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A Noble Offering of Devotion

 
We are deeply grateful to the dedicated team from New Jersey who initiated a noble project to build an open-air shrine to protect a sacred Buddha statue at the Dhamma Center in Virginia. The foundation was laid on April 20th 2025, marking the beginning of a truly meritorious endeavor.

 

We humbly extend our deepest appreciation to the compassionate individuals who brought this project to life through their dedication and heartfelt service:

• Wishwa Weerasinghe led the design and planning with exceptional creativity and devotion.
• Jayan de Silva, Wasantha Dalawella, Damith Karunarathna, and Jagath Kumarasinghe worked tirelessly with skill and unity, offering their labor with selfless determination.
• From Virginia, Upul Obeyesekere and Lalaka Palliyaguru, and from Maryland, Thushara Rodrigo, gave their full support and energy to every aspect of the project.
• With loving-kindness, Hansathi prepared delicious meals to nourish all involved.
• And with sincere care, Shiromā supported the team in countless compassionate ways.

 

Though not professionally trained, their years of service at local monasteries gave them hands-on experience to complete the first phase with great precision. Their quiet humility was remarkable—they returned to New Jersey the same day, leaving behind a symbol of selfless service.

 

The shrine is not yet complete, and the team plans to return to finish the project soon, continuing this noble act of generosity. We offer heartfelt blessings to each of them and their families. May this meritorious deed bring peace, health, and spiritual strength—and may it be a lasting source of inspiration and a refuge for many.

 

 

 

Dhamma Center – Project Plan & Budget (2024 to 2026)

Phase 1: Immediate Projects
● Project Description – Install 12×10 Gazebo (front and back porch area)
● Estimated Budget (USD) -$1,800 – $2,500
● Timeline – March – May 2025
 Project Description : Concrete Water Drainage Walls (on both sides of gazebo)
● Estimated Budget (USD) – $700 – $1,000
● Timeline – April – May 2025
 
● Project Description : Gutter Installation (both sides of monastic residence roof)
● EstimatedBudget $600-$800
● Timeline – April- May 2025
● Project Description : Landscaping – Mulch +Tree planting around the new
monastic. residence
● Estimated Budget – $1,000 -$1200
● Timeline : Apr–May 2025
● Project Description : Clean & Mulch around Main Building (including
trimming trees)
● Estimated Budget : $200
● Apr–May 2025
● Project Description : Garage Cleanup (organization) & Basement
● April 2025
Phase 2: Extended Projects (2024 –2026)
 
Monastic Resident :
3 bedroom, living room, Kitchen 2 full bath and powder room  attic, Plumbing, Electrical, Digging a well & Septic  etc.,
Estimated Budget : $275,000/-
Timeline : Project Started in 2024
 
Full Bathroom Construction in the basement
Estimated Budget : $8000 – $10,000/-
Timeline : Project is scheduled to start in 2025
 
“Seemā Malakaya” & Meditation Hall – 20×20 ft
Estimated Budget : $15,000/-
Timeline : Project is scheduled to start in June 2025
 
Option for Seemalakaya & Meditation hall
1. Solid Building with electricity – $175,000/-
2. Shead installed insolation windows $ 15,000/-
3. Wood Cabin – $20, 000 to $25,000/-
 

 

 

Installation of Kutis at the Dhamma Center to Support Visitors in Practicing the Eightfold Path with Comfort and Peace

 

Why This Project?


To support the growing needs of our Dhamma Center community, we are pleased
to share an update regarding accommodations for lay visitors.
Our Center currently includes one main house and one kuti designated for
monastics. In keeping with the Vinaya and its emphasis on proper boundaries,
laypeople and monastics are required to reside separately.

 

Upcoming Improvements

 

1. Two Lay Kuti Sheds
• Size: Each 12 x 14 ft – At the back of the property
2. Bathroom Access
Lay residents will use the bathroom in the basement of the main house.
3. Emergency Sanitation
Portable toilets (e.g., Johnny on the Spot) will be placed near the kuti area for
nighttime/emergency use.
This project is part of our commitment to:
• Uphold the Vinaya discipline
• Offer comfortable, separate accommodations
• Foster a peaceful space for both lay and monastic practitioners

 

 

Thank You!

We deeply appreciate your continued support as we work to grow and develop our
Dhamma Center for the benefit of all beings.