Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I wish to introduce you to the Windsor Buddhist Vihara and welcome you to the Vihara’s website.

The Windsor Buddhist Vihara was organized by the small group of Sri Lankan Buddhist residents of Windsor and it was officially opened on August 3, 2003. The Vihara is located at 372, California Avenue, Windsor, on the west side of the city adjacent to the University of Windsor.

The Windsor Buddhist Vihara follows the Theravada tradition of Buddhism as practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia and Laos.

Buddha Pujas (offerings reflecting on the sublime qualities of the Buddha and his teachings) are held at various times during the day. Meditation sessions in English are held on Mondays from 6.30 to 8.00 pm. Sunday school for children is held on every other Sunday from 3.00 to 5.00 pm. Buddha Pujas are also held to commemorate special occasions and to invoke the blessings of the teachings of the Buddha and transfer merits to the sick and in memory of loved ones. Dhamma sessions are held weekly in a less formal setting with individuals and small groups to discuss the teachings of the Buddha.

Please visit our links to other websites for interesting topics on the Teachings of the Buddha.

The Vihara is open almost all day every day of the week. There are times when I am invited to homes of the Buddhist community to conduct Buddha Pujas on special occasions or visit the sick in local hospitals or invited to other Buddhist temples to participate in special religious services with the Maha Sangha (community of monks).

The Vihara is open to all. A good time to visit the Vihara is from 9.00 to 11.00 am, 2.00 to 5.00 pm or 7.00 to 8.00 pm. It would be appreciated if you can telephone the Vihara at (519) 258-2003 before your visit to ensure that I am available to meet with you.

Please visit the links in our website for information on special events at the Vihara, the Vihara’s participation in community activities and for other information on the Vihara.

There are about forty five Sri Lankan Buddhist families in Windsor. They each take turn to provide for the daily needs of the Vihara with one family offering Dana for each day of the month. The Vihara receives monthly cash donations from the Buddhist community and well-wishers for the maintenance of the Vihara.

The Windsor Buddhist Vihara is a registered charitable organization. Please visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities for information on the Vihara under its registration number 87230 5503 RR0001.

May you all be Happy, Healthy and Peaceful

Bhante Rahula