History of DCT

History of DhammaCaKraTra

It began with the arrival of Bhante Sombat from North Carolina.

Several families gathered at the airport to welcome Bhante, who arrived at Los Angeles Airport and was then brought to Vihara Buddhanimit.

It was at Buddhanimit that the idea emerged to hold regular devotional services for Indonesian Buddhists living in America, especially in the city of Los Angeles.

With the guidance and recommendation of the Most Venerable Bhante Sombat (then the Secretary General of the Theravada Sangha across America), we were granted permission to hold joint devotional services at Vihara Buddhanimit in Pasadena, California.

The first devotional service was held on December 30, 2000, starting with a small number of participants from several families. Initially held once a month, it was later increased to twice a month — every second Saturday and fourth Sunday — due to high interest and the long wait between sessions.

Since then, the number of participants has continued to grow, through word-of-mouth, magazine articles, and emails. Members and supporters have spread not only throughout Los Angeles, but also to San Diego, Atlanta, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, and other states in the USA. Even people from Indonesia and other countries have joined and supported the community.

In addition to regular devotional activities, for the first time ever, Indonesian Buddhists in America also organized the celebration of major Buddhist holy days: Vesak Day on May 5, 2001, Asalha Day on July 7, 2001, and Kathina Day on October 14, 2001.

On June 14, 2001, we received a visit from the Most Venerable Bhante Sukhemo from Vihara Dhammacakka Jaya, Sunter, Jakarta – Indonesia.

At that time, Bhante Sombat was also in Los Angeles, attending the annual Theravada Dhammayut Sangha meeting at Wat Padhammachart, La Puente.

Back then, our group was named Kalyana Metta, but as it still didn’t feel fully established, we submitted a request for a new name to Bhante Sombat. We presented five sets of robes to five Bhikkhus: Bhante Sombat, Bhante Swirayan, Bhante Dhammapravedi, Bhante Sukhemo, and Bhante Phui.

After returning to North Carolina, in July, the Most Venerable Bhante Sombat graciously bestowed upon our community the new name DhammaCakraTra, which means “Foundation of the Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma.”

Time passed quickly, and before we realized it, we had just commemorated the 12th anniversary of the founding of the DhammaCakraTra community.

At both routine services and major Buddhist celebrations that we organize, new members frequently attend — people we had never met before, either from Indonesia or the U.S. These meetings are not coincidences, but the result of shared good karma and dedicated effort.

Many activities have taken place since then, including joint devotional services, learning how to properly recite the Paritta and Dhammapada, the launch of Dhamma Classes in January 2002, and monthly Dhamma discussions at members’ homes.

We also organized Sunday School for children, youth activities such as sports, hiking, blood pressure checks, and fundraising, along with other social programs, all aimed at strengthening the bonds among members.

During routine services and on Buddhist holy days, Bhikkhus from both Indonesia and the U.S., as well as religious speakers, have been invited to enrich the knowledge of the community through Dhamma talks and discussions.

Like most organizations, DhammaCakraTra is a non-profit organization with religious and social missions. Everyone who contributes does so voluntarily, without expectation of reward, and comes from various Buddhist traditions.

The main goal of DhammaCakraTra is to preserve and spread the teachings of the Buddha, to serve as an example for society and supporters, to study and practice Dhamma, and to provide a place of worship or a vihara for devotional activities and meditation.

With unity, cooperation, mindfulness, and high dedication from all members and supporters, we strive together on the path of Dhamma — so that the ultimate goal, Nibbāna, may be realized.

Los Angeles
With loving-kindness,
Mettacittena