Overview
The truth, universally known as Dhamma, was rediscovered by the Buddha over twenty six centuries ago in order to liberate all sentient beings. Buddha’s systematic training principle shows us not only the Art of harmonious living, but it also allows us the way to end the continuity of suffering. When Dhamma is examined in a practical, natural and special way (Visesena), it allows one to see (passana) - insight into the true nature of things as they are. The early learning method of Dhamma is called Vipassana. It is through the practice of Dhamma that we pay respect (Anjali) to the Buddha that expresses the value of our genuine humanity upon all beings. In this regard, the viewpoint is, the Dhammanjali was created to better serve humanity based on the Buddha's teaching. Dhammanjali teaches compassion, noble discipline, meditation and wisdom to bring transparency of both the inner and outer world.
The Awakened One appeared in the world realizing the Dhamma. He therefore pointed out: He, who sees Dhamma, sees me, and he who sees me, sees Dhamma. Dhammanjali was established to serve people by offering a teaching that is based on the enlightened teachings of the Buddha. It was founded as a Training Center for Bhikkhu’s (Monks) in 2014 by Bhante Debongshi, whose vision was to support the Sangha (noble community of monks and nuns) based on monastic training principles. However, today all backgrounds around the globe can benefit from DMC’s learning seminars, meditation programs, and other events.
The Awakened One appeared in the world realizing the Dhamma. He therefore pointed out: He, who sees Dhamma, sees me, and he who sees me, sees Dhamma. Dhammanjali was established to serve people by offering a teaching that is based on the enlightened teachings of the Buddha. It was founded as a Training Center for Bhikkhu’s (Monks) in 2014 by Bhante Debongshi, whose vision was to support the Sangha (noble community of monks and nuns) based on monastic training principles. However, today all backgrounds around the globe can benefit from DMC’s learning seminars, meditation programs, and other events.
Our Vision
Dhammanjali Meditation Centre is a noble-based charity organization in Canada, founded by Bhante Debongshi dedicated to the path of Dhamma (The Law Of Nature), promoting human consciousness for global peace. We strongly consider the Dhamma, taught by the Buddha, allows us to integrate harmony between the life of sentient beings and the natural environment. DMC offers programs, provides facilities and techniques for anyone who may choose to enable themselves to reach their highest purpose in life and to realize their possibility for self-awakening.
Our Mission
Dhammanjali Meditation Centre provides spiritual needs amongst the monastic and lay communities in Canada and fosters a long-term, high-impact holistic education to ensure social harmony for the generations of tomorrow.
Our Aims
Promote human consciousness based on the enlightened teachings of the Buddha for global peace. Offering monastic training for Bhikkhus (monks) and Bhikkhunis (nuns) and facilitate mentorship programs. Facilitate long-term and short-term meditation retreats. Readily provide meditation classes to people from all backgrounds. Collaborate with other non-profit organizations and spiritual groups to conduct workshops, classes and events geared towards holistic education and community building. Form volunteer groups that extends volunteering in local communities. Spread awareness by networking with like-minded individuals. Provide our Center as an alternative thinking hub in a world full of people who are filled with confusion and stress. Our enthusiastic staff provide services which is run entirely by volunteers and solely on donations. We consider the voluntary service as the noblest act among all services. We see our volunteers as powerful peace keeping leaders making a difference by bringing about healing excellence to our world. Therefore, it is with this intention that we assist those who want to evolve their consciousness, their sense of well being and ultimately their peace through self-realization
Bhante Debongshi
Chief-IncumbentBhante Debongshi was born in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh. His early years were spent in India. For over thirty now he studies and practices Dhamma while having been trained in two major traditions (Theravada and Mahayana), particularly in Vipassana and Zen Meditation.
In 1987, Bhante had his ordination according to the Theravada tradition. He has devoted his life to the practice of Vipassana meditation based on the four foundations of mindfulness. In 1991, Bhante finished his studies in the University of Dhaka. He studied Sutta, Vinaya, and Abhidhhama for nine years and obtained a Tripitaka title. He studied Mahayana Buddhism for three years and has completed the 16th religious studies curricula in Korean Buddhist Jogye Order in 1998. In his quest for knowledge and public service, he traveled to many countries around the world finally settling in Canada where he established the Dhammanjali Meditation Center. Today, DMC is a unique multicultural center serving people from all spiritual backgrounds. Members benefit from DMC’s learning seminars, meditation programs, and other events which collaborate to develop harmony, peace and collective happiness. |
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Dr. Aditya Kumar Dewan
Director
Dr. Aditya Kumar Dewan was born to a traditional Buddhist family in Bangladesh in 1946. He belongs to the “Chakma”, an indigenous group of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh.
Dr. Dewan did his B.A. (Hons.), an M.A in Sociology, at the Dhaka University in 1967 and 1968 respectively. He worked as Youth Employment officer under the Directorate of Labour, Government of East Pakistan and Government of Bangladesh from 1969 to 1973. He was a former Professor of Sociology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh from 1973-1987. He did his graduate studies (1976-1978) at the University of Manitoba, Canada and earned an M.A. in Anthropology in 1978. Dr. Dewan completed his Ph.D. degree in Anthropology, McGill University, Canada in 1991. Since 1992, he has been teaching humanities at Dawson College and sociology & anthropology at Concordia University, Montreal. He teaches indigenous cultures, ethical, and moral issues in international development. Currently, Dr. Dewan is President of ICIP-CHT (International Council for the Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts). He is actively involved in international campaign for peace, human rights and indigenous peoples rights, especially rights of indigenous peoples of the CHT, Bangladesh. Over the years he has evolved in the theoretical and practical aspects of Buddha’s teaching. As a teacher, he uses his skills to guide and speak alongside Dhammanjali Meditation Center.
Dr. Dewan did his B.A. (Hons.), an M.A in Sociology, at the Dhaka University in 1967 and 1968 respectively. He worked as Youth Employment officer under the Directorate of Labour, Government of East Pakistan and Government of Bangladesh from 1969 to 1973. He was a former Professor of Sociology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh from 1973-1987. He did his graduate studies (1976-1978) at the University of Manitoba, Canada and earned an M.A. in Anthropology in 1978. Dr. Dewan completed his Ph.D. degree in Anthropology, McGill University, Canada in 1991. Since 1992, he has been teaching humanities at Dawson College and sociology & anthropology at Concordia University, Montreal. He teaches indigenous cultures, ethical, and moral issues in international development. Currently, Dr. Dewan is President of ICIP-CHT (International Council for the Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts). He is actively involved in international campaign for peace, human rights and indigenous peoples rights, especially rights of indigenous peoples of the CHT, Bangladesh. Over the years he has evolved in the theoretical and practical aspects of Buddha’s teaching. As a teacher, he uses his skills to guide and speak alongside Dhammanjali Meditation Center.
Brandon Bertram
Project Manager
Brandon became involved with DMC in 2015, while studying Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Toronto. He grew up in Saskatchewan, and now that he is home, is grateful for the opportunity to support the spreading of Dhamma. He has been meditating since 2008, and works as a community peacebuilder, educator, and consultant.
Monica Lynn Antonowitsch
Administrator & Editor
Monica is interested in the spiritual course of action in life. Her method of practice that supports this action are meditation and several Hatha Yoga Kriya’s. She’s been practicing both at progressive levels since 1982. Monica is actively involved with DMC since 2017, and continues attending day-long retreats and regular meditation classes three evenings a week. She serves as office administrator and editor. Her developed insight through meditation has made her happy and able to achieve boundless states of consciousness. She gratefully serves in her role at DMC working closely with others holding the vision of liberation, based on compassion and wisdom.
Bhante Triratana
Administrative Assistant
Venerable Triratana Lankara is one of the resident Bhikkhus of Dhammanjali Meditation Center. He has ordained at the age of 9 under the guidance of Bhante Debongshi in 1999. He trained partly in Sri Lanka and Thailand as novice and is a full ordained monk for over 16 years. Venerable Tri attended at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Buddhist University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 2014 Venerable Tri moved to Canada and in 2016 joined Dhammanjali Meditation Center and working as administrative assistant.
Erin Meher
Administrative Assistant
Erin has dedicated herself to studying the nature of consciousness and practicing the art of living. Dhamma teachings are her primary theoretical and practical focus. She continues extensive and on-going international training in Yoga and Meditation. She maintains five precepts and two hours of meditation daily. She serves with a strong and dedicated team at Dhammanjali Meditation Centre. Erin specializes in Culinary Arts and Agroecology. Part of her mission is assisting to spread health, kindness, compassion, and peace.
Yazdan Raees
Public Relations
Yazdan has spent his adult life learning and practicing spirituality, healing and volunteering, and enjoys sharing the love for the manifestations of life and wisdom. In east and west he has practiced and studied: Transcendental Meditation, Zen Meditation, Vipassana Meditation, Dhamma (Dharma) and Noble path, Sudarshan Kriya, Akshar Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Krama, Philosophy, Mythology, Therapeutic Yoga, Natural Healing, Ayurveda, Osteopathic Manual therapy, Craniosacral therapy, Myofascial bodywork, Botanical Medicine (currently) and North Indian classical music (currently). He is grateful to all his teachers for their generous guidance and boundless compassion