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The Temple
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History
The inception of
the Letchworth Buddhist community
centre was an opportune need of the
local community in Letchworth and
surrounding areas.
Inauguration of the centre took
place in the year 2000 at 69, Pix
Road in Letchworth. The main
sponsorship was given by the SLSCO
FLAME and the Venerable monks were
invited from Sri Lanka. Ven. Nahalle
Indrasiri,(Head of the Wanavasa
Vihara in Bentota), Ven. Dambara
Rewatha (Head of the Gallena
Rajamaha Viharaya), Ven. Nawala
Chandawimala (Resident monk of the
Siddhaththaramaya, Nawala) and Ven.
Nahalle Rahula ( A senior pupil of
Ven. Dambara Rewatha) kindly
accepted the invitation to institute
the Buddhist community centre. The
opening ceremony of the centre was
held on the 20th August
2000 with the blessings from the
most Ven. Madagama Wajiragnana (Head
of the London Buddhist Vihara) and
the Venerable monks from other
Buddhist Temples in the UK. The
former High Commissioner of Sri
Lanka Mr. Mangala Munasinghe, the
councillors of the Letchworth garden
city council and many other well
wishers from various nationalities
took part in the opening ceremony.
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Venerable Nahalle Rahula was
appointed as the Chief Incumbent of
the centre and the enthusiastic
Buddhists and non Buddhists members
of the community worked together to
upkeep and improve the centre. In
2005 the BCCL was relocated to the
current premises at 32, High Avenue,
Letchworth (5th March
2004). Financial assistance was
given by a pious devotee to mortgage
the property. A beautiful Buddha
statue from Sri Lanka was donated
and the shrine room (vihara) was
decorated and refurbished within a
short period of time.
The Buddhist community centre has
been a sanctuary to the community,
which provides a valuable service
regardless of nationality, colour or
religion.
Ven. Nahalle Rahula is directing the
community with the help of the two
resident monks, Ven. Dodamgoda Siri
Sumedha and Ven. Nallure
Sangharathana. The management
committee takes the leadership in
organising the programmes and
running the centre for the benefit
of the vast community. The
Letchworth Buddhist Community Centre
has gained a high reputation within
eight years of period as a
religious, social and cultural
centre in the UK.
Religious and Cultural Services
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Daily chanting and meditation:
7.30 am, 11.15 am and 7.00 pm at
the Vihara.
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Weekly meditation Sessions and
Dhamma discussion are conducted
every Wednesday and Sunday at 6.30
pm.
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Dhamma class and the language
class for children are carried out
fortnightly on Saturday at 3.00
pm.
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Monthly Full moon day programme is
organised on the nearest Saturday
of the actual Poya day.
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Dhamma discussion session, Dhamma
class and language class
programmes are conducted once a
month in High Wycombe.
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Annual events such as the Sri
Lankan New Year, Vesak
Celebrations, Poson Celebrations,
Esala Celebrations and the Kathina
Ceremony are organised in a highly
appreciative manner.
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The Venerable monks visit local
schools and hospitals on
invitation and engage in religious
activities in other Buddhist
temples and Buddhist associations
in the UK and Europe.
Maintenance
The
mortgage, utility bills and other
recurrent expenditures adds to £2000
a month. Generous members of
the community help in maintaining
the building and the garden.
How to
help
The well wishes are welcome to help
the vihara by following means.
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financial donations
(monthly/yearly subscription,
standing order)
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sponsoring events
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providing four requisites to
resident monks
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helping to
organize events
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helping to upkeep the building and
the garden
How to
become a member of the BCCL
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