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The Thames Buddhist Vihara is maintained by the registered charity the Thames Meditation Society which was
formed in 1978 by an enthusiastic group of
Sri Lankan Buddhists led by their mentor and the present Head of the Vihara Venerable
Pahalagama Somaratana Chief Sanganayaka Thera.
The Vihara is open to the general public from 9.00am to 9.00pm for the study and the
practise of Theravadha Buddhism.
Among other facilities,
the Vihara has a Shrine room, a preaching hall, a library, and residential accommodation for the monks who are
mainly from Sri Lanka.
The resident Monks unless invited out to take part in a religious ceremony are always
available to advise, provide guidance, or to discuss any religious matters that devotees
wish to raise.
The Thames Meditation Society is funded entirely by subscriptions, donations and voluntary
contributions and has no other income of its own. The Monks are all volunteers and do not
receive a remuneration for their services. Devotees who are currently in excess of 350
families provide the morning and mid-day meals to the Monks and the Society provide all
other necessities for them to be comfortable. Often, the Monks are invited out to
perform or to take part in religious ceremonies and to officiateat funerals.
The weekly
programme of events is as follows:
| Sundays |
3.00 to 4.00 pm 4.00
to 5.00 pm
5.00
to 6.00 pm
6.00 to 7.30 pm |
Sinhala Classes for Sunday School Children Buddhism
Classes for the Sunday School Children
Dancing Classes
Buddha Puja, Meditation, Dhamma Sermon and Pirith Chanting |
| Mondays |
3.00
to 5.00 pm
7.00 to 8.30 pm
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Meditation Class
Religious Services
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| Tuesdays |
7.00 to 8.30 pm |
Pirith Chanting and Religious Services |
| Wednesdays |
3.00 to 5.00 pm 7.00
to 9.00 pm |
Meditation Class Religious
Services |
| Thursdays |
7.00 to 8.00 pm |
Pirith Chanting & Religious Services |
| Fridays |
3.00 to 5.00 pm |
Meditation Class |
| Saturdays |
3.00 to 5.00 pm 6.00
to 8.00 pm |
Meditation, Pirith Chanting & Religious
Services Wisdom Dialogue (Only on First Saturday of the month) |
Click here to see the 'Annual Calendar of Events'
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