Theruvan Saranai! Welcome to the the Carolina Buddhist Vihara Website
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to offering teachings of the Buddha, primarily by bringing Theravada Buddhist monks to Greenville. “Theravada” refers to the oldest form of Buddhism extant, the highly traditional school found in Southeast Asia in countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand.
Carolina Buddhist Vihara provides a home in a quiet neighborhood in Mauldin for one or two monks at a time. They live in accordance with the ancient strict code of monastic discipline, Vinaya. The monks divide their time each day between personal development in seclusion and offering services to the general public.
The Buddha lived in northern India around 500 BC. For 45 years after he became enlightened, the Buddha taught a way of living and methods of mental training that lead to increasing levels of inner security, contentment and happiness.
One does not have to convert to Buddhism to benefit from the teachings of the Buddha. You only need to be willing to start giving up old habits which have failed to bring you peace of mind.
“The active mind is difficult to tame,
flighty and wandering wherever it
wills; taming it is essential,
leading to the joy of well-being.”
The Buddha (Dh 35)
NEWS
New pictures added!!! Take a Look!!!
UPDATE TO DANA FOOD ROTATION LIST: Please see the Dana Calendar page. There is a link at the bottom for the new document. Thanks!!
PROFESSORS AND STUDENTS: Please see the section below entitled "Professor and Student Services" to access guidelines for visiting the Carolina Buddhist Vihara.
Services Offered
Dana Every weekday the opportunity to provide breakfast and/or lunch to the monk is available. This is a traditional ritual for cultivating generosity called Dana. Please check our Dana Calendar for available times.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening programs: -Chanting in the ancient language of Pali and English - Meditation - Lecture (“Dhamma talk”) on the Buddha’s teaching or group discussion
Programs start at 6:30 pm. Please call ahead to confirm the program is being held as scheduled.
Each month the local Buddhist community gathers on a weekend date closets to the full moon. This is call the Poya Celebration. Periodically we also hold special programs for children. Please check the calendar of events for dates.
Available upon request: - Meditation instruction - Lectures (“Dhamma talks”) on the Buddha’s teachings, whether at the Vihara or at outside venues, such as schools and churches - Death anniversary observances - House blessing - Religious rituals of Theravada people, particularly the rituals of Sri Lanka - Storytelling based upon the most ancient Buddhist books - Spiritual counseling.
Professor and Student Services
The Carolina Buddhist Vihara is happy to welcome students to attend programs.
Please take a moment to view this document for guidelines for visiting the Vihara.
Please call to verify that programs are taking place.
Students: If your professor has not seen these guidelines, kindly bring it to their attention.
Welcome!
Directions to the Carolina Buddhist Vihara may be found using internet mapping software. However, errors sometimes appear in the directions.
Please use these directions to ensure your prompt and safe arrival.
The Guestbook is a public forum for responding to the Carolina Buddhist Vihara website.Personal inquiries or questions about the Buddha’s teachings should be emailed to dhammasc@hotmail.com.
The Carolina Buddhist Vihara 113 Woodridge CircleGreenville, SC29607 Tel: (864) 329-9961Email: dhammasc@hotmail.com
