all over the world, and is highly revered as a unique, once-yearly opportunity to acquire merit. Georgia Buddhist Vihara will celebrate Kathina on October 22nd 23rd. ( below is the full program)This year Kathina Pinkama is sponsored by devout devotee; Mr and Mrs. Janaka and Nishani De Silva. You are invited to attend this meritorious Pinkama.

SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY OCTOMBER- 22

7: 30 AM: Observance of the Eight Precepts (children and young adult welcome to observe Precepts)

8:15 am: Heel Dana

9: 15-11:00 am: Bhavana

11 am: Buddha Pujawa

1:00pm to 3: 00 pm: Abhidhamma lesson By Dr. Deeptha Jayaratne

3: oo pm: Break

3:15 pm to 4:30pm: Dharmadeshanawa

4: 30 pm to 5:30 Pm: Sutra Discussion (click here)

5:50 pm to 7:30 pm: Atavishi Buddha Pujawa, and Pirith chanting.


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SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY OCTOMBER -23

7:30 am: Buddha Pujawa, and Heel Dana

9: am to 10: am: Bhavana

10: 30 am: Pindapata

11: am: Buddha Pujawa

What should  you bring for the Dana Please click on this link {Click Here}

11: 30 am: Lunch (Dana) while monks are having Dana devotees will join into Kathina Robe procession.

12 noon: Offering of the Kathina robe by Mr. and Mrs. Janka and Nishani de silva.

Luncheon and Kathinanisansa Dharmadeshanawa.

2:30 to 3: pm: End of the program.

Thursday, September 1, 2011


The Binara Poya   program will be held on   Sep 10  2011, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara,  We invite you all, to join the Binara Full moon day program.

MORNING PROGRAM

7:30am – 8:30am Observance of the eight Precepts, Buddha Puja and Heel Dana.

8:30am – 9:00am Tea, & coffee break

9:00am – 11:00am  Vipassana Meditation.

11:00am Buddha Puja

11:20am – 12 Noon: Daval Dana

AFTERNOON PROGRAM   

12noon – 1:00pm Luncheon

1:00 – 3:00pm  Abhidhamma Lessons by Dr. Deeptha Jayaratne

3:00-4:00pm   Dharma Deshanawa by Ven. B. Dhammaloka Thero

4:00 –5: 30pm  Sutra Discussion; Vitakkasanthana   Sutra  {Please click Here}

5:30 – 5:45  pm Break

5:45-6:30pm  Atavisi Buddha Pujawa

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