Events The P ittsburgh Buddhist Center
All events to be held at Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Pittsburgh Buddhist Center is a not for profit At Natrona Heights unless otherwise noted. All events organization serving the needs of Buddhists are open and free to public. and friends of Buddhism in and around greater Pittsburgh. This is the first Theravada Temple established in western Pennsylvania. Weekly Meditation Sessions Pittsburgh Buddhist Center was established Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 PM on September 06, 2006.
Monthly Dhamma Discussions President Conducted once a month by a resident monk or a Venerable Nehinne Ariyagnana visiting monk. See website for more details. Vice President Dr. K. Siripala
Monthly Scholarly Talk Secretary Conducted once a month by a Buddhist scholar Damitha Karunaratne doing research on the Buddhist Religion and Philosophy. Treasurer Thilaka jayakody
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dhamma School for Children 111, Route 908, Offered once a month for children ages 4-16, Dhamma School Provides an opportunity for children Natrona Heights, PA 15065 to learn Buddhism in an interactive setting. The class (724) 295-2525 teaches children how to live a happy and successful life according to the Buddha’s teachings. [email protected] http://www.pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org
Retreats Offered by resident monks, visiting monks or visiting scholars, retreats provide participants the opportunity to practice Buddhism for an extended period of time.
Visit http://www.pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org and click on Events for details
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dedication Ceremony
Offering of the temple to Maha Sangha
April 28-29, 2007
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center 111, Route 908, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
MESSAGE FROM MAHANAYAKA - MALWATTE CHAPTER
W;smQcH ;sífndgqjdfõ Y%S isoaOd†_ iqux., uyd iA:úr YHdfudamd,s uyd ksldfha u,aj;= md¾Yjfha uyd kdhl u,aj;= uyd úydrh uykqjr
iqNdYsxikhhs wm ;:d.; iïud iïnqÿ rcdKka jykafiaf.a Y%S ioaOu_h" kùk úoHd ksIamdok je,|.;a ngysr iudchg wk._ T!IOhla ù we;s nj b;d meyeos ta i|yd wmf.a Y%S ,dxlsl NslaIQka jykafia,d uy;a Wkkaÿfjka lghq;= lrK njo fmfka' nqÿ oyu fkdokakd ngysr cd;Skag wmg ,nd osh yels jákdu jia;=j ;:d.; Ou_hhs' úúO o¾Ykhkaf.ka fyïn;a ù isák ngysr cd;slhka wo nqÿ oyu jeä jeäfhka je<| .ekSfï m%jK;djhla o¾Ykh fjhs' ta i|yd wmf.a NslaIQka jykafia,d wem lem úh hq;=h hkak wmf.a m%d¾:khhs' lsisÿ fNaohlska f;drj fuu W;=ï ldhH_fhys fhoSug wmf.a NslaIQka jykafia,d ffOhH_u;a lsÍu ,xld jdiS ldf.a;a hq;= lu fjhs' weußld tlai;a ckmofha fmkais,afõkshd m%dka;fha msÜian¾.a ys wdrïN lr mj;ajdf.k hdug iQodkï jk msÜian¾.a fn!oaO uOHia:dkh jeä oshqKq lsÍug;a" thska nqÿ oyfï mrud¾: uqÿka muqKqjd .ekSug;a úydrdêm;s kEyskafka wßh[dK iA:úr ;=uka m%uqL fn!oaO ¥; msßig yels fõjdhs wdYsxikh lrïy' 3 MESSAGE FROM MAHANAYAKA - ASGIRIYA CHAPTER W;smQcH Wvq.u › nqoaOrlaÅ; uyd ia:úr YHdfudamd,s uyd ksldfha wia.sß md¾Yjfha uyd kdhl wia.sß uyd úydrh uykqjr nqÿ oyfï ÑriaÓ;sh Wfoid fn!oaO NslaIQka jykafia,df.ka isÿjk wkqmfïh fiajh tod isg wo olajdu b;du;a wk¾> nj i|yka l< hq;a;ls' úoHd ;dËKfhka cSú; yev.iajd .;a ngysr f,daljdiSkag wmf.a uyd>_ fn!oaO o¾Ykfhka cSú; ilia lr .ekSug yelsnj fmkajdoSu wmf.a fn!oaO NslaIQka jykafia,df.a hq;=lu úh hq;=j ;sfí' újdodmkak f,dalhl hqo .sks ksùug" ÿla.sks ksùug" lreKdj-ohdj-ffu;%sh we;s lr,Sug nqÿoyug úfYaIs; n,hla we;s w;r th f,dalhd fj; fmkajd oSug wfma NslaIQka jykafia,dg yels nj wmf.a úYajdihhs' ta i|yd wmf.a NslaIQka jykafia,d wdo¾Yj;a msßila úhhq;= w;r tu mrud:_ uqÿka m;a lr.ekSug wem lem úhhq;= nj wmf.a n,dfmdfrd;a;=jhs' weußld tlai;a ckmofha fmkais,afõkshd m%dka;fha msÜian¾.a ys wdrïN fldg mj;ajdf.k hdug n,dfmdfrd;a;=jk fn!oaO uOHia:dkh u.ska fuu hym;a lghq;= bgqfjkq we; hkq wmf.a n,dfmdfrd;a;=jhs' tu.ska ngysrjdiSkaf.a Ou_×kh oshqKq fldg Tjqkaf.a hym;a n,dfmdfrd;a;= bgqlr,Sug .re kEyskafka wßh[dK ia:úrhka m%uqL msßig yels fõjdhs wms wdYs¾jdo lruq' 4 MESSAGE FROM MAHANAYAKA – AMARAPURA SANGHA SABHA w;smQcH ojq,afok {dKsiair uyd ia:úr Y%S ,xld wurmqr uyd ix> iNdfõ uydkdhl úoHd úchdrduh mdf.dv mdr kqf.af.dv iqNdYsxikhhs' f:rjdoS nqÿ oyu y÷kajdoSfïoS Y%S ,dxlsl NsËqj tod fukau wo;a iqúfYaI fufyjrla isÿ lrhs' fudrgqj fldr 5 MESSAGE FROM MAHANAYAKA - RAMANNA NIKAYA w;smQcH fõje,afoksfha fïOd,xldr uyd ia:úr Y%S ,xld rdu[a[ uyd ksldfha uydkdhl YdikjO_k msßfjka uyd úydrh Y%S iqukidr udj; óß.u iqNdYsxikhhs' Ou_¥; fiajdj fn!oaO NslaIqjla úiska wjYHfhkau isÿl< hq;a;ls' j;aukays fndfyda fn!oaO NslaIqka fulS ld¾hNdrh uekúka bgqlrK wdldrhla oelsh yelsh' uy;a fjfyilr yd wdhdihlr lghq;a;la jk fulS Ou_¥; fiajdj j;aukays ;reK NslaIqka uy;a lemùfulska issÿlrK wdldrhla o oelsh yelsh' fï wkqj Y%S ,xld rdu[a[ uyd ksldhg wh;a NslaIqjla f,iska fudrgqj fldr,je,a, jd¨ldrdudêm;s mQcH kEyskafka wßh[dK yd mQcH lUqremsáfha uqkskaojxY hk uyd ia:úrhka úiska weußldfõ msÜian¾.ays isÿlrKq ,nk wd.ñl fiajdj meiish hq;=h' Y%S ,xld rdu[a[ ksldfhys wkqkdhl rdclSh mKaä; fndamsáfha jxYdkkao uyd ia:úrhka jykafiaf.a u. fmkaùu hgf;a yd fmkais,afõkshdfõ fodia;r fla' isßmd," fodia;r rxckS isßmd," oñ; lreKdr;ak" moaud lreKdr;ak hk uy;au uy;añkaf.a odhl;ajfhka yd Wmldrfhka isÿlrKq ,nk fuu fiajdj meiish hq;=h' weußldj jeks iqúYd, rdcHhla ;=, oyï mKsjqvh fnod yeÍu ;rula fyda ieye,a¨ lghq;a;la jkqfha nqoaêu;a msßia nyq, rdcHhla jk fyhsks' úfYaIfhka ,dxlsl msßiays wNsjDoaêh i|yd yd iodpdr ixjO_kh i|yd bÈj we;s fuu fn!oaOd.ñl uOHia:dkh ksrdhdifhkau wefußldkqjkaf.a wjOdkhg ,la jkq we;' úfYaI jYfhka fujka wd.ñl uOHia:dkhla Y%S ,xld rdu[a[ uyd ksldhsl NslaIqka msßila úiska we;slr,Su ms,sn|j ud o w;sYh i;=gg m;afjñ' bosß lghq;=o uekúka isÿlrkakg yeug f;rejka fnf,ka Yla;sh yd ffOhH_ ,efíjdhso fuys,d iqNdYsxik m 6 MESSAGE FROM ANUNAYAKA - RAMANNA NIKAYA Most Ven. Bopitiye Wansananda Maha Thero Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Niyake Sri Dharmaguptha Pirivena Mulamaha Viharaya Payagala South Sri Lanka My felicitation at the precious moment of offering the first Buddhist center in America to the Ramanna chapter by the sane devotees of Buddhism in Pennsylvania on the 29 th of April 2007. The endeavor by Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana Thero to redeem the restless people of America from their untold sufferings and grievances is praiseworthy, I am sure the Buddhist center at Pittsburgh will be a fountain spreading peace, mutual understanding and loving kindness over the continent. May the Buddha Dhamma pervade over America giving warmth to a serene surrounding and mindfulness to all human beings. 7 MESSAGE FROM NEW YORK BUDDHIST VIHARA, NY Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa Nayaka Maha Thero New York Buddhist Vihara 214-22 Spencer Ave. Parkside Hills New York 11427 - 1821 The advice of the Awakened One for the monks was to go about the four corners of the country and propagate the Dhamma for the benefit of the vast majority of people. In faithful obedience with this advice, his disciple monks engaged themselves in the task with extreme enthusiasm. The lay devotees took up the cue from the monks with equal zeal, amply supported by the rulers of the day. It is worth mentioning here the yeoman services rendered to Buddhism by devotees of the nature of Anatha Pindika, Visakha and many other lay people and also Kings such as Bimbisara, Kosala, Ajatasattu and Emperor Asoka of ancient India. Almost all our ancient rulers particularly the Kings Dutugemunu, Vattagamini Abhaya and Parakramabahu, ruled the country, always having at the top of their mind, the best interests of the religion. This is because, unless the people were religious enough, both their present and future spiritual advancement would certainly be in jeopardy. Following the tradition, the venture initiated by Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana by way of a Buddhist Centre in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania is highly commendable and needless to say, immensely meritorious. Launching an establishment of this nature primarily serves the purpose of educating the people in the ways of the Dhamma. Furthermore, this kind of effort enables both the divine and the human beings to benefit as long as the institution lasts and even beyond, through the enormous amount of merit accruable in the process. In the circumstance, I would like to urge the public particularly those living in the area and the environs to make the best use of the services available to them at this centre. May we all rejoice the merits of this good deed and attain the ultimate bliss of Nibbana! 8 MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON BUDDHIST VIHARA, DC Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Chief Sangha-Nayaka of North America Washington Buddhist Vihara 5017, 16th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20011 It is a great pleasure for me to send these congratulations to Pittsburg Buddhist Center, its President and other members. I believe that it would be a great centre in Pittsburgh for the promotion of Buddhist religious and cultural activities and also it would serve not only to Sri Lankan-Americans but to all communities in the United States. And I hope the Dhamma School of Pittsburgh Buddhist Center would help to enlighten the blossoming minds of our children of the area and it would pave the way for a young generation with spiritual background. I highly appreciate the service rendering by Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana and other faithful devotees of the center for the promotion of the temple and Buddhism. May the Blessings of the Buddha be with you! 9 MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CENTER Ven. Katugastota Uparatna Maha Thero Adhikarana Sangha Nayake International Buddhist Center 2600 Elmont Street Silver Spring MD 20902 The International Buddhist Center is delighted to hear a new Buddhist temple is opening in Pittsburgh. We would like to send our greetings and congratulations on this auspicious occasion. Theravada Buddhists in the Pittsburgh area now have a place to worship the Buddha, hear the Dhamma, serve the Sangha and practice meditation. Sri Lankans also have a place to congregate where their children can learn our traditions and preserve our culture. Founder and Abbot Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana Thero has tremendous knowledge and years of experience teaching and practicing, both in Sri Lanka and America. We are confident that this Buddhist Vihara will blossom under his guidance. We appreciate the effort of Dr. K. Siripala and Mr. Damitha Karunarathna in establishing the Pittsburgh Vihara. They serve as the model for the lay community to serve the Sasana and gain merit in this lifetime. We are excited to welcome the Vihara and look forward to opportunities to offer our support. We wish the best in your service to the Sri Lankan community and the American people. May the Triple Gem bless you! 10 MESSAGE FROM DHARMA VIJAYA BUDDHIST VIHARA, CA Ven. Walpola Piyananda Abbot and President Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara, Inc. 1847 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90019 On behalf of the Sri Lankan Sangha Council of America and Canada and Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, We wish to congratulate you on the occasion of the celebration of the first Vesak in your new Temple. It gives all of us great happiness to know that another temple has been established here in the United States. We are confident that you will be successful in the endeavor of sharing the Teachings of the Buddha with all who are interested. 11 MESSAGE FROM NEW JERSEY BUDDHIST VIHARA, NJ Ven. Hungampola Sirirathana Nayaka Thero Chief Incumbent New Jersey Buddhist Vihara “Caratha Bhikkha Carikam Bahujana Hitaya Bahujana Sukhaya” As a monk, his main duties and aim should be traveling from place to place, from state to state, abroad and worldwide, teaching the Dhamma and protecting religious life and doing religious services. Bhikkhus do all these great service keeping temple as a centre. Recently a new temple was established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania named Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. It is a new step to propagate Buddhism in United States. This new temple could help spread Buddhism further. The United States is one of the greatest countries in the world. So, I think it is the most suitable time to establish new centers to expand Buddhism in large countries such as United States. Today, we do not have enough centers help propagate Buddhism. This center helps create good qualities in American civil society and help develop in people’s heart loving kindness, compassion, sympathy and equanimity. Sri Lanka is an Island rich with Buddhism and Buddhist Culture. We can give to the world pure Theravada Buddhism. We must teach people about Buddhism what is Buddhism? Who is a Buddhist? What are the basic teachings in Buddhism? What is Meditation? What is the use of meditation? What is the valuable of meditation and gain result from the meditation etc. To provide these teachings we need temples and centers. So, newly built Pittsburgh Buddhist Center could be helpful to achieve these great goals. There are many Sinhalese and Buddhist people live in the United States. They have built their lives with Buddhist teachings and lived with Buddhist culture when they were in Sri Lanka. They need to practice religious rite and rituals even when living in distant land. A temple plays great role for Sri Lankans to practice their religious activities. In conclusion, I would like to wish Pandit Nehinne Ariyagnana and all the devotees. May you be able to offer great services for Buddha Sasana. 12 MESSAGE FROM GREAT LAKES BUDDHIST VIHARA, MI Ven. Brahmanagama Muditha Thero Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara 21491, Beech Road Southfield, MI 48034 Birth of a Buddhist Vihara in this hemisphere is a welcome event and augurs well for the propagation of Buddha Dhamma. It’s always a boost to the valiant efforts of Buddhists committed to the preservation of the religion and the culture of their forefathers. The time honored Buddhist Temple concept has a twofold purpose; one, to propagate the Dhamma and the other, to cater to the well being of the community. Teaching Buddhism in the context of a society such as here all too willing to embrace materialistic values is no easy task. Running a temple is even more difficult. Pitfalls are many and often unexpected. Therefore, it becomes imperative that the venerable monks and the laity understand their different roles and help each other with compassion. However, much depends on the purity of intention of the parties concerned and the mutual respect and compassion with which they treat each other. The importance of a clear understanding that the temple is an integral part of each Buddhist family cannot be overemphasized. A temple is not only a place of worship but also a forum that brings different members of a community together. For our Buddhist compatriots, it is a place of spiritual uplift and quiet rest from their day to day challenges and the confusion of life. For their children whose lives will be fashioned through its routine religious exercises and Sunday school, it becomes a safe haven ensuring character building and a truly Buddhist upbringing conducive to pursuit of excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor. Bhante Ariyagnana has taken a giant step in establishing a new Buddhist Vihara, Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, in the State of Pennsylvania with dedication; and of course, the support of a few like-minded devotees! Bhante Ariyagnana is eminently qualified for the task before him. His charisma, his endearing humility and his capacity to relate to people will go a long way! There are many temples belonging to the Sri Lankan Theravada Tradition that have taken root in the fertile soil of the USA serving communities from coast to coast. May this new Temple in the State of Pennsylvania, the great State of Independence, bloom in due season spreading the fragrance of Dhamma attracting all seekers of Truth! May the Triple Gem bless all! 13 MESSAGE FROM WEST END BUDDHIST CENTER, CANADA Ven. Kulugammana Dhammawasa Thero Abbot & President West End Buddhist Center Mississauga, Ontario Canada L5E 2P8 May Buddha Dhamma Ring Through Mountains and Valleys of Picturesque Pittsburgh! While Buddhists the world over are busy making preparations for the advent of the festive season of Vesak, the State of Pennsylvania, together with the entire North American Continent is richer today, as yet another Buddhist Temple of the Theravada tradition marks its dedication and canonical presentation by its lay trustees and promoters to the Maha Sangha in the City of Pittsburg! Locating a Buddhist Centre in Natrona Heights in Pittsburg was an idea that took wings six months ago in response to a crying need so forcefully expressed by a handful of committed Buddhist devotees in the region for resident Buddhist monks to cater to the their spiritual well being on a regular basis. As a member of the Theravada tradition in North America, it is indeed with great pleasure that I along with my fellow-monks hasten to welcome the Maha Sangha of the Pittsburg Buddhist Centre into the North American fraternity with open arms! Success of a Temple is mostly dependent on the quality of leadership the founding monks can provide the lay community. We have no doubt whatsoever that in the sure hands of its charismatic director, the Venerable Nehinne Ariyagnana, Pittsburg Buddhist Centre will grow from strength to strength making the echo of Buddha Dhamma ring through the mountains, valleys and the plains of the picturesque Pittsburg region in the years to come! Such is our heartfelt wish and prayer for the fruition of the sincere efforts of our brother, Ariyagnana Thera! May the Triple Gem bless the Venerable Thera and keep him in good health for the tasks ahead! 14 MESSAGE FROM SRI DHARMODAYA PIRIVENA, SRI LANKA mQcHmdo úkhdpdhH_ .=refoksfha Wos; uyd iA:úr úydrdêm;s Y%S Ofu_daoh msßfjk je,a,j;a; fld idr Ou_ oshqKqjg f;da;ekakla nqÿrcdkka jykafia ;u Y%djl ix>hdf.ka n,dfmdfrd;a;= jQ tla wfmaËdjla kï pdßldjhs' ta nj m%:u jrg ieg kula uy ry;ka jykafia,dg zpr: NsCLfj pdßlxZ hkqfjka jod< fial' tu pdßldj bnd.df;a hk pdßldjla fkdfõ' meyeos,s wruqKlska hdhq;= pdßldjls' th fndfyda fokdf.a ys; iqj msKsi úh hq;a;ls' tu pdßldj ñksiqkag fukau foúhkago fmdÿfõ hym; i,ik pdßldjla úh hq;=h' nqoaOdkq Ydikfha mßos tfia pdßldfõ fhÿkq uyd ix> r;akfhka ie,iqkq fufyjr lshdmdk fkdfhla igyka ;%smsGl idys;Hfha tug oelafjhs' tn÷ pdßldj,oS l,hq;= ld¾hhka fudkjdoehs ;u Ydjl ix>hdg o meyeos,sj f;areï .ekSug nqÿrcdkka jykafiao oskm;du w¨hu uyd lreKd iudm;a;shg iu jeoS f,dj n,d jodrd l%shd l, wdldrh nqoaO pß;fha tk fkdfhla wjia:djka wOHhkh lsÍfuka jgyd .; yelsh' tod nqÿrcdkka jykafia fmkajd jod< tu ksYairKdoaOHY pdßldj j;auka uyd i>rejk fj;skao fkdwvqj bgqfjhs' tu W;=ï ldhH_hka mrïmrdfjka mrïmrdjg odhdoj wLkavj bgqlrñka Y%S ,dxlsl NsËqka jykafia f,dalh mqrd tu Ou_ ¥; fufyjr bgq lsÍu m%S;shg lreKls' wfmka oshyels W;=ïu odhdoh jQ nqÿ oyu f,dal jdiSkag fnod yeÍu ms,sn| iaurKh lrñka fudrgqj flr ifnn nødks miik;= - ish,af,dAu hym; ols;ajd 15 MESSAGE FROM ZEN BUDDHIST CENTER OF PITTSBURGH Rev. Koyiki Roberts Head Priest, Deep Spring Temple Zen Buddhist Center of Pittsburgh 124 willow Ridge Road Sewickley, PA 15143 Deep Spring Temple, a Soto Zen Buddhist community, is delighted to welcome you to the western Pennsylvania area. As a Zen Buddhist priest, I have found many people here to be struggling with their lives. It is said to find the Dharma is as rare as a blind turtle in the vast ocean sticking her head up through a floating board with hole cut in it. Just think! There is just such a place right here in Pittsburgh! Your wisdom and guidance are much needed. With your presence, we will now all have a wonderful opportunity to seek the Dharma. Your Sangha is so fortunate to have you here as are we of the larger Buddhist community. Our deepest gratitude to you and all who have made Pittsburgh Buddhist Center a reality. If there is anything I, or my community can do to help you, please do not hesitate to call. May you and your community find Great Joy and Deep Peace in your new home! May the wonderful teachings of the Buddha spread in all directions! Congratulations! 16 MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF MONK - PBC mQcH kEyskafka wßh[dK ysñ úydrdêm;s msÜian¾.a fn!oaO uOHia:dkh nqÿka jykafia ;u Y%djlhka oekqj;a lrkq ,enqfõ .ñka .ug f.dia foõ ñksiqka we;=¨ fndfyda fokdf.a hym; msKsi Ou_h foaYkd lrk f,ih' th lreKq ;=kla uq,a fldg foaYkd l,hq;= úh' zinn mdmii wlrkx l=i,ii Wmiïmod iÑ;;mßfhd omkx t;x nqoOdk YdikxZ ish¨ mõ ÿre lsÍu" isf;a ikaiqka ^oukh& nj f.dvke.Su i|yd nqÿka jykafia we;=¨ Y%djlhka iuia: iudch mqrdu md .ukska jäñka ffu;%sfhka hq;=j oyï foiSug l%shd l 17 lreKdr;ak hqj, we;=¨ msÜian¾.a odhljre o ld,h Okh Y%uh lem fldg iyfhda.h fokakg fhÿks' nqÿka oji Ydikhg Wodr fiajhla l, wfkams~q isgq;=ud" úYdld jeks ieoeyej;=ka fldaá .kka ;u Okh jeh fldg fÊ;jkdrduh" mQj_drduh jeks wdrdu idod nqÿ mdfudla uy iÕkg mqod uyckhd ,nk Wodr iekiSu oel wmßñ; i;=gla w;aú|s nj Ydik jxY l;dfõ oelafõ' wdrdu bos lsÍu Wiia úmdl we;s wguyd l=i,hla nj Ou_fha b.ekafõ' tneúka fuu lghq;af;aoS weußld tlai;a ckmofha fkdfhla m%foaY j, jdih lrk ieoeyej;a ck;djf.ka ,efnk iyfhda.h ksy;udkSj msxoSfuka hq;=j w.h lrñ' Ou_¥; fiajh i|yd ud yg weußldjg tafïoS;a fuys jdih lsÍfïoS;a udyg Wmldr l, .sys meúos ish¨ fokdgo wm yd tlaj oyfï yrh w;aú|Sug l%shdlrk weußldkq cd;sl msxj;=kago yo ne;sfhka ia;=;sjka; fjñ' fuu úydria:dkh Ydiksl iïm%odhkag wkqj uyd ix>hd jykafiag mQcd lsÍu 2007 jif¾ wfm%a,a ui 29 osk isÿ flfrk neúka .sys meúos ieuf.a i;=g;a wdYs¾jdoh;a msfokq we;ehs úYajdi lrñ' fuys wdrïNfha isg wd.ñl lghq;= lrf.k hdfïoS wmyg Wiia iyfhda.hla ,ndfok mQcH ;fmdajkfha iq;Or ysñhkag;a ñÑ.ka äfg%dhsÜ fn!oaO úydrjdiS hákqjr ixlsÉp ysñhkag;a wmf.a wkkH;djhka iy;sl fldg wm osßu;a l, fïß,kaâ ys ùgka cd;Hka;r fn!oaO uOHia:dkdêm;s W;=re weußldfõ wêlrK ix>kdhl w;smQcH lgq.iaf;dg Wmr;k kdhl iAjdóka jykafiag;a wmf.a úfYaI ia;=;sh mqolruq' wmf.a wkqYdikhkag wkqj l%shd lrñka fuu mQckSh lghq;a;g iyfhda.h ,ndfok ieug yDohdx.u ia;=;sh mqo lrñ' fuu ia:dkh ;=,ska iqúfYaIS fiajhla ls Íug Tn ieuf.a iyfhda.h;a wdYs¾jdoh;a ,efíjdhs fu;a is;ska m%d:_kd lrñ' Tn ieug f;rejka irKhsæ 18 MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR His Excellency Bernard Goonetilleke Sri Lankan Ambassador to the USA Embassy of Sri Lanka 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 I am very pleased to send this message on the occasion of the offering of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center to the Maha Sangha and the Vesak Celebrations. Services provided by the temple, such as conducting a Dhamma school and Dhamma discussion, practicing meditation etc., to all communities in Pittsburgh are commendable tasks, taking into consideration the fact that these services are being provided by venerable Sri Lankan Buddhist monks within the confines of limited space. I would like to highlight the major role being played by Buddhist temples as hubs of socio- religious activities in traditional Sri Lanka society. In addition to being places for practicing Buddhism, temples have also functioned as centers for spiritual empowerment, religious education and where the rural communities gathered for important social activities. Even thought this kind of setting is typical of rural Sri Lankan life, it also demonstrates the manner in which a place of worship can influence the society, while improving the spiritual well being of people. More than 2500 years ago Lord Buddha spoke of the important role the Buddhist missionaries should play by urging venerable monks to spread the word of Dhamma saying “ Charatha Bhikkave Charikan Bahujana Hithaya Bahujana Sukhaya ”. Thus, the Lord Buddha asked the monks to travel and spread the supreme truth to enlighten people. Therefore, it is certainly a great satisfaction to see the commendable efforts being taken by the most Venerable Nehinne Ariyagnana Thero of the newly established Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, supported by the devoted dhayaka sabha of the temple spreading the supreme truth and enlightening people in and around Pittsburgh. I wish the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center success in all its virtuous efforts. 19 Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dedication Ceremony Best wishes from Dr. K. Siripala, M.D. and Associates Altoona, PA S C H E D U L E Saturday, April 28th, 2007 5:30 pm – 6 pm Unveiling of Buddha Statue 6 pm – 7 pm Special Buddha Pooja Conducted by Ven. Thalangama Devananda Thero, Chief monk of Indiana Buddhist Temple 7 pm – 8 pm Lighting of Vesak lanterns and Bhakti Geeta Pirith Chanting Ceremony 8 pm – 10 PM Lead by Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Thero, Chief monk of the International Buddhist Center, Maryland Sunday, April 29th, 2007 10 am – 11 am Opening of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Plaque and Formal Dedication Ceremory – Dhamma Talk 11 am – 12:30 am Buddha Pooja, Dhamma talk and Dana 12 noon – 1 pm Lunch for all 1 pm – 1:20 pm Dhamma Talk by Bhante Gunaratne, Bhavana Society of West Virginia 1:20 pm – 1:40 pm Speech by the Sri Lankan Ambassador to USA His Excellency Bernard Goonetilleke 1:45 pm – 2:00 pm Bhakti Geeta 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm Concluding Remarks by Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana Thero, Chief monk of Pittsburgh Buddhist Center MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT - SRI LANKA Mr. Lalith Weeratunga Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka Presidential Secretariat Colombo, Sri Lanka As a Sri Lankan, I feel proud and extremely pleased to send my greetings on the rare occasion of a Theravada Buddhist Center being opened in the Pittsburgh area. Establishment of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center (PBC), I am sure, has been no easy task, and at the outset I must pay my tribute to all those who were deeply involved and dedicated to make this a reality. In particular, I would like to commend Dr. K.A. Siripala of Altoona, PA and Mr. Damitha Karunaratne of State College, PA for their untiring efforts. I also pay my respectful tribute to the resident monks headed by Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana Thero whose guidance and dedication has been central to the success of the PBC. Today, there is a clear trend towards people seeking solace and guidance from Buddha Dhamma, the preachings of the Enlightened One. The contribution of the Maha Sangha is the most valuable component of this process. In a Buddhist center, people are able to seek the guidance of the Maha Sangha and align themselves to a path of righteous living. As such, the establishment of a center of this nature, no easy task by any standard, is bound to be a solace to all those who seek guidance through Dhamma. The venerable monks resident in the center will act with compassion and loving kindness to bring tranquility to the lives of all those who visit this noble institution. Whilst establishing a center for numerous activities pertaining to Buddhist way of life, such as meditation sessions, discourses on Dhamma and discussions by erudite Buddhist monks, celebration of important dates in the Buddhist calendar, and conducting a Sunday school for children, constitutes a difficult task, it is more daunting to maintain and sustain such activities continuously and consistently. It is important therefore to support the activities of this institution for its continuance. Undoubtedly, those who live in the Pittsburgh area will find it very rewarding to be able to interact with the erudite Buddhist monks in this center towards seeking the righteous path in life. On this momentous occasion of the opening of the center and celebration of 2551 Vesak, therefore, let me offer my warmest and sincere best wishes for the success of this great institution and congratulate all those who worked tirelessly towards its establishment and sustenance. May the Noble Triple Gem shower its blessings on all. 22 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO– ALLEGHENY COUNTY Dear Friends: It is my great pleasure to welcome the opening of the first Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist Temple in Western Pennsylvania. The newly established Pittsburgh Buddhist Center will be a wonderful addition to the diverse cultures and religions here in Allegheny County. On behalf of the 1.2 million citizens of Allegheny County, I welcome you and hope that the opening celebration is successful and fulfilling. Best wishes for many years of peace and prosperity in your new temple. 23 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR – CITY OF PITTSBURGH Dear Friends: On behalf of the residents of the City of Pittsburgh, I am honored to welcome you to our beautiful City to celebrate this important occasion – the formal opening and dedication of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center of April 29, 2007. As the first Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist Temple established in Western Pennsylvania, the Center serves the needs of Buddhists and friends of Buddhism in and around Pittsburgh. Since the establishment of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center in September 2006, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have benefited from the insightful and educational meditation classes and other religious programs conducted on a weekly and monthly basis at the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. The Center welcomes all people with open arms and we are truly lucky to have this wonderful venue here in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is a very exciting place to be right now. We have exceptional universities and medical facilities, a diverse economy, cutting edge research and technology facilities and Downtown revitalization projects in the works. Our REDD UP campaign is in full swing, aimed at making our city one of the cleanest and safest in the country. We are hosting the U.S. Open in June and our 250 th Anniversary is just around the corner. Recently, we were ranked 9 th smartest place to live in America by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. In addition, Expansion Management magazine named us the 9 th best place to locate a company in America. Now is a perfect time to discover the cultural treasures that surround us each day in Pittsburgh, as well as the individuals of our communities who make it a special place. I am confident that you will enjoy your stay here and hope that you will come back and visit us often. 24 MESSAGE FROM A BUDDHIST SCHOLAR Clark Chilson Assistant Professor Department of Religious Studies University of Pittsburgh I want to express my warmest congratulations to the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center on this occasion when it will be formally handed over to the Sangha. As someone who teaches about Buddhism and pursues the academic study of it, I am delighted that the temple has opened and will now be a formal part of the Sangha. I have attended several Dharma discussions at the temple and have learned something each time. I have found the temple welcoming and open to all people, regardless of whether they are Buddhists, non-Buddhists, academics, or just someone curious about the teachings of the Buddha. The temple is an important local resource for learning about Buddhism. Bhante Ariyagnana is a knowledgeable priest who is adapt at explaining complex doctrines using insightful analogies. I expect that my students and I will learn much from him and others at the temple in the future. I commend the temple on its efforts to further intellectual discussions on religion and its willingness to promote inter-religious dialogue. I wish the temple great success in its endeavors to make a positive contribution to western Pennsylvania. 25 MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT, SLAAWPA Professor Ananda Gunawardena Carnegie Mellon University and President, Sri Lankan American Association of Western Pennsylvania Nearly three years ago, a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists living in and around Pittsburgh, explored the possibility of establishing a Theravada Buddhist center in the region. Today we are celebrating the official dedication of the center to Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community. The path to establishing a temple for the greater good of all people, took the hard work and dedication of many people. Many in our Sri Lankan community contributed their valuable time and money to establish this center in the beautiful Natrona Heights area. Now, just after six months from its inception, the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center has reached out to people of all nationalities and faiths to create a peaceful place of worship, discussion and meditation. This is an important occasion for all of us who have become part of this center. Meditation events and Dhamma discussions have resulted in making all of us a little better. Two very qualified monks who are staffing the center, Ven. Ariygnana and Ven. Munindawansa help us understand the complex teachings of the Buddha. All of us can greatly benefit from this place of tranquility. I hope under the wise leadership of Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana Thero Pittsburgh Buddhist Center will continue to expand its wings and reach out to everybody to make this world a better place to live. This is a great occasion to celebrate and cherish for years to come. I send my warmest congratulations on this occasion of the dedication ceremony of Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. 26 MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY, SLAAWPA Dr. Chandrasiri Jayakody Secretary, Sri Lankan American Association of Western Pennsylvania On behalf of the Sri Lankan American Association of Western Pennsylvania (SLAAWPA), it gives me great pleasure to write this message on this special occasion of the offering of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center to the Maha Sanga and the 2551 st Vesak celebration at the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. On March 26, 2005 we organized our first Buddhist program under the guidance of Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana at the Hoi Phatgiao Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Homestead, PA to remember over 40,000 Sri Lankan victims who died from the tsunami. Since then we conducted a monthly program at the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple until September 2006 in collaboration with International Buddhist Society of PA. During this time, the invaluable guidance and support received from IBSPA, Mr. Asoka Ganhewa and Mrs. Lisa Ganhewa and others should be acknowledged with great respect. We express our sincere thanks to Vietnamese Buddhist community in Homestead for providing their temple for our monthly programs for one and half years. On September 6, 2006 the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center was established in Natrona Heights under the guidance of Ven. Nehinne Ariyagnana and Ven, Kamburupitiye Munindawansa. We express our heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks to Dr. K. Siripala, Dr. Ranjini Siripala, Mr. Damitha Karunaratne, and Dr. Padma Karunaratne for donating this center for the benefit of Buddhist community living in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. A tribute has to be paid to all those members of the SLAAWPA and their families, especially Mr. Sanjika Hewavitharana of Carnegie Melon University for designing and maintaining the SLAAWPA and PBC websites, Mr. Rohan Fernando for re-wiring the entire Buddhist Center, and well-wishers, who by sacrificing their time, energy and money, paved the way to the success that Pittsburgh Buddhist Center has now achieved. Let the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center spread peace and loving kindness to humanity over the world. 27 MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY, PBC Mr. Damitha Karunaratne Secretary Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Today, as we celebrate Vesak, the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar, we also celebrate the dedication of Pittsburgh Buddhist Center to the Maha Sanga. In my mind, there is no better time than to day to recognize an important milestone of a journey we started six months ago. Pittsburgh Buddhist Center was established and incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania as a non-profit religious organization on September 6, 2006 with the leadership and guidance of Rev Nehinne Ariyagnana Thero. We were able to find this secluded and serene location in Natrona Heights, PA that is conveniently located for most of the Sri Lankan community in Pittsburgh and its surrounding states. Our objectives in establishing a Buddhist Center were to learn Buddha’s teachings, to provide an opportunity to participate in religious programs and meditation programs for spiritual and mind development, Dhamma discussions for children and to serve as a common place with open doors for any one who seeks solace through Buddha’s teachings. In this short period of time, just over six months, we have been able to successfully work towards achieving these objectives that were set at the inception. The center has given us opportunities to meet and interact with new friends with different faiths, exchange views and ideas. For Sri Lankans living in the USA, this Buddhist Center gives an opportunity to maintain traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist cultural heritage. It is a great asset to have two highly Dhamma educated and devoted monks as Rev Nehinne Ariyagnana and Rev Kamburupitiye Munindawansa to provide us with knowledge and guidance. For me, it is a blessing to be a part of this meritorious effort and I thank Dr and Dr. Mrs. Siripala for their extensive support in establishing the temple. I also wish to thank all the non-Sri Lankan friends from Pittsburgh and other devotees from surrounding states who support and participate in center’s activities. My deepest appreciation goes to the members of SLAAWPA who participate and contribute their valuable time, energy and wealth to make Pittsburgh Buddhist Center a success. There is no doubt that this center would not be what it is today if not for the support and the leadership provided by them. I am delighted to see the growth of the Pittsburgh Buddhist center and my humble appeal to all of you is to join hands with the Pittsburgh community to continue and sustain this rewarding journey. Thank you all and may the Blessing of Triple Gem be with you. 28 PITTSBURGH BUDDHIST CENTER - HISTORY AND FUTURE By Ramona Fernando Buddhism - Religion of true realities, of deep philosophical, spiritual, and moral empowerment, metaphysical in its outer realms, and brings hope, vision and wisdom to a world un-assured of its past, present, future, and the beyond. Majority of Sri Lankans are Theravada Buddhists. Sri Lanka is a religiously diverse country and many of other faiths in Sri Lanka relate to, and hold in esteem, Buddhism, a religion of high intellectual and principled disciplines; one of non-violence; one of refinement and dignity. In Sri Lanka, interdenominational relations are practiced and enjoyed by all. The first Theravada Buddhist Center in Pittsburgh opened on 6th September 2006, as a result of major donations from Drs. K. Siripala and Ranjini Siripala, Mr. Damitha and Dr. Padma Karunaratne. Discussions to establish a Theravada Buddhist center by the Sri Lankan community in Pittsburgh began in earnest in 2004. The president of the Sri Lankan American Association of Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Ananda Gunawardena, together with secretary, Dr. Chandrasiri Jayakody, with the help of many others in the community initiated and conducted these discussions, and a monthly program was established for our monks to visit Pittsburgh from the temple in Breezewood, Pennsylvania. The Vietnamese temple in Homestead, PA kindly allowed the community to use the temple for our Dhana sessions, Dhamma discussions and meditation sessions. In the discussions leading up to the establishment of the center, an online survey was conducted through the community website pgh-lk to find out our community’s interest in such an endeavor. Many in the community responded positively to the establishment of a center and a committee was set up to look for a suitable location for such a temple. Many sites were considered, and after much deliberation, Natrona Heights was chosen because of the serenity of the location and convenience for most in Pittsburgh and neighboring communities. Many visitors of all faiths visit the temple on a regular basis nowadays, and are struck by the logical and rational philosophy of Buddhism, and its viewpoints Opening Day, 17 th September 2006 29 preached by Buddha, the enlightened one in the ancient times of 500 B.C. Many ponder on its abstract concepts like the power of the mind, and the concepts of reincarnation, where connectivity between all living beings in this world and the worlds of the unseen, are contemplated. The weekly meditation sessions conducted by the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center brings calmness to the mind, an empowerment of the spirit, the easing New Buddha Statue Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Lakshman away of tensions and Wickramaarachchi of Los Angeles, CA fears, a realization that one has a greater capacity for free will and self-inspiration and that one can find fulfillment of happiness in this life. Pittsburgh Buddhist Center is staffed by two experienced monks, Venerable Nehinne Ariyagnana, the Chief Monk of PBC, and Venerable Kamburupitiye Munindawansa. The temple’s current activities include: • monthly meditation and Dhamma discussion program • weekly meditation session • monthly Dhana Program • Dhamma School, a place for children to learn Buddhist teachings and practices. According to Ven. Ariyagnana, the mission of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center is • To contribute to the spiritual development of people (Buddhist and non- Buddhists) through Buddhist Philosophy • To contribute to the ethical development and to stop the erosion of social values • To educate people about the reasons for downfall ( Piriheema ) • To provide an environment for all people to practice Buddhism and especially introduce Buddhism to children. Plans for the future include: • Addition of a new shrine room and meditation hall • Regular meditation sessions and meditation retreats where people can stay longer time on the temple premises and concentrate on meditation • Summer camps for those who are interested in learning Buddhist teachings, especially children • Annual Vesak celebrations - Birth, Enlightenment and Passing away of the Buddha, which happened on Vesak Poya, a full moon day • Sil programs -- calming oneself by reflecting on Buddha’s teachings. All these programs, especially the meditation programs are open to people of all faiths and beliefs. 30 Pittsburgh Buddhist Center is a place of calm and tranquility. Venerable Ariyagnana and Venerable Munindawansa call the devotees to prayer and meditation by ringing a bell. The main hall or prayer room is filled with seated people, and the deep and glorious resonance of Pirith chanting fills the temple. One feels the true essence of being human and of its rare occurrence in the cycle and chain of re-birth. One is now transported into a rarer dimension of consciousness; into a deeper awareness of self-worth, of tranquility, and of peace. One is gradually moving towards Nirvana. Pirith Chanting A Meditation Session 31 THE FOUNDERS OF PBC From Left to Right: Mr. Duminda Siripala, Dr. Ranjani Siripala and Dr. K.Siripala, Ven Munindawansa, Ven Ariyagnana, Mr. Damitha Karunaratne, Dr. Padma Karunaratne 32 PBC PHOTO GALLERY 33 MEDITATING ON THE BODY – AN ANCIENT RELAXATION TECHNIQUE By Ven. Tapovanaye Sutadhara Thero, Director - Ventura Buddhist Study Center, An Lac Mission, 901 South Saticoy Avenue, Ventura, CA 93004 Most of you are familiar with meditation techniques that use the breath as their object. This article will briefly introduce a meditation technique that focuses on the body. Contemplation of the body (Kaayagataasati ) is also known as PaTikkuula manasikaara , “the reflection on the repulsiveness of the body.” The ‘Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness’ in Majjhima Nikaya (Middle Length Discourses) explains this meditation technique as the Contemplation of the Body. Many authors translate the Pali word PaTikkuula as “repulsiveness”. But as the Sutta explains this meditation technique, it reflects on the thirty-two parts of the body as Buddhist texts number them. PaTikkula also can mean ‘against the slope’/‘the bank (of a river)’. This meditation teaches us to train ourselves to see the body from a different perspective. What benefits can we achieve by practicing this meditation? The Buddha used a simile in discourses on this meditation that the practitioner should examine the body in the way some one would examine and identify different varieties of grain in a bag of mixed grains. At this point we are not going to focus on all thirty-two parts given in the discourse. We are going to pay attention to following questions: What is the posture for meditation? Any posture other than walking is recommended. This could be practiced while standing, sitting, or lying. How do you practice this method of meditation? You can either close your eyes or keep them open. Pay attention to the following body parts and contemplate each of them in this order: hair of the head , hair of the body , finger-and toenails , teeth , skin , flesh , veins, tendons , bones , and marrow . After reaching marrow, the last body part on the list, you come back marrow, bones, tendons, veins, flesh, skin, teeth, fingernails and toe nails, hair of the body, and hair of the head . Just visualize these body parts back and forth using your mind as a scanner. It is extremely important to keep focused on each body part to get the most benefit from this method. As time permits continue scanning back and forth. When you want to end the meditation session slowly move your fingers and toes and come back to normal everyday awareness. 34 What are the benefits? By doing this your body and mind will be very relaxed. If you can practice this meditation right after physical exercise, a long workout, or at the end of a long day this benefit can be easily observed. Is it appropriate to use a method of meditation in Buddhism for a worldly benefit? Yes. At the beginning of the Discourse on Foundations of Mindfulness the Buddha himself explained the benefits of contemplation on the body, feelings, mind, and mind objects thus: ‘This is the sole way, monks, for the purification of beings, for the overcoming of sorrow and lamentation, for the destroying of pains in the body and mind, for reaching the right path, for the realization of nibbana (enlightenment), namely the four Foundations of Mindfulness.’ Benefits such as ‘overcoming of sorrow and lamentation, destroying of pains in the body and mind,’ are worldly to the core but essential aspirations. So the Buddha himself wanted us to be well and happy. On the other hand if we can overcome sorrow, lamentation, and pains in the body and mind, that is a good way to test the method of meditation. If you achieve these benefits you can assume that the rest of the benefits will follow if you continue to meditate. Imagine that you want to visit a place you haven’t visited. You get driving directions from the Internet. When you follow the directions you are still not sure that you will get there until you reach the destination. If you have directions with obvious landmarks that you pass, then your confidence in the set of directions increases. When you experience the immediate benefits of practicing this meditation technique, your confidence in the method grows. Buddhism is not a set of secret teachings. It is for sensible people to practice individually and see the benefits that together are the sixth quality of the teachings of the Buddha, memorized and recited by Buddhists at any devotional or blessings ceremony at home or at a Buddhist temple. Why do we focus only on ten parts of the body rather than going into all thirty-two parts? Traditionally, this meditation is listed along with the meditation techniques of reflection on the qualities of the Buddha, Loving-kindness, and Reflection on death which are called meditations that provide protection. At an ordination ceremony, the candidate repeats after the preceptor the five constituents ending with skin (hair of the head, hair of the body, finger-and toenails, teeth, skin) as the preceptor cuts his hair in the direct and reverse order several times. These five parts of the body are the most visible. In contrast, the parts from flesh to marrow go from the periphery to the core. This technique was modified for lay people after observing it as practiced at ordination ceremonies. The purpose of this article is not to enter into a theoretical discussion on the subject but to share a simple idea on a meditation technique useful for reducing physical and mental stress. The best test is to put it into practice and see whether it helps or not. Give it a try! MAY ALL BEINGS HAVE HAPPY MIND! 35 wdishdfjka ngysrg úysfok wdf,dalh mQcH lUqremsáfha uqKskaojxY yyysóyóóóssss msÜian¾.a fn!oaO uOHia:dkh fmkais,afõkshdj óg jir 2550 lg fmr wdishdfõ my< jQ wd.ñl Ydia;DDjrfhls nqÿka jykafia' bkaoshdfõ bmoS nqoaO;ajh wjfndaO lrf.k p;=rdh_ i;H iys; iqúfYaIS Ou_ ud._hla f,dalhdg foaYkd lf Y%S ,xldj ì%;dkH hg;a úcs;hlaj mej;s iufha iqÿ cd;slfhl= NslaIqka jykafia kulg úreoaOj wêlrKfha kvqjla mjrd ;snqks' tu kvq úNd.fhaoS NslaIqka jykafia ;u ks¾fodaIsNdjh m%ldY lsÍug ,sÅ; idlaIs jYfhka bosßm;a lf,a md,s NdIdfjka ,shk ,o mqiafld< fmd;a lsysmhls' Íia fâúâ keu;s úksiqre jrhdg fuu kvqj úNd. LsÍug mejÍ ;snqKs' Tyq fuj ÿ¾,N NdIdj ms Íia fâúâ úksiqrejrhdj Tyqf.a rdcldß ld,h w;r u. k;r fldg hg;a úcs; uy f,alïjrhd úiska kej; ì%;dkH fj; f.kajd .kakd ,os' miq ld,hl isú,a mqrjeisfhl= f,iska ,xldjg meñK isxy, yd md,s NdIdj ukdj m%.=k fldg nqÿ oyu ms “Pali Text Society ” kñka ixúOdkhka msysgqjd .;a fudyq md,s NdIdfjka ,shk ,o ;%smsglh bx.%Sis NdIdjg mßj;_kh lrk ,os' fuu j.lSu fudk ;rï lemùulska l,do lshf;d;a ;uka cSú;fhka iuq.kakd ;=reu th bgqlrñka isáfhah' t;=udf.a úfhdafjka miqj Tyqf.a ìß| Íia fâúâ ue;sksh fuu ixúOdkfha m%Odk ;ek .ksñka lghq;= bosßhg lrf.k .shdh' Íia fâúâ fom,g oË YsIHdjla isáhdh' weh whs' î' fydak¾ ue;sKshhs' fuu fom,f.a úfhdafjka miqj wújdylj b¢ñka ;u cSú; ld,h md,s NdIdj;a nqÿ oyu;a wdrËd lr.ksñka j.lSfuka lghq;= l 1879 j¾IfhaoS Y%Su;a tâúka wdfkda,aâ Light of Asia kñka nqoaO pß;h ldjHlg ke.=fõh' fuh nqÿ oyfï uQ 1918 oS weußldfõ le,sf*dakshdfõoS zfcdacshdkdZ fcda¾Ê fjda,ag¾ia úiska fõosld .; l, w;r th fkdlvjd osk 35 m%oY_kh úh' úúO ixksfõok l%u ;=,ska nqÿka jykafiaf.a Ou_h ms,sn|j Tjqkag oek .kakg ,eîu ksid nqÿ oyfï mKsjqvh Tjqkaf.a is;a ;=< ;ekam;a úh' bkaoshdfõ fn!oaO Wreuhla jk nqoaO.hd mqoìu wdrËd lr.ekSu;a th fn!oaOhkag Wreu úh hq;= nj Y%S ,dxlslfhl= jQ wk.dßl Ou_md, ;=udg uq,skau m%ldY lf 37 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. Dr. K. Siripala, Dr. Mrs Ranjini Siripala and family, Mr. Damitha Karunaratne, Dr. Padma Karunaratne for their generous contributions to make Pittsburgh Buddhist Center a reality. 2. Hoi Phatgiao Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, Homestead, PA and its devotees for allowing us to use their facility for monthly Dana and Dhamma discussions 3. Buddhist Society of Pennsylvania, especially Mr. Asoka Ganhewa and Mrs. Lisa Ganhewa for their dedication to support the Pittsburgh Monthly Buddhist program from 2005 to 2006. 4. Mr. and Mrs. Lakshman Wickramaarachchi of Los Angeles, California for the donation of Buddha statue 5. Mr. and Mrs. Piyasena Kirambage of Virginia for the donation of Gazebo and Buddha statue 6. Ven. Heenbunne Kondanna of Staten Island, New York Buddhist Vihara for the donation of Buddha Statue 7. Mr. Chandrasiri Dehipitiya of Austin, Texas for souvenir cover design 8. Many volunteers who made the effort to make this event a success including: Damitha Karunaratne, Ananda Gunawardena, Ransie Ratnatunga, Chandrasiri Jayakody, Rohan Fernando, Ramona Fernando, Sarath Fernando, K. Siripala, Sriya Gunawardena, Padma Karunaratne, Ranjini Siripala, Dan Rihn, Samantha Ranaweera, Nagen Suriya, Vimukti Suriya, Jay Goonatileke, Athula Herath, Sanjika Hewavitharana, Subhashan Perera, Somae Karandeniya, Slippery Rock University Students, University of Pittsburgh Students, Carnegie Mellon University students and all others 38 Pittsburgh Buddhist Center extends special thank to following individuals for their support. Pennsylvania: Mr. Rohan & Mrs. Purvi Algama, Mr. Jayantha Amarasekara, Drs. Nishantha & Piching Bandaranayaka, Mr. Mark Barkowski, Dr. & Mrs. Baruva, Mr. Daniel Bielak, Mr. Joe Chekanowsky, Dr. Clark Chilson, Mr. Nuwan & Mrs. Eranda Dassanaike, Mr. Ruwan and Mrs Dilihari De’Almeida, Mr. Rohan & Mrs. Ramona Fernando, Mr. Sarath & Mrs. Sasie Fernando, Mr. Jay Goonetilleke, Mr. Ananda & Mrs. Sriya Gunawardena, Mr. Athula & Mrs. Manori Hearth, Mr. Chandrasiri & Mrs. Tilaka Jayakodi, Mrs. Rasika Jayasooriya, Mr. Somaratne Karandeniya, Mr. Nagen & Mrs. Vimukti Kurukulasuriya, Ms. Linda Merle, Mr. Channa & Mrs. Kithmini Navaratne, Mr. Mike O’Brien, Mr. Subhashan & Mrs. Janitha Perera, Dr. & Mrs. Ananda Ranatunga, Mr. Nalin & Mrs. Kumudini Ranatunga, Mr. Samantha & Mrs. Nilmini Ranaweera , Ms. Ransirini Rathnatunga, Ms. Ashley Rieser, Mr. Dan Rihn, Mr. Rohan & Mrs. Ranjani Seneviratne, Mr. Nalin Subasinghe, Ms. Christine Telfer, Mr. Dharmasena & Mrs Dinesha Weerasinghe, Mr. Gajaka Weerasinghe, Mr. Muditha Senarath Yapa, Mr. Gamini and Mrs. Mallika Karunaratne, Mr. Ramesh Santanam New Jersey: Ven. Hunugampola Siriratana Nayaka Thero, Mr. Jayasuriya and Dr. Hiranthi Jayasuriya Indiana: Ven. Talangama Deevananda Thero Sri Lanka: Ven. Palathota Pagngnananda Thero Maryland: Suneetha Jayasinghe, Mrs. Sumana Jayawardena, Mr. Herath Piyatilaka, Mr. Jagath Ranasinghe, Mr. & Mrs. Mohan & Sashika Salgadu Virginia: Mr. & Mrs. Nanji Ram & Menike, Mr. Vijaya Priyankara Weerasinghe Ohio: Mr. & Mrs. Mahinda & Samantha Gangoda, Dr. Vicumpriya Perera and Mrs. Devika Perera 39 Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dedication Ceremony Best wishes From JABCO MAGGI ISUZU 273 Benner pike, State College, PA 16801 866-699-2277 www.jabcomaggi.com Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dedication Ceremony Best Wishes From JABCO MAGGI PONTIAC GMC TRUCKS 9129 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon, PA 16652 814-643-3710 www.jabcomaggi.com Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dedication Ceremony Best Wishes From TextCentric Inc. From Printed word to the Digital World Colombo, Sri Lanka and Pittsburgh, PA http://www.textcentric.com Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dedication Ceremony Congratulations and best wishes by the grace of the Holy Triple Gem Nisantha and Piching Bandaranayake Pittsburgh Buddhist Center Dedication Ceremony Best Wishes From ESCOLANKA www.escolanka.com Connecting people with Sri Lanka ...