Here stands the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Centre. It is a beacon of peace. Have you noticed the quiet serenity that seems to emanate from this place?
Mahamevnawa is more than just a building. It is a spiritual home for many. It is dedicated to the teachings of the Sakyamuni Buddha. This Buddha was born in 500 B.C.
The Mahamevnawa organization has established many monasteries. These monasteries help people develop spiritually. Their only wish is to purify minds. Pure minds help realize Nibbana. Nibbana is unbounded liberation. The organization has over 50 branches. These branches provide space for spiritual practice. Thousands of people have joined. They practice this joyful spiritual life together. The organization has served for 17 years. They provide pure service.
The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery began with a genuine intention. That intention was to create a group to brighten the Order of the Gautama Buddha. Most Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero laid the foundation stone on August 14th, 1999. Within twelve years, Mahamevnawa became famous. It became famous in Sri Lanka and other countries.
Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero started disseminating the Dhamma. He used his thirty years of experience as a Buddhist monk. He spread it throughout the country quickly. He described the Buddha’s Dhamma comprehensibly. Devotees of all ages joined his meditation programs. His meditations easily surrendered minds. These programs accommodated many people. They were looking for meditation classes. His innovating style elevated faith towards the Buddha. People’s hearts opened. They perceived the taste of the discourses. These discourses were preached by the Gautama Buddha. Bringing the Tripitaka Dhamma to devotees in its original form was special. It distinguished Mahamevnawa.
The Mahamevnawa Monastery has many services. There are weekly meditation programs. Lay disciples can practice the Dhamma on the premises. Centers exist for male and female disciples. Disciplined Bhikkhu disciples perform meditation programs. They do this in Mahamevnawa Meditation Centers. Many devotees gather. They listen to the exalted Dhamma. It bears the Four Noble Truths. Sometimes, over 15,000 people participate. They participate when Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero conducts the program.
The Melbourne West branch offers several programs. There is a Sunday Dhamma School for children. This school helps children develop spiritually. It teaches virtue and moral attributes. It is for children aged 5 to 15. A monthly Sil and Meditation Program takes place. It is a full-day program. It includes precepts, Buddha Puja, and meditation. There is a Monthly Meditation Program every second Sunday. Wednesday Dhamma Classes occur weekly. Special Buddha Vandana programs are held every Poya day. An English Dhamma Program is also available.
Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero has written many books. They use a comprehensible style in Sinhala. He has published about 90 books. He also translated the Pali Sutta Pitaka into Sinhala. Eleven Tripitaka books are published.
The Mahamevnawa also gives back to the community. It is a charity organization. This program develops wholesome qualities. It nourishes lives with Dhamma. The Thawathinsa Yathra Organization participates. The program is for youth and others. It is held monthly.
The Mahamevnawa continues to spread the Dhamma. It has branches in many countries. These include the United States, England, Canada, Australia, India, Dubai, and Germany. The Mahamevnawa participated in preaching the Tripitaka in India. It presented Sri Lanka in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
As you leave the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Centre, consider the profound impact it has on individuals seeking spiritual growth. It is a place where ancient wisdom meets modern life. It offers a path to inner peace.