Intro to Theravada Buddhism
June 27, 2026 @ 9:00AM — 4:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
All Souls Interfaith Gathering: 4066 Shelburne Rd Suite 2, Building E Shelburne, VT 05482 Get Directions
Come take part in a full-day Buddhist experience! Join us for "Intro to Theravada Buddhism" with Bhante Dhammawansha!
About the Facilitator:
Bhante Dhammawansha is a Theravada Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka. He holds a Masters degree in Buddhism and 50+ years of experience. For many years he traveled to various countries in the world teaching mindfulness and involving people in Dhamma discussions. He arrived in Florida in 1996 to assist a Sri Lankan community and to teach their children. Through several contacts there he learned that many Americans were recognizing a need for Bhante's wisdom, and they persuaded him to stay in the country and share his insight into the Buddhist practices. So with help from a variety of interfaith individuals, he was able to solidify plans to open a Buddhist meditation center, and the Dhamma Wheel Meditation Society became a reality. Bhante has now been working for twenty-five years at his meditation center in Clearwater, Florida, and has developed a large following. His calm and gentle demeanor is a welcoming presence to all he encounters and his engaging teaching style brings humor, introspection and insightful reasoning to all his discussions!
Bhante is very busy working locally with various Dhamma groups, counseling, speaking, and enjoying quiet time in nature. He additionally finds time to bring his message of mindfulness to other states in North America as well as several, yearly international trips.
He continues his travels to bring awareness to, not only the teachings of Buddha, but even more specifically to personal mindfulness. An appreciation of how each of us can cultivate our minds, to acquire understanding, happiness and peace, while living in a world where chaos exists on a daily basis.
Bhante is similarly doing what the, "Walking for Peace monks" have recently done on their 2300 mile peace walk from Texas to Washington, DC. to bring awareness to the mindfulness of our actions. Reminding each one of us that we can attain peace and equanimity, one breath, one step at a time....but first we need to begin that process within ourselves. Bhante, like the walking monks, does not share his message to convert others to his way of life; he is not trying to convince anyone that Buddhism is a faith we all must follow, but the message is only to remind us that there are other ways to view the world.
Bhante has spent his life pursuing his goal of sharing his wisdom, by reaching out to others through his teaching and travels....and by walking the peaceful path.