Buddhism class starts in January

The Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara will be teaching a new class on Buddhism and Meditation for non-Buddhists starting in January 2007 to run through July 2008. The classes will be held on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Vihara, located at 3401 North 4th Street, Minneapolis.

The course is meant for anyone who doesn't know about Buddhism, and would like to learn in a friendly and non-imposing environment. Students may have different ambitions. Some are researching, others with to learn or investigate the faith and culture.

The school is now known as The Buddhist & Pali College (U.S.A), which is an affiliated college of the Buddhist & Pali University of Sri Lanka and its sole representative in the U.S.A. (Pali means language, as in the Buddha’s original language).

It was established in January 2006 by the Venerable Witiyala Seewalie the founding Principal of the College. The Buddhist & Pali College (USA) offers a one-year Diploma in Buddhism. It also prepares students for external degree and diploma examinations of the Buddhist & Pali University of Sri Lanka.

The course is meant for the beginner with or without any familiarity or previous exposure to Buddhism. “We don't want to convert people,” Seewali added. “But, the interesting thing about Buddhism is that we can teach to anyone who wants to learn.

The mission of the school is to achieve excellence in teaching Buddhism and the Pali language such that students aspire to the highest in virtue and knowledge of the Buddha Dhamma and to create conditions that foster and nourish Buddhism as a way of life in America.

“The Buddhist teaching is important for people to learn with the idea of practicing daily in life,” he said. “So, it is important to know that they can practice their own faith and at the same time practice the Buddhist teaching.”

The Vihara temple in Minneapolis opened on June 24, 2006 and its inaugural class of 15 Asian and mainstream community students will conclude in July 2007.

The volunteer faculty includes Rev. Seewali, who holds a B.A., Hons, MA, D. Litt. as president. The vice president is Rev.Maitipe Wimalasara Thero. Professor Ananda Guruge, will serve as Dean of Buddhist Studies and Professor K. Warnasuriya as Dean of Pali Studies.

Bhikkhuni (Nun) Satima, a Buddhist nun will serve as an assistant lecturer. The Board will be rounded out with Dr. Susantha Herath, registrar, and Ven. Bisho Kirti Majajan, will serves as an assistant instructor, treasurer and secretary.

The eventual goal will be to establish the first Buddhist and Pali College in the United States. There are such schools in Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom. They now have a library and technology center to aid students in their studies.
“This is one step to try to use our temple facilities, and in the future we have the idea of (a Pali) university.

The first three months will be basic Buddhist background and an introduction to the philosophy of meditation. Then they move on to more theory about Buddhist teaching.
The program is free and all donations greatly appreciated. For more information visit online at www.minnesotabuddhistvihara.org or call Rev. Witiyala Seewalie at 763-786-1811 or email mnbvusa@yahoo.com.

Meet the staff at the Vihara when it holds a New Year Blessing Ceremony on January 1, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.