Minnesota Buddhist Vihara

Minnesota Buddhist Vihara is a Theravada Buddhist temple in the state of Minnesota. It was established in 2004 by Venerable Witiyala Seewalie Maha Thera, who is also the current Abbot of the Vihara and the Deputy Chief Sangha Nayaka of North America,[1] appointed by the Malwatta Chapter in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Its 10th anniversary was celebrated on March 30, 2014.[2]

Minnesota Buddhist Vihara
Front view of the Minnesota Buddhist Vihara, Minnesota
Religion
AffiliationTheravada Buddhism
LeadershipWitiyala Seewalie Thera, founder
Location
Location3401 N. 4th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55412
StateMinnesota
CountryUnited States of America
Geographic coordinates45.016933°N 93.285094°W / 45.016933; -93.285094
Website
www.mnbv.org
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History

The Vihara came to an existence in need of a spiritual place in the Midwest. Ven. Seewalie was invited by the Buddhist community in Twin Cities to conduct religious and spiritual activities. Initially, the activities were held at Thien An, a Vietnamese Buddhist temple, in Blaine. As the community started to grow, the current location was purchased and held an opening ceremony on June 24, 2006. His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse, a president of Sri Lanka, issued a greetings on the opening of the temple and said,

“In an era when the Buddhist teaching is most wanted to the world. I treat the inauguration of the Minnesota Buddhist Vihara as a remarkable event. I wish the sublime motive of propagating the teaching of the Buddha by the inaugurators of this vihara be a success”[3]

Services

Since its inception, the Vihara has been a central place for Buddhist community from various backgrounds to come and experience religious and spiritual events such as weekly meditation session, monthly meditation retreats and annual ceremonies.[4]

Its service is not limited to the state but has expanded to neighboring states as well. Resident monks visit South Dakota State Penitentiary once a month to teach and guide mindfulness session for inmates. They also travel to North Dakota twice a year to lead a day-long mindfulness session in Fargo-Moorhead area.[5] In addition, they visit universities, churches, and schools to share the teachings of the Buddha.[6][7]

On April 21, 2019, a public memorial service was held in memory of Sri Lanka Bombing victims.[8][9]

Mission

The Vihara promotes to create peace and harmony within and the surroundings. It is open to public and invites everyone to come and explore the Buddha's teachings.[10]

References
  1. Gunaratne, Shelton A. (7 June 2011). "Malwatte Chapter awards Ven. Witiyala Seewalie Thera post of deputy chief Sangha Nayaka of North America". Sri Lanka Guardian. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  2. Guneratne, Shelton (26 March 2014). "Minnesota Buddhist Vihara celebrates 10th anniversary". LankaWeb. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  3. Jayawardhana, Walter (26 June 2006). "Sri Lankan President says opening of Minnesota Buddhist Vihara a remarkable event". The Buddhist Channel. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  4. Activities of the temple
  5. Inforum, ed. (28 October 2006). "F-M event feature buddhist monks". Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  6. Sun Focus, ed. (26 March 2018). "Stories from Asian-American neighbors". Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  7. Bemidji State University, ed. (11 April 2018). "Gallery: BSU and NTC hosted Mindful Mediation Sessions April 10". Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  8. Klecker, Mara (21 April 2019). "Dozens at Minneapolis Buddhist temple honor Sri Lanka bombing victims". StarTribune. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  9. Wigdahl, Heidi (21 April 2019). "Minnesotans honor victims of Sri Lanka attacks". Kare11. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  10. Boyce, Abigail. "Minnesota Buddhist Vihara". Buddhism in America. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
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