Picture Gallery

Click here for Video

A trip to The Unity of Bandon Church

This is the first time in history that different religions and different beliefs have the same frame of mind; to seek happiness and peace within.

Saturday July 10th, 2010, should be deemed as a historical day that should be inscribed to remember because it was the first time both Buddhists and Christians stood as one. Even though there were differences in religion and beliefs, everyone’s state of mind was set to find happiness and peace within through mediation. Phra Niran Suveero was invited to a famous city in Oregon, 6 hours away from Portland, by Mrs. Else. There was also cooperation from Mrs. Rachel Volphy, the president of The Unity of Bandon Church. On July 10th, Phra Niran Suveero guided the Bandon community through a meditation session. More than 80 people in the community of Bandon came to participate and practice meditation together. The room was so crowded that there were not enough chairs to go around. Some people agreed to sit on the floor as long as they received the opportunity to learn the meditation technique as well.

The program started with Dr. Sith Chaisurote, who gave a welcoming speech and the schedule of activities for the day. After that, everyone participated in a light exercise to relax every part of the body in order to be comfortable before meditation. Then Phra Niran Suveero talked about

the history of Phra Monkolthepmuni, the great master Dhammakaya founder of the seventh base of the mind, and explained the benefit to practicing meditation. Everyone listened intently and some people took notes of the Monk’s sermon. After the sermon, Phra Niran lead everyone through a 40 minute meditation session during which he introduced the mantra of “summa ara hung,” in which everyone was able to repeat. After the meditation session, Phra Niran answered the participants’ questions, examined their experiences, and advised everyone to continually practice meditation.

Afterwards, the participants wrote of their experience in a short note. From discussions after the session, many people had a good experience. Some found happiness and peace within. Many were impressed that the Oregon Meditation Center went out to share our Dhammakaya method of obtaining happiness. Before heading back to Portland, the church congregation and temple staff took a picture together. The entire day was wonderful, filled with delight, joy, and unforgettable memories.

Picture Gallery

Click here for Video

Lord Buddha Day

On Saturday May 28th, 2010, we arranged a ceremony of Visak Day, the Day of the Lord Buddha, which was the day of His birth, enlightenment, and attainment of Nirvana.

We began the day with evening chanting and Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta. Then Ven.Niran Suweero gave a sermon to lay people about the significance of Vesak Day. Afterwards, the hosts of the Offering Ceremony, Mr. Sith Chaisurote and Mrs Vongthron Intaraksa, led all participants in lighting candles and offerings to the monks. The lead monk subsequently led the lay people in a meditation session. Continuing with the main event, Ven.Niran Suweero led all participants in a parade around the Buddha image 3 times with candles in hand. Then all participants lit lotus candles to pay homage to the Lord Buddha and recall in His kindness.

This day was a delightful day because all participants received great merit from the candle ceremony, paying homage to the Lord Buddha, and recalling in His kindness. Rejoice in everyone’s merit.

Picture Gallery

Information

During the first four weeks of January. The Monk and volunteers of Oregon Meditation Center went to visit Buddhist Temple, and Buddhist association such as Wat Buddha Oregon, Wat Richland Buddavararam, Sirimangala Buddhist Monastery, The Miao Fa Chan Temple, and Taiwan Buddhist TZU CHI Foundation of Portland. The purpose of visiting was to bless each other in New Year. We were nice welcome by all of Buddhist association.

Picture Gallery

Meditation Session at the City of Eugene

On Saturday December 2009, the Abbot and volunteers of Oregon Meditation Center went to arrange a monthly meditation Class at Monora Thai Restaurant. The class began with light exercise and then learned the process of clearing all worries. The participants gathered together and meditated for 45 minutes. After the meditation session, the participants shared their meditation experience. Most had reached a peaceful state of mind and wished to share their happiness with others.

Picture Gallery

Meditation Session at the University Of Portland

On October 15, 2009, a meditation session was arranged by the Abbot of Oregon Meditation Center and by UofP student volunteers. Meditation was of interest to many UofP students, professors, and officers. The session started with exercises and then everyone gathered to meditate for 45 minutes. After meditating, everyone shared their meditation experience. Most participants reached a peaceful state of mind and wished to integrate this meditation technique into their daily lives.

Picture Gallery

Brighten the Mind, Brighten the World

On Saturday January 30, 2010, the Abbot and volunteers went to arrange a monthly meditation session at Monara Thai Restaurant. This session had many interested participants that came. The class began with exercise and offered the benefit of clearing the mind. Then all participants got a chance to envision a suitable object of their own such as the sun, moon, star, or crystal ball. After that, participants meditated for 50 minutes. After the session, the participants shared their meditation experience. Some mediators reached a state of peaceful mind, and proposed to share happiness to others. Moreover, many of them intended to continue practicing meditation at home.

Picture Gallery

Click here for Video

U.S.A. Regional Robe Offering Ceremony of Oregon Meditation Center

More than 200 Buddhist people in Oregon, Washington, California and other states gathered at Ron Russell Middle School. They accumulated great merit with a large congregation of monks who are representatives of the Dhammakaya Meditation Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The ceremony took place on Sunday March 28, 2010 from 9.30 AM to 3.00 PM.

In the morning, we began with meditation. Meditation helped purify our minds and surrounding environment to be peaceful throughout the day’s events. Then we proceeded with the Alms Offering Ceremony. All participants were very delighted to give food to the monks.

In the early afternoon, we began to line up for the Robe Procession. Then the lead monk led the lay people in another meditation session. Continuing with the main event, the hosts of the USA Regional Robe Offering Ceremony, Miss Amara Bunchongsiri and Miss Nitaya Saedan, led all participants in offering robes to the monks. The monks then blessed the hosts and the lay people followed by a Dhamma sermon from the lead monk.

The last event of the day was a congratulations ceremony for Phra Kru Vitat Punyapron in his Monk’s title. The ceremony began with lay people offering flowers and candles in order to pay homage to him. Then Phra Kru Vitat Panyapron gave a Dhamma sermon to the lay people.

This day was a delightful day because all participants received great merit from the monks. Rejoice in everyone’s merit.

Picture Gallery

Songkhan Festival and Fifth Year Anniversary

On Saturday April 10, 2010, we arranged a ceremony of the fifth Anniversary of The Oregon Meditation Center and Songkhan Festival.

In the morning, we began with meditation and then we proceeded with transferring merit to the deceased Ceremony; followed by the Alms Offering Ceremony.

In the afternoon, we began to line up for the Robe Procession. Then the lead monk led the lay people in another meditation session. Continuing with the main event, the hosts of the Offering Ceremony, Miss Payao Thongprapaipak, led all participants in offering robes to the monks. The monks then blessed the hosts and the lay people followed by a Dhamma sermon from the lead monk.

The last ceremony of the day was a Performing a bathing ritual for Buddha Image and Pouring of scented water over the hand of elders.