History

The Alberta Buddhist Vihara Association (ABVA) was founded in 1983 to serve the pressing needs of services related to mindfulness, meditation and life-quality enhancement of the Greater Edmonton and surrounding communities at the time. In 1994, the organization acquired the Registered Charitable Association status from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. In 2006, the ABVA purchased a building in the North Millbourne community to serve as the premises for the organization and Samatha Vipassana Meditation Centre (SVMC) was established. In 2014, the organization was relocated to a spacious two-storey building in the Ridgewood community in Edmonton. Due to the substantial growth of programs provided to the community, the organization was moved to the 72 acres of tranquil property at 26302 Township Road 514, Spruce Grove from November 6th, 2018. In 2018, SVMC was renamed as the AIM Centre.

Former Significant Figures

Abbots

Venerable Thalgaswewe Seelananda (2006 - year?)

Venerable Chandananda (year range?)

Venerable Makola Nanda (year range?)

Resident Monks

Venerable Galkulame Medankara

Venerable Dr. Gangodawila Chandima

Patrons

Venerable Dr. Havanpola Rathanasara

Venerable Madawela Punnaji

Venerable Madawala Seelawimala

Venerable Henepola Gunaratana

Venerable Dedunupitiye Upananda

See also ...

Past Office Bearers

More about the history of ABVA