Our Vision
At Dhamma Center Inc. Virginia, our mission is to provide a nurturing space for individuals to practice and experience the transformative teachings of the Buddha. We are dedicated to promoting mindfulness, ethical living, and spiritual growth through meditation, education, and community engagement. Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the Dhamma, empowering individuals to live with compassion, wisdom, and tranquility in all aspects of life. Through our services and retreats, we aim to create an inclusive environment where people from all walks of life can explore the path to inner peace and liberation.
Our Mission
- We, as the faithful and wise followers of the Buddha, to fulfill our vision based on “Right understanding”, dedicate to provide a peaceful and congenial monastery for both monks and nuns to live following the monastic Code of Discipline (Vinaya) of the Buddha.
The place, wherever the location, is called “Dhamma Center” in which the ordained monastics can live permanently while cultivating the Middle Path supported by morality (seela), concentration (Samadhi) and wisdom (Paññā) for the achievement of the accomplishment of the goal.
We are the sons and daughters of the Buddha. That is our simple criterion. This Mission is for the achievement of the success of our spiritual goal. Therefore, we never discriminate people based on their Nationality, color, caste, class, religion, race, gender or disability.
We are a group of Buddhist practitioners who dedicate for the well-being and progress of the Buddha Sāsana, the Dispensation of the Buddha. We all are focused on the Supreme Dhamma, the Teachings of the Buddha.
Our Center, “Dhamma Center”, was established on September 11, 2020 in Virginia -USA, as a small non-profit Buddhist organization dedicated to serving the surrounding communities in support of practicing Meditation and the Dhamma taught by the Buddha 2600 years ago. All spiritual services offered by the monastic community and the lay teachers of the “Dhamma Center” are free of charge.
While we practice the Dhamma and Meditation, our firm determination and fervent wish is to share the same Dhamma and Meditation techniques with our local or/international Dhamma friends who seek the Dhamma and Meditation for their daily life and spiritual journey.
For the spiritual enhancement of the lives of the monastics and the lay residents, visitors and the local Communities, our primary sources of inspiration of the Dhamma and Meditation are the Original Teachings of the Buddha found in the ancient Pali Canon.
We are more than happy to share our skills, experiences, and guidance with you for the benefit and happiness of your spiritual life. Our unreserved dedicated volunteer service is always open for you. We wish you a blissful spiritual journey. You are Welcome!
Chief Advisor /Director
Most Venerable Karandulena Dammagaveshi Thero
Most Venerable Karandulena Dammagaveshi Thero is a revered senior monk of the Amarapura Saddama Yukthika Mathara Mahanikaya in Sri Lanka. Since his full ordination in June 2006, he has dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of the Buddha, earning widespread respect both within Sri Lanka and internationally for his exceptional ability to teach Dhamma and lead Buddhist meditation.
Monastic Life and Connection with Nature
Most Venerable Dammagaveshi Thero has spent approximately 17 years living a secluded monastic life in the wilderness of Sri Lanka. His profound connection with nature, sharing his existence with elephants and other wild animals, reflects his deep commitment to the monastic path and his profound understanding of the interdependence of all life.
Dedication to the Dhamma
Driven by a deep curiosity about the nature of suffering as elucidated by the Buddha, Most Ven. Karandulena Dammagaveshi Thero has immersed himself in the practice and teaching of the suttas. His teachings, rooted in personal experience and delivered with clarity and eloquence, have made the sublime Dhamma accessible to the global Sri Lankan Buddhist community. He possesses a unique ability to present deep spiritual teachings in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences, encouraging individuals to reflect on their suffering and awaken their wisdom.
Global Influence and Teachings
Most Venerable Karandulena Dammagaveshi Thero has been a pioneer in bringing the noble Gambira Dhamma to the global Sri Lankan Buddhist community. His teachings, based on the sutras and his extensive experiences, elucidate the Buddha’s teachings in a manner that is both insightful and thought-provoking. His sharp spiritual strength and adeptness in discussing the Dhamma have made him a respected and inspiring guide on the spiritual path.
Most Venerable Dammagaveshi Thero has extensive international experience, having visited the USA, Australia, the UK, Canada, and Oman. His insightful Dhamma discussions, teachings, compassionate guidance, and numerous community service projects have significantly enhanced spiritual growth among Buddhist communities worldwide. His profound understanding of Buddhist principles and his remarkable ability to convey these teachings have deeply impacted many lives.
Leadership and Community Impact
As the Chief Advisor and Director of the Dhamma Center, Most Venerable Dammagaveshi Thero’s profound spiritual insights and extensive experience in teaching and guiding practitioners enrich the community. His leadership and wisdom inspire many on the path of Dhamma, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.
Most Ven. Dammagaveshi Thero’s life and work embody a deep dedication to the Dhamma and a remarkable ability to guide and inspire the global Buddhist community. His teachings continue to resonate with contemporary audiences, making the timeless wisdom of the Buddha accessible and relevant in today’s world.
Venerable Bhikkhunī Kurunegala Dhammadinna,
Founder/ Vice President
A Life Dedicated to the Dhamma
A Visionary Leader and Devotee of the Sangha
Venerable Kurunegala Dhammadinna Bhikkhuni, founder of the Dhamma Center in Virginia, USA, is an American citizen, Sri Lankan-born Theravāda Bhikkhunī whose life is an extraordinary example of devotion to the Buddha’s teachings. As an American citizen with deep cultural roots in Sri Lanka, she bridges two worlds while maintaining the noble tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. Her journey began long before her ordination, with remarkable contributions to the preservation of Buddhist monasticism. Even as a laywoman, she displayed an unparalleled connection to Sri Lanka’s forest monasteries, taking on the noble duty of supporting the Maha Sangha living in these secluded, serene environments. Her dedication to nurturing monastic traditions, even amidst challenges, was a clear reflection of her unwavering commitment to the Dhamma.
A Buddhist Childhood and the Seeds of Renunciation
Growing up in a devout Buddhist family, Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna was immersed in the Dhamma from an early age. Her family’s heritage was deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, with three elder relatives having already embraced the monastic path. As a child, she actively participated in acts of generosity by offering alms (dāna) to the Maha Sangha, listening to Dhamma teachings, and observing the eight precepts on full-moon days alongside her grandparents. These early experiences planted the seeds of renunciation and nurtured her desire to walk the path of liberation. With a strong foundation of faith and practice, her journey to ordination seemed inevitable, guided by the moral and spiritual compass instilled in her by her family.
The Path to Ordination
In 2019, Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna took a pivotal step in her spiritual journey by ordaining as a Sāmanerī (novice nun) in Sri Lanka. This marked the formal beginning of her monastic life, which was deeply rooted in simplicity, mindfulness, and meditation. Her path reached a historic milestone in 2022 when she received full ordination as a Bhikkhunī in Virginia, USA. This groundbreaking event occurred at a newly consecrated sima under the inaugurated guidance of Most Venerable Bhikkhunī Peliyagoda Sudarshana Maha Theri (her Achāriṇī-Teacher) and Most Venerable Aggamaha Pandit Dr. Walpola Piyananda Maha Thera (her Upajjhāya-Preceptor). With the support of 40 Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunīs, her ordination not only reinforced the Bhikkhunī lineage within Theravāda Buddhism but also served as an inspiration for women worldwide to embrace the monastic path.
Empowering the Bhikkhunī Sangha
Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna Bhikkhuni’s life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the Eightfold Noble Path and the empowerment of women within Buddhism. Through her compassionate efforts, she has supported three women and two men in entering the monastic life, providing guidance and mentorship as they embarked on their spiritual journeys. Her work is bolstered by the steadfast support of her mentors, Most Venerable Bhikkhunī Peliyagoda Sudarshana Maha Theri, Most Venerable Dr. Walpola Piyananda Maha Thera, and Most Venerable Karandulena Dammagaveshi Thera (he is her forest monastic Dhamma Advisor), who have consistently guided and encouraged her endeavors.
Bridging Communities Through the Dhamma
A significant aspect of Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna’s work lies in her ability to bridge communities by introducing forest monastic monks who convey the Buddha’s teachings with profound clarity. These teachings inspire practitioners to seek wisdom and liberation through the Dhamma. Her connection to forest traditions has not only brought spiritual enrichment to countless individuals but has also strengthened ties between lay communities and monastics, creating a harmonious space for spiritual growth.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna Bhikkhuni’s contributions have profoundly impacted the visibility and acceptance of female monastics within the Theravāda tradition. Her work empowers women to embrace the Bhikkhunī lineage, fostering a legacy of equality, mindfulness, and liberation. By embodying the transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings, she has inspired countless individuals to deepen their practice and strive for liberation. Her life is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for future generations to honor and uphold the Dhamma.
Bhante Ven. Kurunegala Dhammagaveshi Thero
Venerable Kurunegala Dhammagaveshi Thero, born in Sri Lanka, has resided in the United States for over 20 years. In 2022, he embraced monastic life, dedicating himself to the Eightfold Path and the teachings of the Buddha. As the founder and president of Dhamma Center Inc. in Winchester, Virginia, he has been instrumental in fostering spiritual growth within the Buddhist community. His vision includes organizing Dhamma discussions led by senior forest monastic monks visiting the United States and accompanying them internationally to share the teachings of the Buddha with both Buddhist and non-Buddhist audiences. Through his dedication, the Dhamma Center has become a vibrant hub for spiritual engagement and community building. Venerable Dhammagaveshi Thero’s unwavering commitment to spreading the Dhamma and enriching spiritual lives continues to inspire many within the Buddhist community. His selfless volunteer work as a monk significantly contributes to the global dissemination of the Dhamma, leaving a lasting impact both locally and internationally.