Uttama Bodhi Vihara rises before us as the home of the Bandar Utama Buddhist Society. It is a landmark of Dhammaduta initiatives. Many Buddhists throughout the Klang Valley know it well. This is a much sought-after venue. Meditation retreats and Dhamma camps by other Buddhist organizations use it often.
The Bandar Utama Buddhist Society or BUBS began in 1999. Residents of Bandar Utama had the idea to build a Buddhist center. The Bandar Utama Buddhist Society was registered on March 28, 2000.
Over the next ten years, the Uttama Bodhi Vihara grew. Benefactors, donors and supporters helped. The Vihara went from concept to blueprint. Now it is an iconic building.
Uttama Bodhi Vihara means Vihara of Supreme Awakening. Its architectural design is contemporary. Natural light and ventilation are important features. The shrine hall is oval-shaped. It is used for worship and Dhamma instruction. The first floor has a large hall. People use it for meditation and other activities. There is ample space for children. They can learn the Dhamma and Buddhist culture. Comfortable rooms are available for monks and teachers. These rooms are Vinaya-compliant.
BUBS follows the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It teaches and practices the Buddha-Dhamma. This teaching is recorded in the Pali Canon. BUBS wants to develop Dhamma-inspired members. It aims to propagate the Buddha-Dhamma in the community.
“A family that prays together stays together” is its tagline. This encapsulates their aspiration. They want to provide a place for Buddhist families. Old and young can congregate and grow in the Dhamma.
The Vihara is more than just a building. It provides a needed environment. People can experience the benefits of learning here. They can contemplate and practice the Buddha’s teachings.
The Vihara focuses on preserving and transmitting the Dhamma. Weekly Dhamma talks happen here. Regular Buddhism and meditation classes are offered too. They are open to the public. Everyone who wishes to encounter the Dhamma can.
Each year, many venerables visit the Vihara. They come from the Thai forest lineage. They teach the Dhamma and lead meditation retreats. Luang Por Sumedho and Luang Por Pasanno have visited. Also Luang Por Piak and Ajahn Dtun came here.
The Vihara offers opportunities for the Buddhist community. They can develop and deepen their practice. Volunteering and donating are ways to perfect parami. Generosity and patience can be practiced here. Gentle speech and loving-kindness are welcome.
The Vihara welcomes all who wish to participate. The local community can join. They can offer their talents. They can support the work of the Bandar Utama Buddhist Society.
Activities here allow the Buddhist community to connect. Members build bonds of fellowship. Festive celebrations build camaraderie. Trips and pilgrimages create fun and fellowship. Dhammaduta activities nurture spiritual friendships. They provide mutual support to fellow kalyanamitra.
Regular activities include Sunday Morning Puja. Members offer light, flowers, water and incense to the Buddha. The Puja and Dhamma talk is held from 9 am to 10.30 am. Dhamma talks follow each Puja session every Sunday. Speakers share the Dhamma with members and friends of BUBS. Dana is offered after the Dhamma teaching. Then community lunch is held.
Weekly online meditation sessions are held on Wednesdays. These happen from 8 pm to 9.30 pm.
Monastics from Sentul Buddhist Temple conduct special blessing services. These services happen for Wesak day. Blessings for students sitting for major public examinations are offered.
Chanting Sessions are conducted on Uposatha Day. This is Full Moon and New Moon Observance Day. The chanting happens from 8 pm to 9:30 pm. Devotees make light offerings for the Full Moon and New Moon days.
Meditation retreats are organized during school holidays. Members and friends practice mindfulness. They do this for spiritual development and happiness. Sutta classes and Dhamma workshops are held on an ad-hoc basis. A Monastic is available to facilitate these events.
The Bandar Utama Buddhist Society wishes that all who walk through the doors of the Vihara may experience bliss. May all find happiness and peace offered by the Dhamma here.