Is there really a Buddhist monastery in Houston?

It’s true. Since the end of the winter of 2016 our monastery has been operating peacefully in Houston, Texas. Over that time we have been a home for monks trained in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, all part of the Mahamevnawa (maha may oo NA wa) order based in Sri Lanka. We are dedicated to sharing the authentic teachings of the Buddha.

Many people think of a monastery being deep in the forest or on the top of a mountain. Since the time of the Buddha, monasteries have also been located in populated areas as well. And since the time of the Buddha monks have traveled far and wide to spread the teachings. Now, over 2,500 years after the Buddha’s passing, monks have arrived in Houston.

A Buddhist monastery is a living, breathing part of the surrounding community. Every day the monks provide opportunities for the people in Houston to learn the teachings of the Buddha. And everyday people in Houston provide the basic necessities of robes, food, shelter, and medicine to the monks. This is an ancient relationship laid down by the Buddha.

You may even see the monks around town. If you do, you are welcome to speak with them. They don’t shake hands, so you can either greet them with a smile or with your hands palms together at your chest. They will be happy to speak with you.

Now the people in Washington DC of all backgrounds have the opportunity to benefit from interacting daily with fully ordained Theravada Buddhist monks. If you are not able to come to one of our scheduled activities, contact us to arrange a time to visit. Learn what to expect.

What do Buddhists Believe?

In general, Buddhists believe:
We are all responsible for our own actions.
Unwholesome actions eventually bring negative results; wholesome actions eventually bring positive results.
We are all responsible for our own happiness.
Humans have the ability, with their own effort, to give up greed and hatred.
True happiness doesn’t come from our material possessions.

Specifically, they believe
The Buddha, named Gautama, discovered the true nature of reality.
He discovered the cause of suffering and the way to end it.
With this understanding, he attained enlightenment, completely removing the roots of greed, hatred, and delusion from his mind.
He taught these truths to the world and this information is still available to us today.
By practicing these teachings, others have also completely ended suffering in their lives.

If you find these ideas interesting, then you will definitely be able to learn more by participating in the activities at our monastery and meditation center.