admin, Author at Sumedharama Buddhist Monastery

Asalha Puja – Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July

O Asalha Puja It celebrates the first structured speech the Buddha delivered after his enlightenment and is celebrated on the full moon of July (the full moon of the eighth lunar month of the Indian calendar). This discourse is called ‘Dhammacakkappavattana sutta’ and it was with it that ‘the wheel of the Dhamma was set in motion’ (here Dhamma means teaching). It contains the essence of the Buddha’s subsequent teaching, addressing the ‘Four Noble Truths’.

It was at the end of this discourse that Venerable Kondanyo understood the essential part of the teaching and that the Buddhist monastic order began.

This day is also known as Dhamma Day and is an opportunity to deepen the Buddha's teachings. It also marks the beginning of vassal.

No Saturday, 20th:

After the usual 7:30 p.m. meditation, there will be a Dhamma lecture by Ajahn Vajiro followed by a Circum-ambulation to the Stupa.

No Sunday 21st:

9.30 a.m. – arrival (you can bring a plate to share)

10 a.m. – Request for the 5 precepts and Songs

10.30 a.m. – Rice Supply Ceremony

11 a.m. – Meal

12h – Stupa Circum-ambulation

Everyone is welcome

By admin|2024-07-19T08:19:49+00:00July 19, 2024|PT|Comments Off

Luang Por Sumedho in Sumedharama – from the 1st to the 14th of June, 2024

It is with great joy that we announce that Luang By Sumedho will be visiting and staying at Sumedharama

from the 1st until the 14th of June, 2024.

Luang By Sumedho is the first western monk who ordained in the Thai Forest Tradition – Ajahn Chah Lineage,

and the founder of the many monasteries of this tradition in the West.

Luang Por Sumedho has also a close connection to the Sangha in Portugal and the name of our Monastery – Sumedharama

– is also a way of paying him homage.

During his stay in Sumedharama Luang By Sumedho will be giving two Public Dhamma Talks,

on the 2nd of June and on the 9th of June, both at 3 p.m.

By admin|2024-12-24T20:07:48+00:00May 17, 2024|EN|Comments Off

Luang Por Sumedho supporting the construction of an abbot’s kuti for Ajahn Vajiro at Sumedharama

Luang By Sumedho would like to dedicate financial support given for him during the year of his 90th birthday

to support the construction of an abbot’s kuti for Sumedharama Monastery, as an offering to Ajahn Vajiro.

If you would like to contribute towards the Abbot’s kuti, please add to your donation a mention ‘For Ajahn Vajiro’s kuti’:

https://sumedharama.pt/support-en/support-donations/

With much appreciation from the Sangha

Anumodana

By admin|2024-12-21T19:02:34+00:00May 16, 2024|EN|Comments Off

Vesak Celebrations – Sunday, the 26th of May

On Sunday, the 26th of May, the Celebrations of Vesak will be held at Sumedharama. This day celebrates the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana of the Buddha Gautama. The programe will be as follows:

10 a.m. – Precepts and Auspicious Chanting (Parittas)

10.30 a.m. – Rice pindabat ceremony and meal offering

11 a.m. – Meal

12:15 – Meditation session by the Sangha and the Thai Community in Portugal, dedicated to the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King Vajiralongkorn’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, on the 28th of July 2024.

12:30 – Ajahn Vajiro will give a Dhamma talk

1:30 p.m. – Stupa Circumambulation

All are welcome to participate and enjoy this celebration and the contemplative atmosphere of the monastery.

May all beings be well

By admin|2024-05-18T06:50:37+00:00May 11, 2024|EN|Comments Off

Luang Pô Sumedho in Sumedharama – from 1 to 14 June 2024

It is with great joy that we announce that Luang Pô Sumedho will be in Sumedharama from 1 to 14 June.

Luang Pô Sumedho was the first Western monk to ordain himself in the Thai Forest Tradition – Ajahn Cha Lineage, and the founder of the many monasteries of this tradition in the West.

Luang Pô Sumedho has a close connection with the Monastery Sangha in Portugal and the name of the Monastery – Sumedharama – was thus chosen in his honour.

During his stay in Sumedharama, Luang Pô Sumedho will give two Dhamma Public Lectures, in days 2 and 9 June, both at 3 p.m.

By admin|2024-05-04T08:19:37+00:00May 4, 2024|PT|Comments Off

Thai New Year – Songram – Sunday 14 April





	As in Western New Year celebrations, Songkran also has the idea and purpose to reflect and leave behind the past, renewing the energies and determinations for the new year.
	The festivities start at 9 a.m.
	At 9.30 a.m. the monastic community will make the traditional Songs of Protection – Paritta, at which time visitors will also be able to make the request of the Five Precepts. Then, at 10am, the Rice Offer Ceremony and the meal of the day will take place. (You can bring a dish to share.) After the Meal, around 12 noon, the traditional Water Ceremony will take place, in which everyone can participate. Everyone is Welcome

By admin|2024-04-13T15:18:42+00:00April 13, 2024|PT|Comments Off

Donation from a Buddha Statue from Sri Lanka to Sumedharama Buddhist Monastery, in Portugal

In a historic and symbolic gesture, Rasika & Gayathrie Withanage, distinguished Sri Lankan residents living in Portugal, requested a Buddha statue from the venerable Weduruwe Sri Upali Thero, Anunayake of the Asgiriya Temple attached to the Sri Dalada Maligawa. Ven. Upali Thero accepted the request and handed over the Buddha statue on 1st August 2023 in Sri Lanka. This statue, with deep historical significance, was then donated Sumedharama Buddhist Monastery, a Theravada Thai Buddhist Monastery in Portugal, 500+ years after the arrival of the Portuguese in Sri Lanka.

The Asgiriya Temple, nestled in the cultural heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, was renowned for its spiritual significance and historical connections to the Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth is disputed. Upali Thero, the esteemed deputy chief of Asgiriya Temple, had graciously distinguished the request made by Rasika and Gayathrie, identifying the cultural and historical significance of this exchange.

This exceptional Buddha statue, chosen with care, had traveled from the sacred grounds of Sri Dalada Maligawa to find its new home in Sumedharama Buddhist Monastery, in Portugal. The donation ceremony, symbolized a bridge between two cultures, uniting historical narratives and spiritual traditions.

Rasika and Gayathrie expressed their deep gratitude to Upali Thero and the Asgiriya Temple for their support and cooperation in making this cultural exchange possible. In a joint statement, they shared, “This initiative was not only a tribute to the rich history and enduring spirituality of Sri Lanka but also a celebration of unity and understanding between our two nations. It was an honor to contribute to the cultural legacy of Portugal with this significant donation. In addition, we would like to express our special thanks to the members of the Bandaranayake, Dasanayake, Withanage, Dhammika families, and the members of the Sri Lankan organising Committee, organised in Portugal, who have supported in making this event a success.”

The Sumedharama Buddhist Monastery, eagerly anticipated the arrival of this special Buddha statue. On the 5th of November, 2023, during their Kathina ceremony, the Abbot of the Monastery, Ajahn Vajiro, experienced the Buddha statue as a symbol of harmony and cultural connection between Sri Lanka and Portugal. The event was a testament to the power of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and collaboration. It unavoidable the shared humanity that transcended geographical boundaries and historical differences.

By admin|2024-10-30T20:32:45+00:00November 7, 2023|EN|Comments Off