The Oxford Buddha Vihara (OBV) is a centre for teaching the Buddha's message. Vihara means dwelling place. We aim to offer a programme which is practical and relevant for this modern era, so that more can benefit from the Buddha's teachings. The OBV was founded in 2003 by the Venerable Dr. Khammai Dhammasami, who has lived as an ordained Buddhist monk for the last 30 years. Since 2003 the Vihara has developed into a thriving community of monks and lay Buddhists from many different countries and cultures, with an emphasis on the traditions of SE Asia. The community includes groups of Burmese, Thai, Lao and Sri Lankan origin as well as Buddhists with a European background. In keeping with the tradition of the SE Asian temple, the Vihara and its monks exist through the generosity of temple community. Supporters offer food, basic clothing and medicines to the monks as well as financial contributions which ensure building upkeep and the spread of the teaching.

The Vihara has two branch centres: one in Bodhgaya, the place in India where the Buddha achieved enlightenment, and the other in Singapore
www.oxfordbuddhaviharasin.org.

Latest Announcements

Luna New Year Ceremony & 10th Anniversary Celebrations

To celebrate the occasion this year
2013, the Oxford Buddha Vihara will be holding a merit making and blessing ceremony for the Buddhist community at the Tingewick Hall.


Please
click here to read the Programme:  


Dukkhappatta ca niddukkha:
 May those in suffering be free from suffering.
Bhayappatta ca nibbhaya:
 May those in danger be from danger.
Sokappatta ca nissoka:
 May those in anxiety be free from anxiety.
Hontu sabbe pi panino:
 May all of you be well and happy.


With metta and in the dhamma,
Ven. Dr. Khammai Dhammasami 
Abbot

   

Monthly second weekend meditation retreat for this year 2013

This month's weekend meditation retreat falls on 13-14th, which is this very weekend.

In the context of a successful ten-day meditation retreat (27/3 - 7/4, 2013) recently conducted by Ven. Dr. Sengpan Pannyawamsa, I am focusing on the teaching of anatta (non-self) in Vipassana meditation and metta meditation. This is related to the central theme of our weekend retreat last month as well; we have examined in March that the non-personalisation approach of vipassana meditation is not in anyway being hindered in the metta meditation we practise here; because once explored and expanded into all the six categories of objects and if contemplating on both pain (dukkha) and joy (sukha, metta-bhavana practice is also aimed at realizing anatta (non-self) through transcending barriers that divide us; it unites us all through the experiences of pain and joy.

It is good to build on this important theme. We will also read relevant passages of the Anatta-lakkhana-sutta, known as the Second Sermon of the Buddha.

All are welcome.

With metta,
Venerable Dhammasami