Dhamma USA

06/06/2026

🌿 A Mirror for the Heart: The Greed Check

Before every good deed, pause and ask yourself:

“If no one ever knew I did this—not even if I received any praise, recognition, or credit—would I still do it?”

This simple yet profound reflection helps us examine our true intentions. The Buddha taught that the purity of an action lies not only in what we do, but in the state of mind behind it. When generosity, kindness, and service arise without the desire for praise or reward, they become powerful causes for inner peace and genuine happiness.

✨ Do good. Expect nothing.
💛 Let kindness be its own reward.
🙏 Pure intentions bring lasting peace.

What are your thoughts on this self-reflection question? Share your insights in the comments.

06/06/2026

Art, Culture & Timeless Wisdom at the Art Institute of Chicago

An inspiring visit to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago became a beautiful journey through art, history, culture, and spiritual reflection.

From the rare beauty of Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art-including ancient Buddhist sculptures, graceful Joseon paintings, and exquisite porcelain - to the vibrant creativity of Henri Matisse’s Jazz, the innovative works of Lucas Samaras, and the rich textile traditions from Morocco to Afghanistan, each gallery revealed the depth of human imagination across time and cultures.

The Buddhist artworks were especially meaningful, radiating serenity, wisdom, compassion, and devotion. They remind us that art is not only something to admire, but also something that can awaken the heart.

Art preserves history.
Wisdom transcends time.
Beauty connects us all.

Bhante Sumitta | Dhamma USA

06/04/2026

Call for Peer Reviewed articles on Buddhist studies

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀
𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗦𝗟𝗝𝗕𝗦)
----------------
𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
SLJBS accepts submissions in a wide range of areas related to Buddhist Studies, including but not limited to:

🔹Historical and textual studies
🔹Philosophy and ethics
🔹Buddhist art, culture, literature and archaeology
🔹Contemporary Buddhist movements
🔹Comparative studies

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀:
https://www.bpu.ac.lk/news/post/call-abstracts-sljbs

For inquiries, please contact:

📧 [email protected]
☎️+9471 867 7429, + 9477 520 4892, +9471 243 3662

Editor - in - Chief
Sri Lanka Journal of Buddhist Studies (SLJBS)

06/04/2026

🏮✨ Illuminating the Path: Vesak Lights of Wisdom ✨🏮

As Vesak 2026 was celebrated with devotion and joy at Dharmavijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, these beautiful lanterns shone brightly as symbols of the Buddha’s wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. 🌕🪔

Just as a lantern dispels darkness, the Dhamma illuminates our hearts, guiding us toward mindfulness, kindness, and inner peace. May the light of Vesak inspire us to cultivate wholesome thoughts, compassionate actions, and wisdom in our daily lives.

May all beings be happy, peaceful, and free from suffering. 🙏

06/03/2026

🪔🌕 United in the Light of Vesak 2026 🌕🪔

As the golden hues of sunset embraced Los Angeles, monks from diverse Buddhist traditions gathered in harmony at the Dhammakaya Meditation Center to commemorate the sacred Vesak Day—the Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinibbāna of the Buddha.

This inspiring scene reminds us that beyond our differences, we are united by the timeless values of wisdom, compassion, loving-kindness, and peace. The serene presence of the Saṅgha, the gentle glow of candlelight, and the spirit of collective practice beautifully reflected the Buddha’s vision of harmony and understanding among all beings.

May the blessings of Vesak inspire us to cultivate inner peace, walk the Noble Path with mindfulness, and share the light of the Dhamma with the world.

🙏 Happy Vesak 2026! May all beings be happy and free from suffering.

🪔🌕🙏

06/02/2026

🏮✨ Illuminating the Path: Vesak Lights of Wisdom ✨🏮

As the night sky embraces Los Angeles, the beautiful Vesak lanterns at Dharmavijaya Buddhist Vihara shine as symbols of the Buddha’s light of wisdom, compassion, and peace. Each lantern reminds us that even in moments of darkness, the Dhamma can illuminate our hearts and guide us toward understanding, kindness, and inner freedom.

May this sacred Vesak season inspire us to light the lamp of mindfulness within ourselves and share that light with the world. 🌕🪔🙏

06/02/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Ronald Miquelerena, Kumari Jayasinghe, Ravindra Kamble, Sena Wijesekara, Quynh Pham, Sanghamitta Narendra Chavan, Vũ Tùng Phong, Nok Noknoi, U Myint Shwe, Ram Yagya

06/02/2026

🕯️ One Flame, Countless Hearts

As the gentle Vesak evening settled over Los Angeles, a single flame shone brightly at the Dhammakaya Temple—quiet, steady, and full of meaning. Just as one candle can light many others without losing its own brilliance, the Buddha’s wisdom continues to illuminate countless hearts across the world.

May this sacred light remind us to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, loving-kindness, and wisdom in our daily lives. In a world often filled with noise and uncertainty, even a small light of goodness can guide many toward peace.

Happy Vesak 2026! May the light of the Dhamma shine within and around us all. 🌕🪔🙏

06/01/2026

📘✨ Unlock the Language of the Buddha! | PĀLI 101 – Lesson 17
📌 Watch the full video — link in the first comment below 👇

🌍 Students from more than 25 countries are joining this inspiring journey into the sacred language of the Buddha. In Lesson 17, we take another step forward by practicing one of the most important skills in language learning—translation.

🔹 Can you translate a Pāli sentence into English?
🔹 Can you express a simple English sentence in Pāli?
🔹 Are you ready to deepen your understanding of the Buddha’s original teachings?

Join us as we continue Exercise 4, building confidence in vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and practical translation skills. Whether you are a monk, nun, scholar, meditator, or Dhamma enthusiast, this lesson will help bring you closer to the rich heritage of the Tipiṭaka.

📚 Learn Pāli.
🪷 Understand the Dhamma.
🌟 Connect with the Buddha’s words.

Watch the full lesson and begin your journey into the language that has preserved the Buddha’s teachings for over 2,500 years.

06/01/2026

🌕 A Joyful Vesak Gathering: Walking Together on the Path of Peace

Under the gentle shade of nature and the radiant spirit of Vesak, a beautiful gathering of monastics came together at the Dhammakaya Vesak Ceremony in Los Angeles, 2026. This heartwarming moment captures more than smiles—it reflects the strength of the Sangha, the joy of spiritual friendship (kalyāṇamittatā), and the shared commitment to walking the Noble Path.

Among the gathering is a dedicated peace-walking monk (Venerable Samma Maggo) whose journey reminds us that peace begins with each mindful step. Whether walking across cities, countries, or simply through the challenges of daily life, the Buddha’s teachings continue to inspire us to cultivate kindness, wisdom, and compassion for all beings.

Vesak is not only a celebration of the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinibbāna—it is also a reminder that the Dhamma flourishes when practitioners come together in harmony, friendship, and mutual respect. Seeing the happy Sangha united in laughter and fellowship is itself a powerful expression of the living Dhamma.

May the blessings of Vesak inspire us all to walk the path of peace, serve others with compassion, and cultivate a heart free from hatred and division.

🙏 Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!