The Meditate with a Monk programme, led by the venerable monks of the Mahamevnawa Meditation Monastery in Washington D.C., held a special outdoor session on 09 August 2025 at the Washington Monument, bringing together hundreds of participants for an inspiring morning of mindfulness and meditation.
The Meditate with a Monk initiative has become one of the most recognized meditation programmes across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds to cultivate inner peace, compassion, and unity. The iconic setting of the Washington Monument provided a powerful backdrop, symbolizing peace and harmony for all who gathered.
The event was blessed by the presence of the Venerable Mahasangha, including Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara, Venerable Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka Thero and Chief Incumbent of the Wheaton International Buddhist Center, Venerable Katugastota Uparathana Nayaka Thero who also led a serene chanting of loving-kindness meditation (Mettā), together with several resident monks.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka also participated in the programme in support of this noble initiative. The event was organized with the contributions of Ambassador Samarasinghe, Ploutus -Washington, D.C., Mahamevnawa Meditation Monastery volunteer community, and many dedicated well-wishers. In a symbolic gesture of environmental mindfulness, Ploutus donated reusable water bottles to all the attendees.
A highlight video of the event is available at :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ASuiBK5zUBanItYmyK1htE0Yo7WhYYki/view?usp=drivesdk
The Buddha Meditation Center of Greater Washington DC, also known as the Mahamevnawa Meditation Center, is a welcoming, non-religious community committed to helping individuals cultivates inner peace, clarity, and compassion through the timeless teachings of the Buddha.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
01 September 2025
