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Dhamma guidance
Conversations about Buddhist teachings, daily practice, and questions on the path.
A place for peace, wisdom & community
Come as you are.
Find your way.
A welcoming Sri Lankan Buddhist community in Delaware, rooted in the Buddha’s teachings and open to all who wish to learn, practice, and connect.
Theravāda Buddhist tradition · Delaware, USA
Delaware Buddhist Vihara
Learn the DhammaTeachings for everyday life
Practice togetherA community on the path
All are welcomeCome with an open heart
With kindness, wisdom & careWelcome to our Vihara
A spiritual home for the whole community.
Founded on May 21, 2026, Delaware Buddhist Vihara brings the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition to life through learning, reflection, and shared community. Whether you are returning to a familiar practice or discovering Buddhism for the first time, you are welcome here.
Our doors are a place to pause, ask questions, celebrate meaningful moments, and cultivate compassion in daily life.
Get to know the Vihara →Guidance & teachings
Our Head Monk
ඩෙලවෙයා බෞද්ධ විහාරයේ විහාරාධිපති, අස්ගිරි පාර්ශ්වයේ උතුරු ඇමෙරිකාවේ ප්රධාන සංඝනායක, ඇමෙරිකානු අධිකරණ අමාත්යාංශයේ හිටපු බෞද්ධ මනෝවිද්යා උපදේශක, පූජ්ය ආචාර්ය දේදුනුපිටියේ උපනන්ද නායක ස්වාමීන්ද්රයන් වහන්සේ
Head of Delaware Buddhist Vihara; Chief Sanghanayaka of the Asgiri Chapter in North America; former Buddhist psychological counselor with the U.S. Department of Justice; Venerable Dr. Dedunupitiye Upananda Nayaka Thero, also known as Bhante Upananda.
Ven. Dr. Dedunupitiye Upananda Thero is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, academic, mindfulness instructor, and counselor. He serves as Chief Sanghanayaka of North America under the Asgiriya Chapter of the Sri Lanka Siam Maha Nikaya.
Academic background
- M.Phil. in Comparative Religion, University of Cambridge
- M.A. in Comparative Religion, Florida International University
- B.A. in Pali, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
He teaches Dhamma internationally, including at the London Buddhist Vihara and Houston Buddhist Vihara. His Applied Abhidharma teaching explores Buddhist psychology and the relationship between conscious and subconscious processes. He also teaches mindfulness meditation and provides counseling.
Further reading: Houston Buddhist Vihara · London Buddhist Vihara
Explore temple services →Practice & support
Ways we can support your path
Contact the temple to ask about availability, arrangements, and language preferences for each service.
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Blessings & chanting
Traditional blessings for families, homes, new beginnings, and important milestones.
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Meditation & mindfulness
Opportunities to learn and practice mindfulness in a supportive setting.
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Family ceremonies
Guidance for Buddhist observances and family occasions, arranged in conversation.
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Memorial observances
Support for remembrance and merit-making in keeping with Buddhist tradition.
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Community visits
Reach out to discuss a temple visit, group gathering, or community program.
For children & families
Dhamma School
A warm place for young learners to discover Buddhist values, Sri Lankan heritage, and the joy of community.
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Learn with meaning
Explore the Buddha’s teachings through age-appropriate lessons, stories, and conversation.
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Grow in kindness
Practice generosity, respect, mindfulness, and compassion in everyday life.
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Stay connected
Celebrate Sri Lankan Buddhist culture and build friendships across generations.
Gather with us
Temple events & observances
Join the community for special days, learning, and shared practice. Check the temple’s social pages for the latest announcements.
Upcoming at the Vihara
See what’s happening next
Event dates and program details will be posted here as the temple calendar is confirmed. Follow the Vihara on Facebook or Instagram for announcements and updates.
Follow temple updates →Moments at the Vihara
A community in pictures
Visit the temple’s social pages for the latest photos. Gallery images can be refreshed as programs and celebrations take place.
Our teacher & community
The Vihara
Practice & reflection
Practice generosity · Dāna
Help sustain a place to learn and belong.
Your generosity helps support the Vihara, its teachings, and the community programs that bring people together. The temple’s verified donation method will be added here.
Ask the temple about giving →We look forward to welcoming you
Plan your visit
Before visiting, please check the latest temple schedule or get in touch to confirm opening hours and directions.
Come by, ask a question, or say hello.
Temple address, phone, email, and regular service times will be added once confirmed. For now, follow the official social channels or contact a temple representative for the most current information.
Temple social updates →Your next visit begins here.Address · service times · directions will appear here