Eye Opening Damma Talk on 'Mindfulness'

In the monthly damma talk held at Houston Buddhist Vihara on Saturday 6th June, meditation master from Mitirigala Nissarana Vana, Sri Lanka, Ven. Uda Iriyagama Dhammajiva presented a simplified overview of mindfulness or awareness in the context of 'kayanupassana' or 'contemplation on the body'. His clarifications were fitting for both the advanced meditators and children. In 'kayanupassana' meditation, one closes all the six 'doors' one has except mind and body. This eases gaining of awareness over the body by taming her mind. Mindfulness can be practiced even in our everyday lives; undistracted dinning is an example.

The event was well organized by Rajans in Texas with the help of community of Houston Buddhist Vihara. Apart from learning damma, many made use of this as an opportunity to meet fellow Sri Lankans and Rajans. Meeting a senior Rajan that moved to Houston recently is among the rewards DAANA had from this event. Development of awareness on the activities of DAANA among the Houston community would be useful in executing future activities in Texas.

DAANA Texas chapter is thankful to its members and all the others who supported this invaluable cause.

DAANA Texas Chapter Sponsors Damma Talk

Rajans in Texas are sponsoring the June damma talk at Houston Buddhist Vihara. For many from Dharmaraja College organizing damma talks is not something new. This is a good opportunity for building the strength as a group while serving the community. Organizing the function, arranging the necessary supplies and coordinating food preparation for the attendees are among the major responsibilities undertaken.

A well known meditation teacher from Mitirigala Nissarana Vana, Sri Lanka, Ven. Uda Iriyagama Dhammajiva will deliver the monthly damma talk. Ven. Dhammajiva has practised as a meditation master for over a decade and is meditation teacher and Deputy Abbot of Mitirigala, a monastery in the strict forest tradition in Sri Lanka. He trained under Ven. Matara Sri Gnanarama Mahathera (Sri Lanka) and Sayadaw U. Panditabhivamsa (Burma).

Particulars of the event are:

Date: Saturday, 6th June
Time: 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Venue: Houston Buddhist Vihara (HBV)
8727 Radio Road, Houston TX 77075

With the support of all the Rajans in Texas a well-organized evening of damma is expected to be achieved.


“Kalena damma sawanam - etham mangala muththaman,
Kalena damma sakachcha - etham mangala muththaman”

- Maha Mangala Sutta