mission

What We Stand For

The mission of the Swiss Lanka Dharma Centre is to serve as a Buddhist retreat center and provide a range of programs and services to different groups. The center aims to create an environment conducive to spiritual growth, meditation, and learning in accordance with Buddhist teachings and practices.

More about Dharma and our Vision

history

A Brief History of Sadaham Sevana Center

The Swiss Lanka Dharma Centre, also known as the Swiss Tanaka Dharma Centre, was established, and inaugurated on June 29, 2016, by Ven. Anuruddha Thero. Ven. Anuruddha Thero serves as the head of the center and is also responsible for the Zurich Buddhist Vihara in Lenzburg, Switzerland, where he primarily resides. He is also the bord member of the Intercultural Buddhist Center in Bern, Switzerland. The foundation of the Swiss-Lanka Daham Sevana operates under his guidance and leadership, with support from devotees in Switzerland.

The facility, originally established between 2005 and 2008 by the Swedish family of Birgitta and Lennart Benkel, has been expanded with the acquisition of neighboring lands in 2018 and 2023. Bhante, with the support of volunteers, has organized several meditation retreats, workshops, and novice programs at the center. Additionally, English classes have been conducted with the help of foreign volunteers.

Since December 2019, a five-floor building has been under construction, further expanding the center's facilities. These developments indicate that the center is making progress and growing over time.

about us

Learn About Our
Capabilities

One of the primary functions of the center is to organize and host retreats for various groups. These retreats may cater to individuals seeking personal spiritual development, as well as specific groups such as Buddhist practitioners, students, or professionals looking for a period of reflection and contemplation. Retreats typically involve guided meditation sessions, teachings on Buddhist philosophy, discussions, and opportunities for personal reflection.

During school vacations, the Swiss Lanka Dharma Centre functions as a training center for novice monks and provides youth training programs. These programs focus on imparting life skills, moral education, Buddhist leadership, and other aspects of personal and spiritual development. The aim is to provide young individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead meaningful and ethical lives based on Buddhist principles.

Additionally, the center offers specific training programs for Dhamma School teachers. Dhamma Schools are educational institutions that teach Buddhist principles and practices to children and young adults. By providing training for Dhamma School teachers, the center contributes to the development of qualified educators who can effectively teach Buddhist values and teachings to the younger generation.

The Swiss Lanka Dharma Centre also offers a temporary ordination program, ranging from a few days to several months. This program allows individuals to experience monastic life and deepen their understanding of Buddhist practice through immersion in the monastic community. Temporary ordination provides a unique opportunity for individuals to explore the monastic path and gain firsthand experience of the principles and disciplines followed by monks.

Furthermore, the center provides resident trainings based on the needs of the society and in accordance with Buddhist traditions. These resident trainings may encompass a wide range of subjects, such as meditation, mindfulness, ethics, and compassionate living. The aim is to support individuals in their spiritual journey and provide them with the necessary tools to navigate life's challenges and cultivate inner peace and wisdom.

Overall, the Swiss Lanka Dharma Centre seeks to create a space for individuals of all backgrounds to engage in spiritual practice, deepen their understanding of Buddhism, and cultivate positive qualities such as mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. By offering retreats, training programs, and resident trainings, the center aims to serve the needs of the community and contribute to personal and societal well-being based on Buddhist principles.