Online Dhamma Talk – ‘Together in Dhamma’ – with Ajahn Vajiro Thursday, 7th of November, from 18:30 to 20:00 (WET)
You can participate through the Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84193388344?pwd=T0VIVUxRa2RFaXRkUkFvb3pLZ1dEZz09
or
Meeting ID: 841 9338 8344
Passcode: 230503
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, had 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 enshrined. Upali Thero, the esteemed deputy chief of Asgiriya Temple, had graciously endorsed the request made by Rasika and Gayathrie, recognizing the profound 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, residing 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, welcomed 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 underlined the shared humanity that transcended geographical boundaries and historical differences.
Kathina 2024 at Sumedharama – 20th of October
Everyone is invited to attend this event, celebrating the presence of the monastic community in Sumedhārāma.
Programme:
9h30 – arrival to the monastery (bring a dish to share for the meal)
10h00 – Requesting the Five Precepts, followed by chanting
10h30 – Offering of rice (Pindapat)
11h00 – Meal offering to the monks; A meal for the lay community
12h30 – The community offers the traditional monastic cloth
13h00 – A Dhamma talk by Ajahn Vajiro
14h00 – Informal Period with the Sangha
In the rains season (Vassa) in Asia (a period which correlates to summer in Europe), the monks undertake the determination to remain in one place for three months.
According to the scriptures, at the end of this period, The Buddha allowed the monks to ask for cloth with which they could amend their cloths or even make new clothes.
The cloth the monks collected consisted of rags that had been discarded. As time went by, people, realizing this need, began hanging fabric from trees, so that the monks could ‘find’ them.
The custom then developed in such a way that not only pieces of fabric were left on the trees, but also ready made clothes.
People spotted the opportunity to make offers of other requisites to the monks, as a gesture of support and appreciation for their practice.
Hence a ceremony called ‘Kathina’ was created, ‘Katina’ being the name of the loom that the monks use to sew their clothes using the cloth offered. During this ceremony, the monks offer Dhamma talks and there is also a time for people to meet and talk with the monks in a more informal way. In this event, the connection between the lay community and the monastic community becomes evident, as well as their benefit from this dynamic.
Online Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Vajiro – Saturday, the 17th of August, at 12 o’clock
Saturday, 2024-08-17,
12:00-13:30
(Lisbon and London time – WEST/BST)
This on-line Dhamma Talk is organised by Buddhadhamma Foundation.
You can see more information here.
Meeting ID: 834 4386 9973
Password: 123
The talk will be in English, ending with a Q&A session.
Dhamma Study Sessions – on Saturdays, from 4pm to 5pm
During the Vassa, we will be holding a series of Dhamma Study Sessions, at Sumedharama, led by Ajahn Gavesako. These sessions will be held every Saturday (from the 10th of August until the 12th of October), from 4pm to 5 pm. They will be lectured in English.
We will be using the book ‘First Things First’, from Ajahn Thanissaro, as a reference to our studies:
https://www.dhammatalks.org/Archive/Writings/Ebooks/FirstThingsFirst_210213.pdf
There is no need to book in advance.
All are welcome.
Asalha Puja – 20th and 21st of July
The full moon of the eight lunar month is when we celebrate Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, one of our important celebrations. We remember the Buddha’s first sermon, the ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’, the “Sermon in the Deer Park” at Sarnath, setting out the teaching which gives life nobility.
The importance of the teaching was understood in its essentials by Venerable Kondanyo. The Wheel of the Dhamma was set in motion for the blessing of all. The teaching, The Four Noble Truths, is the basis for all the subsequent teachings of the Lord Budha.
Saturday, 20th of July
There will be the usual puja and meditation at 19.30, followed by a talk given by Ajahn Vajiro. Afterwords there will be a Stupa Circumambulation.
Sunday, 21st of July
9h30 – arrival
10h – Request of the 5 Precepts and Chanting
10h30 – rice pindabat
11h – meal
12h – Stupa Circumambulation
All are welcome
Luang Por Sumedho supporting the construction of an abbot’s kuti for Ajahn Vajiro at Sumedharama
Luang Por 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 specifically 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
Luang Por Sumedho in Sumedharama – from the 1st to the 14th of June, 2024
It is with great joy that we announce that Luang Por Sumedho will be visiting and staying at Sumedharama from the 1st until the 14th of June, 2024.
Luang Por 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 Por Sumedho will be giving two Public Dhamma Talks, on the 2nd of June and on the 9th of June, both at 3 p.m.
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:
10h00 – Precepts and Auspicious Chanting (Parittas)
10h30 – Rice pindabat ceremony and meal offering
11h00 – Meal
12h15 – 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.
12h30 – Ajahn Vajiro will give a Dhamma talk
13h30 – Stupa Circumambulation
All are welcome to participate and enjoy this celebration and the contemplative atmosphere of the monastery.
May all beings be well
Thai New Year – Songkram – Sunday, the 14th of April
 |
||
| As in Western New Year celebrations, in Songkran there is also the intention of reflecting, leaving the past behind, renewing energies and asserting determinations for the new year. | ||
|
The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. At 9:30 am, the monastic community will perform the traditional Chants of Protection – Paritta. The visitors can ask for the Five Precepts at this time. Then, at 10 am, the Rice Offering Ceremony and the main meal of the day will take place. (you can bring a dish to share) After the meal, around 12:00, the traditional Water Pouring Ceremony will take place. All are welcome. |
||
Kathina Celebration – Sunday, the 5th of November
Everyone is invited to attend this event, celebrating the presence of the monastic community in Sumedhārāma. This year we will have Ajahn Vinīta as our special guest. Ajahn Vinīta is originally from Sri Lanka, and lives now in Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, in England.
Programme:
9h30 – arrival to the monastery (bring a dish to share for the meal)
10h00 – Requesting the Five Precepts, followed by chanting
10h30 – Offering of rice (Pindapat)
11h00 – Meal offering to the monks; A meal for the lay community
12h30 – Procession and Offering of the new Buddha Rupa (Buddha image)
12h45 – The community offers the traditional monastic cloth
13h15 – A Dhamma talk by Ajahn Vajiro
14h15 – Informal Period with the Sangha
In the rains season (Vassa) in Asia (a period which correlates to summer in Europe), the monks undertake the determination to remain in one place for three months.
According to the scriptures, at the end of this period, The Buddha allowed the monks to ask for cloth with which they could amend their cloths or even make new clothes.
The cloth the monks collected consisted of rags that had been discarded. As time went by, people, realizing this need, began hanging fabric from trees, so that the monks could ‘find’ them.
The custom then developed in such a way that not only pieces of fabric were left on the trees, but also ready made clothes.
People spotted the opportunity to make offers of other requisites to the monks, as a gesture of support and appreciation for their practice.
Hence a ceremony called ‘Kathina’ was created, ‘Katina’ being the name of the loom that the monks use to sew their clothes using the cloth offered. During this ceremony, the monks offer Dhamma talks and there is also a time for people to meet and talk with the monks in a more informal way. In this event, the connection between the lay community and the monastic community becomes evident, as well as their benefit from this dynamic.
Online Dhamma Talk – ‘Together in Dhamma’ – with Ajahn Vajiro Thursday, 7th of November, from 18:30 to 20:00 (WET)
You can participate through the Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84193388344?pwd=T0VIVUxRa2RFaXRkUkFvb3pLZ1dEZz09
or
Meeting ID: 841 9338 8344
Passcode: 230503
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, had 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 enshrined. Upali Thero, the esteemed deputy chief of Asgiriya Temple, had graciously endorsed the request made by Rasika and Gayathrie, recognizing the profound 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, residing 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, welcomed 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 underlined the shared humanity that transcended geographical boundaries and historical differences.
Kathina 2024 at Sumedharama – 20th of October
Everyone is invited to attend this event, celebrating the presence of the monastic community in Sumedhārāma.
Programme:
9h30 – arrival to the monastery (bring a dish to share for the meal)
10h00 – Requesting the Five Precepts, followed by chanting
10h30 – Offering of rice (Pindapat)
11h00 – Meal offering to the monks; A meal for the lay community
12h30 – The community offers the traditional monastic cloth
13h00 – A Dhamma talk by Ajahn Vajiro
14h00 – Informal Period with the Sangha
In the rains season (Vassa) in Asia (a period which correlates to summer in Europe), the monks undertake the determination to remain in one place for three months.
According to the scriptures, at the end of this period, The Buddha allowed the monks to ask for cloth with which they could amend their cloths or even make new clothes.
The cloth the monks collected consisted of rags that had been discarded. As time went by, people, realizing this need, began hanging fabric from trees, so that the monks could ‘find’ them.
The custom then developed in such a way that not only pieces of fabric were left on the trees, but also ready made clothes.
People spotted the opportunity to make offers of other requisites to the monks, as a gesture of support and appreciation for their practice.
Hence a ceremony called ‘Kathina’ was created, ‘Katina’ being the name of the loom that the monks use to sew their clothes using the cloth offered. During this ceremony, the monks offer Dhamma talks and there is also a time for people to meet and talk with the monks in a more informal way. In this event, the connection between the lay community and the monastic community becomes evident, as well as their benefit from this dynamic.
Online Dhamma Talk by Ajahn Vajiro – Saturday, the 17th of August, at 12 o’clock
Saturday, 2024-08-17,
12:00-13:30
(Lisbon and London time – WEST/BST)
This on-line Dhamma Talk is organised by Buddhadhamma Foundation.
You can see more information here.
Meeting ID: 834 4386 9973
Password: 123
The talk will be in English, ending with a Q&A session.
Dhamma Study Sessions – on Saturdays, from 4pm to 5pm
During the Vassa, we will be holding a series of Dhamma Study Sessions, at Sumedharama, led by Ajahn Gavesako. These sessions will be held every Saturday (from the 10th of August until the 12th of October), from 4pm to 5 pm. They will be lectured in English.
We will be using the book ‘First Things First’, from Ajahn Thanissaro, as a reference to our studies:
https://www.dhammatalks.org/Archive/Writings/Ebooks/FirstThingsFirst_210213.pdf
There is no need to book in advance.
All are welcome.
Asalha Puja – 20th and 21st of July
The full moon of the eight lunar month is when we celebrate Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, one of our important celebrations. We remember the Buddha’s first sermon, the ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’, the “Sermon in the Deer Park” at Sarnath, setting out the teaching which gives life nobility.
The importance of the teaching was understood in its essentials by Venerable Kondanyo. The Wheel of the Dhamma was set in motion for the blessing of all. The teaching, The Four Noble Truths, is the basis for all the subsequent teachings of the Lord Budha.
Saturday, 20th of July
There will be the usual puja and meditation at 19.30, followed by a talk given by Ajahn Vajiro. Afterwords there will be a Stupa Circumambulation.
Sunday, 21st of July
9h30 – arrival
10h – Request of the 5 Precepts and Chanting
10h30 – rice pindabat
11h – meal
12h – Stupa Circumambulation
All are welcome
Luang Por Sumedho supporting the construction of an abbot’s kuti for Ajahn Vajiro at Sumedharama
Luang Por 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 specifically 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
Luang Por Sumedho in Sumedharama – from the 1st to the 14th of June, 2024
It is with great joy that we announce that Luang Por Sumedho will be visiting and staying at Sumedharama from the 1st until the 14th of June, 2024.
Luang Por 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 Por Sumedho will be giving two Public Dhamma Talks, on the 2nd of June and on the 9th of June, both at 3 p.m.
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:
10h00 – Precepts and Auspicious Chanting (Parittas)
10h30 – Rice pindabat ceremony and meal offering
11h00 – Meal
12h15 – 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.
12h30 – Ajahn Vajiro will give a Dhamma talk
13h30 – Stupa Circumambulation
All are welcome to participate and enjoy this celebration and the contemplative atmosphere of the monastery.
May all beings be well
Thai New Year – Songkram – Sunday, the 14th of April
|
||
| As in Western New Year celebrations, in Songkran there is also the intention of reflecting, leaving the past behind, renewing energies and asserting determinations for the new year. | ||
|
The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. At 9:30 am, the monastic community will perform the traditional Chants of Protection – Paritta. The visitors can ask for the Five Precepts at this time. Then, at 10 am, the Rice Offering Ceremony and the main meal of the day will take place. (you can bring a dish to share) After the meal, around 12:00, the traditional Water Pouring Ceremony will take place. All are welcome. |
||
Kathina Celebration – Sunday, the 5th of November
Everyone is invited to attend this event, celebrating the presence of the monastic community in Sumedhārāma. This year we will have Ajahn Vinīta as our special guest. Ajahn Vinīta is originally from Sri Lanka, and lives now in Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, in England.
Programme:
9h30 – arrival to the monastery (bring a dish to share for the meal)
10h00 – Requesting the Five Precepts, followed by chanting
10h30 – Offering of rice (Pindapat)
11h00 – Meal offering to the monks; A meal for the lay community
12h30 – Procession and Offering of the new Buddha Rupa (Buddha image)
12h45 – The community offers the traditional monastic cloth
13h15 – A Dhamma talk by Ajahn Vajiro
14h15 – Informal Period with the Sangha
In the rains season (Vassa) in Asia (a period which correlates to summer in Europe), the monks undertake the determination to remain in one place for three months.
According to the scriptures, at the end of this period, The Buddha allowed the monks to ask for cloth with which they could amend their cloths or even make new clothes.
The cloth the monks collected consisted of rags that had been discarded. As time went by, people, realizing this need, began hanging fabric from trees, so that the monks could ‘find’ them.
The custom then developed in such a way that not only pieces of fabric were left on the trees, but also ready made clothes.
People spotted the opportunity to make offers of other requisites to the monks, as a gesture of support and appreciation for their practice.
Hence a ceremony called ‘Kathina’ was created, ‘Katina’ being the name of the loom that the monks use to sew their clothes using the cloth offered. During this ceremony, the monks offer Dhamma talks and there is also a time for people to meet and talk with the monks in a more informal way. In this event, the connection between the lay community and the monastic community becomes evident, as well as their benefit from this dynamic.
