Profile
Chief Incumbent, Venerable Nivitigala Summitta Thero
Bhante Sumitta, PhD
Buddhist Monk | Founder of Dhamma USA | Social Welfare Advocate | Meditation Teacher
Bhante Sumitta is a highly accomplished professional with a deep commitment to community care, spiritual well-being, and social welfare initiatives. As the founder of “Dhamma USA,” a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, he leads a diverse range of programs aimed at fostering personal growth and uplifting underprivileged individuals and families. With a strong focus on Dhamma Talks, Sutta Discussions, Meditations, and Pali Language Classes, Bhante actively engages with communities in California and other states, while also supporting educational projects for children in Sri Lanka and India.
Education
PhD in Buddhist Studies | University of the West, California
- Dissertation: “Philosophy of Arahanta Ideal as Depicted in Mahaniddesa”
- Established “UWest Pali Society” to promote Pali studies and Buddhist Art & Culture
- Co-organized a weeklong Budart Exhibition in collaboration with Budart
Professional Experience
Faculty | Right Mindfulness Training Academy, California | Present
- Delivering transformative teachings on mindfulness and meditation techniques
- Mentoring students in developing a deep understanding of Buddhist principles and practices
Faculty | University of the East, California | [2018-21]
- Delivering transformative teachings on mindfulness and meditation techniques
- Mentoring students in developing a deep understanding of Buddhist principles and practices
Adjunct Faculty | University of the West, California | [2017-21]
- Taught courses on Ethics in Buddhist Ministry, Fundamentals of Buddhism, Introduction to Buddhist Psychology and ESL across multiple departments
Prison Care Volunteer | Engaged Buddhist Alliance, Southern California | [2015-2020]
- Provided compassionate care and support to incarcerated individuals through engaged Buddhist practices
Teacher | Home Boys Industries, Los Angeles | [2019]
- Delivered educational sessions and guidance to empower at-risk youth in Los Angeles
Dhamma Sharing and Meditation Instructor | Various Buddhist Temples & monasteries in Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York, Chicago & Las Vegas
- Collaborated with local Buddhist temples to conduct Dhamma talks and meditation classes
- Contributed to community well-being and spiritual development
- Taught in Sunday Dhamma Schools
Academic Credentials
- Bachelor’s Degree in [English], [University of Delhi]
- Master’s Degree in [English], [University of Delhi]
- Master’s Degree in [Buddhist Studies], [University of Delhi]
- Master’s Degree in [Linguistics], [University of Kelaniya]
- PhD Degree in [Buddhist Studies], [University of the West]
Key Skills
- Excellent communicator and presenter, adept at conveying complex concepts with clarity
- Proficient in leading meditations, facilitating discussions, and fostering personal growth
- Strong knowledge of Buddhist Studies, Pali studies, and Buddhist art and culture
- Passionate about social welfare, community engagement, and supporting underprivileged individuals
- Multilingual: Fluent in [Sinhala, English, Hindi, Pali, Sanskrit]
Bhante Sumitta is a dedicated and compassionate Buddhist monk committed to promoting spiritual well-being, fostering social harmony, and inspiring personal transformation through his work. With a diverse range of experiences and a profound understanding of Buddhist principles, he continues to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.
Services in Sri Lanka:
Temporary Lecturer, Lecturer & Senior Lecturer in English | Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura (2006-2017)
Principal – National Bhikkhu Education Center, Ranmutugala [2005-6]
Pirivena Teacher – Vidyaraja Pirivena, Panadura [1989-95]
Services in USA
Bhante Sumitta has dedicated himself to sharing Buddhist teachings and promoting spiritual growth within the United States. He has conducted transformative teaching sessions at various respected Buddhist centers across different states:
California:
- Lankarama Buddhist Institute in La Puente
- Sri Ratana International Buddhist Center in Anaheim
- Sambuddhaloka Buddhist Vihara in Riverside
- Maithree Buddhist Vihara in Sun Valley
- Sarathchandra Buddhist Vihara in Oxnard
New Jersey:
- Empty Cloud Monastery in West Orange
New York:
- Long Island Buddhist Meditation Center in Long Island
- Buddhist Temple in Staten Island
- Dhia Foundation (location not specified)
Chicago:
- Chicago Buddhist Vihara in Oswego
Las Vegas:
- Nevada Buddhist Vihara in Las Vegas
At these esteemed centers, Bhante Sumitta has shared his profound knowledge and insights on various aspects of Buddhism, including meditation practices, mindfulness, ethics, and Buddhist philosophy. Through his teachings, he has inspired individuals to cultivate inner peace, compassion, and wisdom in their lives, fostering spiritual growth and personal transformation.
Bhante Sumitta’s presence and teachings have had a significant impact on the Buddhist communities in California, New Jersey, New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas. His guidance and compassionate approach have provided practitioners with invaluable opportunities for deepening their understanding of Buddhism and integrating its teachings into their daily lives.
Through his commitment to spreading Buddhist wisdom and fostering spiritual well-being, Bhante Sumitta continues to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals seeking spiritual guidance and growth within the United States.
Global Dhamma Services:
Bhante Sumitta has had the privilege of sharing his teachings on Buddhism in various countries, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting spiritual growth. His journeys have taken him to numerous countries, including India, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the USA, and Italy.
In India, the birthplace of Buddhism, Bhante Sumitta has engaged with local communities, offering his wisdom and guidance in Buddhist principles and practices. Nepal, with its rich Buddhist heritage, has also been a destination where he has shared his teachings, inspiring individuals on their spiritual paths.
Across Southeast Asia, Bhante has traveled to countries like Singapore and Malaysia, connecting with diverse Buddhist communities and imparting valuable insights. In Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, he has engaged with practitioners, conducted Dhamma talks, and led meditation sessions, contributing to the flourishing Buddhist traditions in these countries.
Bhante Sumitta’s reach has extended beyond Asia to the United States, where he has shared his knowledge and teachings with eager students and communities. His presence and contributions have been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhism and its relevance in Western contexts.
Italy, with its growing interest in Buddhism, has also welcomed Bhante Sumitta, where he has conducted teachings, meditation retreats, and facilitated discussions on Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Through his extensive travels and teachings in these diverse countries, Bhante Sumitta has left an indelible mark on countless individuals, fostering spiritual growth, and promoting the values of compassion, mindfulness, and peace.
Peace Walks
Bhante Sumitta is renowned for his profound commitment to promoting peace and harmony through transformative initiatives such as Peace Walks. He has organized and led several impactful walks, including the notable New York to Washington DC Peace Walk, the Peace Walk in Florida, and the inspiring Peace Walk and Thudong in Italy.
The New York to Washington DC Peace Walk stands as a powerful testament to Bhante Sumitta’s dedication to fostering peace. Leading a diverse group of individuals, he embarked on a transformative journey, covering a significant distance while spreading a message of unity, compassion, and understanding.
The Peace Walk in Florida showcased Bhante’s ability to inspire and engage communities in cultivating peace. By bringing people together, he encouraged dialogue, introspection, and collective action towards creating a harmonious society.
Bhante Sumitta’s Peace Walk and Thudong in Italy further exemplified his unwavering commitment to peace. This unique endeavor combined the traditional Buddhist practice of Thudong, or forest wandering, with the aim of promoting inner peace and mindfulness, while also fostering external harmony through peaceful interactions with local communities.
Through these powerful Peace Walk initiatives, Bhante Sumitta has effectively demonstrated his ability to mobilize individuals, bridge cultural divides, and promote peace on a local and global scale. His efforts continue to inspire countless individuals to embrace compassion, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
Resident Monks
Ven. Alupotha Dhammarathana
The Asgiriya Central Temple belongs in the Shymopalika sect, Asgiriya Maha Vihara Chapter and representing the Suduhampola Raja Maha Vihara Temple Sangha lineage which also had one of the pioneers of the national freedom struggle in 1818, Venerable Variyapola Sri Sumangala Thera (former royal Asgiri deputy chief monk). Among the 265 names listed in the Monastic records (Vihara Asana) within the Kandyan era, the 16th name in the Rajamaha Vihara directory is Bampane Rajamaha Vihara Temple. Among the ancient directory that has the original Rajamaha Vihara names, the history Alupotha Bampane Raja Maha Vihara Temple and resident monk of PolAmbegoda Sri Sudharshanarama Maha Pirivena, Specialist in Paritta Chanting, Venerable Alupotha Dhammarathana can be identified as a Pandit Monk who has received special training in Paritta chanting.
He performs in the capacity of a teacher who provides special training on the areas of conducting sermon and religious work in the areas of paritta chanting novice monks in monastic colleges. The 5th executive president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapakse recognized him by granting him an all-island advisory position in the Education and Higher Education Ministries, Monastic College Education branch. During the years 2005 to 2010, Ven. Dhammarathana was awarded first place several times in Inter-monastic colleges’ Languages and Literature Competitive Examinations, in the Sabaragamuwa Province, from District of Kegalle and also participated in Colombo District Monastic Literature examination and won all-island first place. Over the past years, Venerable Alupotha Dhammarathana has been visiting various provinces and districts in the island to conduct religious seminars that were focused on “Conducting Sermons and Performing Religious Work” to assist novice monks with enhancing their religious life and role in the future. Ven. Alupotha Dhammarathana has shown skills in partitta Chanting based on provincial Chanting tradition. Also, as a representation of the Abhayagiriya Maha Vihara Bhikku lineage that arose during the Anuradhapura kingdom, honoring the traditional chanting procedure, and in accordance with the ancient Buddhist traditional procedures that belong to the Matale Aluvihara Traditions, he has been adept at writing on, binding and compiling ancient manuscripts. 
In 2007 and 2008, he completed degree programs in Pali Language and Buddhism. He has been engaged in writing books on traditional paritta chanting practices and contributing valuable Buddhist scholarly articles to publish on newspapers such as Budusarana, Dinamina, Divaina and Lankadeepa. His sole wish is to teach and propagate the pristine Theravada Buddhist doctrine to the world. Ven. Dhammarathana also visits other countries upon invitation to conduct pirith chanting. At this time, he is engaged in a global Buddhist service, and he is a monk who has a deep knowledge of the all-night pirith chanting, pirith chanting that spans 33, 35, and 37 hours as well as week-long pirith chanting. In weeklong pirith chanting, he is skilled at writing and compiling the palm leaf manuscript.
Base on the ancient Kotte pirith tradition and known as the king of pirith chanting is Ruhuna Giruvapaththuva Chief Monk, and Head Monk of Weligama Agrabodhi Vihara Temple and resident monk of Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara Temple, Pariththa Specialist Most Venerable Wattala Sri Silarathana Nayaka Thera. The Head Monk of Homagama Pitipana Sri Dakshinarama Vihara Temple, Sashrapathi and Pandit Degree holder and paritta Specialist Venerable Kuralevela Sri Sangharakkhitha Nayaka Thera was the skilled teacher at Mampe Monastic College for Pali Language. Ven. Alupotha Dhammarathana was fortunate to receive training from the above talented monks who specialized in paritta chanting. Also, one of the monks famous for his proficiency in ancient chanting. Also, one of the monks famous for his proficiency in ancient chanting traditions and Buddhist manners is Head Monk of Colpetty Valukarama Vihara and Pancha Maha Vihara Temples, Kotte Sri Kalyana Samagri Dhamma Maha Sangha Council, Senior Dhamma Kirthi Sri Paritta Daja, and Paritta Specialist, Chief Monk for Colombo District, Most Venerable Maharagama Nanda Nayaka Thera.
Venerable Alupotha Dhammarathana was able to learn from these monks and be an expert in the ancient Kotte paritta chanting tradition and with their advice, he was able to achieve the paritta Specialist title and skills in conducting Dhamma sermons, thereby also attractively performing activities such as observing preceptors for the lay audience, reciting stanzas to invite for pirith chanting holy and inauguration of pirith.
Similarly, the four pillars contained in the Maha Paritta Book, and in accordance with the laws and regulations in each pillar with regards to the rhythm, from conducting twin sermons and Dhammachakka Pavaththana Sutta to Sachcha Vibhanga Sutta recitation in an attractive manner; paying homage within the ending discourse and chanting priith based on such manner.
Upon special invitations for week long pirith chanting, Paritta Specialist Venerable Alupotha Dhammarathana has been involved in reading out ancient temple traditional declaration and the post-sermon is an attractive manner based on the Kotte paritta traditions part of the pirith ceremonies associated with the continuous and annual perahera festival at Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruvanvali Maha Stupa, Thuparama, Mahiyangana Temple, Velgama Rajamaha Vihara Temple, Kataragama Kiri Vehera Temple, Somawathi Vihara Temple, Kelani Vihara Temple, Bellanvila Vihara Temple and many other historic temples. He has also participated in some of the Poya day all night pirith chanting ceremonies recorded on radio and conducted at some of the prominent temples in Sri Lanka. Ven. Dhammarathana ‘s name and voice are often heard on pirith chanting conducted on live radio and television channels. Those recitations are very appealing to listen to as well. We have also listened often to the alluring voice of Venerable Alupotha Dhammarathana Thera during the early morning pirith chanting that follows the Samudragosha Chanting style told in the ancient sermon procedures. Ven. Alupotha Dhammarathana is a skilled and capable young Bhikku. We wish that he has the blessings of the noble triple gem and hope that he will have the strength and courage to continue his service to Buddhism as an eloquent preacher through more and more pirith chanting.
Ven. Dr. Phamune “Dharmakirthi Sri Saranankara” Sumngala Nayake Thera, Chief Incumbent of Polonnaruwe Somawathie Rjaa Maha Viharaya, Assistant & Deputy Secretory of Malwatta Sector of Shyamopali Maha Nikaya, Former Lecturer of the University of Peradeniya, Malwathu Maha Vihara Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Overseeing Administration
Venerable Wathogala Saranasiri Thero
Venerable Wathogala Saranasiri Thero is the founder and chief abbot of the Sri Sambudhaloka Vihara. Hailing from the southern coast of Sri Lanka, he was ordained as a monk in 1982 at the Sri Sadharmodaramaya Vihara in Walahudulla, Galle. The Venerable Thero received his BA (Honours) from the Ruhuna University, Sri Lanka in 1995 and MA (Pali Language Studies) from the Pali University, Sri Lanka in 1997.
Arriving in United States in the year 1998, the Venerable Thero, based at the Dharmavijaya Vihara in Los Angeles, spent the next five years providing spiritual guidance to the Sri Lankan community in the Los Angeles area. In year 2003 he founded the Sri Sambudhaloka Vihara and has since been of immense service to the Buddhist community in the area.
