About the Monastery

Ottawa Theravada Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Center (Ottawa Buddhist Monastery ) is a vibrant religious organization based on the teachings of the Buddha. Our dedicated members follow the tenets of Buddhism and strive to practice them in their daily lives, particularly The Five Precepts (Pancha Sīla). Founded in Ottawa in 2007 by Sri Lankan Monk Most Venerable Kekanadure Hemalankara Nayaka Thero to meet the religious and cultural needs of the growing Buddhist population in our nation’s capital, the monastery relocated to Orléans in July, 2014. It is a registered charitable organization (Ottawa Theravada Buddhist and Cultural Center Inc., registration number 847682291 RR0001) that is funded by voluntary donations.

Buddhist community life revolves around a local monastery acting as a service hub to the surrounding population. Ottawa Theravada Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Center (Ottawa Buddhist Monastery) aims to replicate this tradition by offering many events and activities free-of-charge to its members and the general public, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Weekly meditation sessions, weekly dhamma sermons and pūjās, Pirith Chantings, Sunday Dhamma School, monthly Sil Program (Precept Observings), the grand Annual Vesak Festival (Birthday of Buddha) every year in May and Kathina Ceremony- these are just a few of the services and events that celebrate religious and cultural heritage and foster the development of exceptional members of Canadian Society.