Dhammakaya Communities

by Phraronrawee

Posted on 2022-09-23

World peace through inner peace

A change is needed, which originate from one’s inner self, from one’s heart. It’s an old saying that when one door locks another one opens. As the world burns in agony on one side, a silver lining in these dark clouds could be seen on the other. A humble idea that originated in the mystic lands of Thailand in the early 1900’s is redefining the teaching of Buddha, along with the very idea of peace and stability in the world.

The meaning of the word Vijja is pure Knowledge and Dhammakaya simply means the real body of Buddha. Vijja Dhammakaya means Knowledge which flows down from Buddha himself. Dhammakaya is not an interpretation of Buddha’s sayings but is itself the original teachings of Lord Gautama Buddha.

“Peace comes from within.  Do not seek it without.”
~Buddha

This original knowledge was lost from the face of the earth, only in its material form. These valuable teachings of Gautama Buddha lay locked at the roots of the great Bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditated. Anyone who achieved the state of nirvana through the realization of his true self, felt this knowledge.

The essence of Vijja Dhammakaya was re-discovered by Phra Mong Kol Thepmuni (known as Sodh Candasaro), at Wat Bangkuveing Nonthaburi, way back in 1914. He soon mastered the technique and was able to find experts in the field of meditation, with whom the Great Master would reach the highest level of concentration, the Vipassana.

The goal is to implement the idea of peace, among all living beings, throughout the world. It is becoming a common platform of meditation, where all men and women are treated equally and with respect.

WHAT WE DO

We are practicing The Ten Meritorious Deeds. This includes following certain ethical principles: generosity, virtue, renunciation, discernment, persistence, endurance, truth, determination, good will, and equanimity developing the faculties of the mind.

To Put into daily life:

The study of scriptures and praying to Buddha
The ability to nurture higher wisdom and discernment
Regular meditation practice and the development of mindfulness
The act of charity giving, which is used to reduce greediness
Relinquishing the conventional way of living and learning how to be more frugal

About Us

The temple began in 2014, is one of branches of Dhammakaya temple, Thailand. With the generous help and support of our dedicated lay community the monks have begun constructions to establish a peaceful place for the future Buddhist activities.

Our plan is to accommodate around ten monks. We will have a large meditation hall, where members of the public are welcome to spend time enjoying the peace and tranquility of the atmosphere here, yet not far for the town centre. There is also a kitchen & dining hall, and accommodation for caretakers and guests.

Wat Phradhammakaya of Melbourne provides an ideal environment of simplicity and harmony in which the Sangha and residents can dedicate their practice to the cultivation of virtue, meditation and wisdom.

Venerable PhraKru Bhavanayanvithed (PhraAjahn Ronrawee) is the current abbot of Wat Phradhammakaya of Melbourne and the director of the Dhammakaya Society of Victoria Inc.

About the association

Dhammakaya Society of Victoria Inc. is a charitable organisation.

The principal activities of the Association aim:-

to encourage the teaching, practice and realisation of Buddhist Principles, with a special emphasis on morality, meditation, wisdom and compassion, and to establish and maintain facilities to make available to the general public these teachings and practices;

to establish suitable facilities for and to support the invited Sangha (Buddhist Monk(s) and Nun(s)) so they may act as spiritual guides and minister for the well being of the Buddhist community as a whole;

to establish and maintain, for propagation of the teachings of Phra Mong Kol Thepmuni, the rediscoverer of Vijja Dhammakaya;

to establish in the State of Victoria Buddhist centres, schools, colleges, monasteries and other institutions (including residential facilities) for the encouragement of the purposes;

to maintain and operate a School Building Fund.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

~Buddha

Regular Program

Each weekday: Food Offerings to monks
Time: 10:00 to 14:30

Every Saturday: Introduction to Meditation course
Time: 14:00 to 15:15

Every Sunday: Food Offerings to monks and dedication of merits
Time: 10:00 to 14:30

1st Sunday of every month: Buddha worshiping
Time: 10:00 to 14:30

3rd weekend of every month: Meditation Retreat
Time: Friday, 19:00 to Sunday, 14:30

Special events:

Event: New Year 
Time: one a year, 10:00 to 14:30

Event: Magha Puja – Full moon day of the 3rd lunar month
Time: one a year, 10:00 to 21:30

Event: Vesak – Full moon day of the 6th lunar month
Time: one a year, 10:00 to 21:30

Event: The Master’s day – Full moon day of the 10th lunar month
Time: one a year, 10:00 to 21:30

Event: The annual robe offering 
Time: one a year, 10:00 to 14:30

Event: Full moon day of the 12th lunar month
Time: one a year, 10:00 to 21:30