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London Buddhist Vihara

by Ven. Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana Nayaka Thera

London Buddhist Vihara celebrates its 75th Anniversary on September 23, 2001. This is the first Theravada Vihara in the West which serves to spread Buddhism in the West. The care and concern it has shown in providing for the religious needs of large expatriate Buddhist community in Britain, the program it has organized to induce the younger folk to incline towards the learning and practise of fundamentals of Buddhism are quite laudable.

z_london.jpg (45258 bytes)It was that unique visionary of Sri Lanka Anagarika Dharmapala who, fulfilling an urgent need of the time, established in 1926, the London Buddhist Vihara. Among many others who contributed to this epoch making venture the name of Mrs. Mary Foster of Honolulu stands out very prominent because of the considerable financial support given by her. In recognition of this, the first Vihara premises at No. 86, Medley Road, Ealing was named after her.

The London Buddhist Vihara has been able to function efficiently from its very inception because it has had the fortune of having very devoted, erudite Bhikkus as its Heads, assisted by a team of equally committed assistant bhikkus and groups of sincere lay supporters who have been willingly contributing in numerous ways for the growth and success of the Vihara.

Firm foundation

A group of three monks, namely Ven. Parawahera Vajiragnana, Dehigaspe Pannasara and Hegoda Nandasara accompanied by Devapriya Walisinghe laid a firm foundation for the effective functioning of the Vihara. They were followed by such eminent senior bhikkhus as Ven. Rambukwelle Siddhartha, Ven. Narada, Ven. Mirisse Gunasiri and Ven. Hammalawa Saddhatissa who functioned as heads of the Vihara. It was in March 1985 that I assumed the duties as the head of this institution to which I was appointed first as the deputy in 1967.

Until the establishment of Thai Buddhist Vihara in 1966, the London Buddhist Vihara served all Buddhist communities providing them religious service, guidance, and knowledge regarding the Dhamma. While so serving it had to face numerous problems. The Second World War completely disrupted its activities and even its premises, then located at Gloucester Road in Regents Park was acquired by the government for military purposes. For numerous reasons the location of the premises had to be shifted a number of times until it came to occupy the present premises on the Avenue, Chiswick in West London.

The London Buddhist Vihara managed to survive all those and come to the forefront, giving leadership to Buddhist activities inducing equally both young and old to tread the path enunciated in Buddhism and to mould their characters according to Buddhist ethical teachings.

Dhammaduta activities

Being the flagship Buddhist Vihara, it has paved the way for many others to embark upon Dhammaduta activities. For all Buddhist residents in and around London this serves as a place of refuge at all times. The good name earned by the London Buddhist Vihara is such that all Buddhists visiting London make it a point to pay it a visit. Tens of thousands such visitors, both clergy and lay, have come to London Buddhist Vihara.

It is held in high esteem by members of all faiths, for the London Buddhist Vihara is making a remarkable contribution for the promotion of inter-faith dialogue and understanding.

Unlike at its inception now the London Buddhist Vihara is in a more spacious premises, having a floor area of 6,400 square feet a vast improvement from its previous premises which has only a floor area of 1,300 sq. ft. The Anagarika Dharmapala Trust was instrumental in obtaining this premises for the Vihara, and it was declared opened by the Late President of the Trust as well as the Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka Hon. Gamani Jayasuriya. It has been named the Dharmapala Building.

Expanded services

The Vihara while devotedly continuing the good work started by its previous incumbents is now expanding its services. The journal of the Vihara now edited by Venerable Tawalama Bandula is being published under the title SAMADHI. He also has organized an Internet web site. The RAHULA TRUST has been set up by the Vihara to award scholarships to the needy children. The Sunday Dhamma School of the Vihara is well attended and it has also opened up a branch at East Barnet. Classes are held to teach Pali, Sinhala, and classes held on Buddhist doctrine are affiliated to the Department of Extramural Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London. The Annual Vesak celebration is held on a grand scale. Meditation classes are held and many show keen interest. Lots of activities for children are organized with a view to give them opportunities to develop their potential as well as to train them in performing collective undertakings.

All these have contributed to the popularity of the London Buddhist Vihara, and the coming 75th Anniversary celebration certainly would be a remarkable event participated by many eminent representatives from all Buddhist countries, with a colourful cultural pageant to be performed by a reputed group of artistes.

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