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2010
Annual Report
As a sacred place and social center, the Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara
temple has been able to successfully continue its progress because of
the great devotion, generosity, and dedication of the congregation. Our
sincere thanks and gratitude go out to all for their continued support
of the center and its resident monks.
Having completed its thirteenth year, the Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara is entering its fourteenth year of service.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees was comprised of the Reverend
Sankichcha (President), Ranjini Deraniyagale (Vice President), Sunila
Kandegedara and Antonio Sieira (Joint Secretaries), Lakshman Caldera
and Palitha Niyangoda (Joint Treasurers). Reverend Pinikahane Maithree,
Gunasinghe Punchihewa, Dhammika Weerasinghe, and Chinthaka Sanjeewa.
Ranjini Deraniyagale, Gunasinghe Punchihewa and Palitha Niyangoda will
be completing their two year terms, ending December 31, 2010. Laksman
Caldera completed his two year term in July, 2010. Chinthaka Sanjeewa
resigned to attend to personal obligations. Resident Monks
Under the guidance of Reverend B. Muditha, the
Reverends: Rev. Yatinuwara Sankichcha, Rev. Pinikahane Maithree, Rev.
Nugegalayaye Jinananda, Rev. Atharagalle Yasassi, and Rev. Kantale
Sumana were the resident monks at the GLBV. The Great Lakes Buddhist
temple Vihara is very fortunate to have these capable members of the
Sangha to help us progress. Programs and Activities
The Great lakes Buddhist Vihara started the year 2010 with the New
Year Blessings ceremony of the “Atavisi Buddha Pooja” (the veneration
of the twenty eight Buddhas). The Temple also offers three meditation
programs weekly, on Monday and Wednesday in English, and on Friday in
Sinhalese. A special Yoga class is offered on Wednesday evenings just
prior to meditation during the summer months. On Friday and on Sunday
evenings during the Vassana season, special Dhamma discussions have
been conducted on canonical discourses (Tipitaka Sutras). Bi-weekly
Sinhala and Dhamma classes for children and a monthly Sil Day retreat
are the regular activities of the Vihara. We acknowledge our Sri Lankan
friends in Lansing for continuing their offering of lunch (Daana) for
Sil participants every Sil observance day at the Vihara. On April 18th,
children and parents gathered to celebrate Sinhala New Years Day at the
GLBV which teaches the younger generation traditional customs of the
day with various New Years customs and games. In the month of Vesak
(May), we had three different days to pay our homage to the Buddha’s
birth, Great Enlightenment and Great Passing away. Childrens’ Vesak day
activities were held on May 9th. On May 10th, Vesak celebration for the
public was held at the International Institute in Detroit followed by
“Bhaktigeetha” (The devotional songs) and “Dansala” (free dinner). On
May 30th, Sil and meditation day for adults was conducted. The annual
meditation retreat was held on September 19th for Sri Lankans and
non-Sri Lankans at the Vihara. A “Maha Piritha” (Chanting) was held on
November 13h at the Vihara in relation to the Katina ceremony which
marked the completion of Three months rainy seasonal retreat of the
monks and to honor the monks for their service. The main Katina
ceremony was held on November 14th at the Country Place Community
Center in Northville, Michigan. This Year, Prasadth & Ranjini
Deraniyagala and family were the key sponsor of the Katina
ceremony. Other Services
In addition to the services mentioned, the Great Lakes
Buddhist Vihara has provided a variety of Dhamma services such as:
Conducting meditation classes, retreats, Sil programs, presentations
and workshops on Buddhism locally and out of state, in such places as
churches, other spiritual centers, colleges and various educational
institutes. To its successful credit, the GLBV’s Dhamma mission for the
last thirteen years, has now become the main temple (Maha Vihara) for
six independent monastic affiliates in North America. In addition, for
those who are interested in practicing the spiritual path, meditation
classes were continued at Wayne State University by the GLBV monks in collaboration with the Student Association of Wayne State University. Contributions and Funds
We
wish to express our gratitude to all of the members of the congregation
who support our Vihara with regular monthly/yearly financial donations.
Your generosity provides a secure foundation on which we may continue
to build for the future of the GLBV. When it first started, our Vihara
was able to get much support from outside the State of Michigan.
However, due to the fact that new temples have been opened in adjacent
areas, our Vihara now depends on a smaller number of patrons.
Additional contributions are made to support small projects and other
activities around the Vihara, often by individuals who also make their
monthly/yearly contributions. We also appreciate the individuals who
organized food fairs on March 27th and August 28th to raise funds for
the Vihara.
Special Projects and Programs
A special construction project consisting of major
repairs made to the bathroom facilities of the monks’ residence was
initiated and completed in 2010. New flooring and plumbing renovations
were installed.
A multicultural variety show to benefit the GLBV was held on
December 04th, 2010 at the Oakland Community College. The variety show
entitled “Waves: The Ultimate Experience” featured dance and musical
numbers from many Nations and their cultures throughout the world.
Proceeds, which exceeded $12,084.18, were donated to the Vihara. The
Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara, its Board of Trustees, resident monks and
community members wish to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude
to all organizers, those individuals who donated their time and
exceptional talents to make this event possible.
Thanks and Sharing Merits (Anumodana)
We,
the Board of Trustees of the Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara express our
appreciation and gratitude by sharing merits with all of you for your
generosity, dedication, and for your commitment with out which the
Vihara could not have survived, all the benefactors, spiritual
teachers, volunteers, the staff of the Dhamma School, the trainers of
children in special events, the organizers of special ceremonies, the
sponsors of the website, the technical supporters, and all those who
helped to ensure the Vihara’s success.
May all the merits and blessings be with you!
Antonio Sieira Ranjini Deraniyagale
Secretary
Vice President 
Great Lakes Vihara (Temple) Board of
Trustees - 2010
Left to Right : Dhammika Weerasinghe (Board
member), Gunasinghe Punchihewa (Board member), Palitha Niyngoda
(Treasurer),Ven.Sankichcha (President), Ven/
Muditha ( Chief Priest),Antonio Sieira (Secretary),
Ranjini
Deraniyagale(Vice President), Sunila Kandegedara (Joint Secretary)
absent:
Rev. Negegalayaye Jinananda, Chinthaka Sanjeewa
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