Vihara Buddha Gotama is a 15-acres forest monastery founded in 1998 mainly for the study, teaching, practice and propagation of the Buddha’s discourses (Suttas), monastic discipline (Vinaya), and meditation, according to the original teachings of the Buddha.
An adjacent 5-acres piece of land was incorporated in 2013.
It is open to monks (bhikkhus and samaneras), nuns (bhikkhunis, maechees or anagarinis), and also laymen and laywomen.
This Vihara caters mainly to the residential community of monks and nuns, and those training to be monks and nuns.
Thus, the daily schedule includes about 4 hours of group meditation, 2 hours of work, and 1 hour of Dhamma-Vinaya study and discussion.
Since the Vihara is not a meditation centre tailored to the needs of lay people, it is not run on a weekly retreat basis. Rather, perhaps one can say that it is run on an everyday retreat basis.
All residents, permanent and visitors, are normally expected to take part in all the daily activities of the Vihara, unless they are unwell or have some other valid reasons.
Currently VBG does not have Mahathera to be dependent (nissaya) on, so ordination program is suspended.
Visiting hours are from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm daily. Guests should call up beforehand if they wish to visit outside these hours to ensure it is convenient and the gates are opened.
Visitors may request the abbot for consultation / discussion from 12:00-1:00 p.m. daily.
The Vihara is one of the few monasteries without any statues, in line with our principle to follow the original teachings of the Buddha.
Throwback Since 1998:
Ideal Spiritual Haven
In its early years, some supporters from Upekkha group and friends helped made the videos below in conjunction with the founding of the Vihara.
Part 1 of 4:
Part 2 of 4:
Part 3 of 4:
Part 4 of 4: