In Toronto...

The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery Toronto is a place for people to learn and practice the teachings of the Buddha as preserved faithfully in the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. The lay community is led by fully ordained monks (bhikkhus).

We offer a variety of regular activities such as Dhamma Talks (sermons), Day long meditation retreats (Uposatha observance), and children's and teens classes.

We actively serve the community all across the greater Toronto area, from Guelf, Milton, Brampton and Mississauga in the east; to Whidbey and Ajax in the west; to Arora, Newmarket and Georgina in the north; and everywhere in between.

If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected] or call us at (905)927-7117.

Come join us in learning and practicing the teachings of the Fully Enlightened Buddha!

• Find one of our regular activities you would like to be a part of
• Know what to expect when you visit
  
• Learn about and read a message from our founder, Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera
  
• See photos from our headquarters and branch monasteries in Sri Lanka
  

About Mahamevnawa 

Mahamevanawa Buddhist Monastery was established to benefit the spiritual development of human beings through the teachings of Buddha. Founded in 1999 in Sri Lanka by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero, its sole purpose is to spread the original teachings of the Buddha. The monastery is a warm and welcoming place for everyone to investigate true happiness through Dhamma  and meditation. Learn more about our monasteries in Sri Lanka.

Mahamevnawa, meaning "Great Cloud Monastery," was the name of the first monastery established in Sri Lanka and the place where Arahant Mahinda Thero first introduced the Buddha’s teachings to the island.

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Founder

"I welcome you all to Mahamewnawa with thoughts of good will. Within our Dhamma service we have no restrictions with regard to race, cast, language, colour or religion. The truth revealed by Gautama Buddha is open to everyone. If you are wise to understand that truth, then that truth is for you and for your own good and protection. Therefore, let us gather around that truth, the righteous Dhamma. Let us learn it, understand it and live accordingly. Let us share this splendid gift of Dhamma with everyone. That is our noble duty. May you all be blessed by the Buddha, the noble Dhamma and Sangha, good noble friends in Dhamma and all deities!"  read more...

Ven. Kiribathogda Gnanananda Thero, The Founder

At Mahamevnawa

Here the Buddha’s teachings are presented in modern language that is easy to understand. What makes Mahanevnawa unique is the effort to bring the Supreme Dhamma to listeners in its original form. Because of this, both young and old listen to the Dhamma and practice virtue, concentration, mindfulness and wisdom to realize the Four Noble Truths revealed by the Supreme Buddha. Presently there are more than 800 monks, more than 75 nuns, and thousands of lay disciples practicing Dhamma at Mahamevnawa Monasteries around the world. Currently there are more than 60 Sri Lankan and international branches including in Canada, United States, England, Germany, Australia, India and Dubai. Learn more about our monasteries in Sri Lanka.

A place for you in Toronto

Please come and visit our monastery in Markham and find out about all the activities available to learn the teachings of the Buddha.

You may be wondering...

• "Who is the founder of Mahamevnawa?"
• "What are the monasteries in Sri Lanka like?"
• "Is there really a Buddhist monastery in Markham?"
• "Can non-Buddhists benefit from your activities?"
• "What do Buddhists believe?"
• "What happens at a monastery?"
• "Who are the monks? Who are the lay people?"
• "What can I expect when I visit?"