Events

Past Event – Nov 21 & 22

November 21 – 22, 2025 – We were blessed to welcome Bhante Pemaratana, Chief Abbot of Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, to the Carolina Buddhist Vihara for a beautiful two-day Dhamma program.

On Friday evening, November 21st, we held our first-ever Aloka Puja (candle lighting ceremony) around the stupa—a truly special and moving experience for everyone present. Afterwards, Bhante offered an inspiring Dhamma talk about gratitude that touched all our hearts.

Saturday, November 22nd brought an all-day mini-retreat from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bhante Pemaratana skillfully guided us through three meditation sessions, gentle stretching exercises, rich Dhamma teachings, and thoughtful Q&A discussions.

It was wonderful to see both familiar faces and newcomers coming together as kalyanamittas (spiritual friends) of the Carolina Buddhist Vihara. We all learned so much and deeply appreciated the time spent in practice and community.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Bhante Pemaratana for traveling from Pittsburgh to share the Dhamma with us, and to everyone who attended and made these two days so meaningful.

About Bhante Soorakkulame Pemaratana

Bhante Pemaratana is the chief monk of Pittsburgh Buddhist Center and Cleveland Buddhist Vihara. Born and trained in Sri Lanka, he moved to the US in 2008. Bhante earned a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2017. He currently teaches at Carnegie Mellon University as a part-time faculty of the Department of History.

He offers workshops on meditation and provides spiritual counseling to help people to deal with challenging issues of life. Bhante also travels to countries in Southeast Asia to conduct public talks and mediation retreats. In Sri Lanka, Bhante serves as the Vice President of the Sri Ratanajoti Social Welfare Foundation and helps oversee two children’s homes for boys and girls, as well as a scholarship program that supports students from low-income families from grade six through university.

Past Event – October 4-5

October 4 – 5, 2025 – We were fortunate to have Kurunegoda Dhammaloka Maha Thero return to Carolina Buddhist Vihara as a guest for 2 full days. Venerable Dhammaloka offered programs on Saturday October 4th and Sunday October 5th that included meditation, sutta study, and yoga.

Venerable Dhammaloka was the first monastic in residence at Carolina Buddhist Vihara in 2000. He obtained his ordination in 1982 at the Bhikkhu Training Center inMaharagama, Sri Lanka. He has been in the USA since 1998. His current location in the USA is Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center, NY. He has been a valuable resource to the Carolina Buddhist Vihara since he relocated to New York State.

Ven. Dhammaloka offers this advice: “I think the practice of Yoga helps with physical health as well as clarity of mind which helps with Dhamma practice and activities.”