DhammaCaKraTra
History of DCT
From a first service in 2000 to a temple of our own in Rancho Cucamonga.
The journey of DhammaCaKraTra, an Indonesian Buddhist community in Los Angeles, California.
Origins of the Indonesian Buddhist Association
The journey began with the arrival of Venerable Bhikkhu Sombat Pavitto Maha Thera from North Carolina to Los Angeles in October 2000. Several devotees gathered at LAX Airport to welcome Ven. Bhante Sombat.
After picking him up, we escorted Bhante to Wat Buddhanimit in Pasadena using two cars. Dewi Sakri, Rudy Agus, Jane Tek Tan, Bebe Gozali and Senahadi Wirantana were in one car, while Ven. Bhikkhu Sombat travelled in another car with Simuntarya Ang, Nuryanti Gouw, Meggan K. Ang and Lily K. Hidayat.
It was at Wat Buddhanimit that a long-discussed plan finally took shape: to hold regular Buddhist services for Indonesian Buddhists and supporters. With Ven. Bhante Sombat’s support, we were granted permission to use Wat Buddhanimit in Pasadena for regular services.
The first service
We held our first service on December 30, 2000, attended by several families.
Kalyana Metta
The next service was held on Saturday, February 10, 2001. Afterwards we planned to hold puja once a month, on the second Saturday. During the March 2001 service we began planning to form an Indonesian Buddhist organization. On April 14, 2001, during the service, a vote was held to choose the organization’s name and establish its leadership.
The name “Kalyana Metta” was selected through voting.
First leadership structure:
- President: Senahadi Wirantana
- Vice President: Djuned Jahja
- Treasurer: Simuntarya Ang
Kalyana Metta held its first Vesak celebration on May 12, 2001.
The birth of DhammaCaKraTra
On June 13, 2001, Venerable Bhante Sukhemo from Dhammacakka Jaya Temple in Sunter, Jakarta, visited Kalyana Metta. At the same time, Ven. Bhante Sombat was attending the Theravada Dhammayut Sangha meeting across America at Wat Padhammachart in La Puente.
With members of the Sangha present, we sought Ven. Bhante Sombat’s advice about the new organization’s name. As part of the offering, we presented five sets of robes to five monks: Ven. Bhante Sombat, Bhante Swirayan, Bhante Dhammapravedi, Bhante Sukhemo and Bhante Phui.
At the end of June, after Bhante Sombat returned to his kuti in North Carolina, he gave the new name “DhammaCakraTra” — “The Foundation of the Turning Wheel of the Dhamma.” This marked the birth of the name DCT in June 2001.
DCT became a registered organization in California on April 13, 2004. Two years later it was approved by the IRS as a nonprofit organization.
Development of DCT
Since holding services once a month was considered insufficient, services increased to twice a month starting in September 2001: the second Saturday and the fourth Sunday.
The DCT committee continues to enhance Dhamma knowledge and spiritual development through regular services, Buddhist holy day celebrations, Paritta chanting, Dhammapada study, Dhamma discussions, children’s and youth Dhamma classes, and social activities.
The search for a temple
2000–2009: Wat Buddhanimit and Wat Padhammachart
Initially, services were held by borrowing Thai temples.
2009–2013: 15762 Amar Street, La Puente
The community aspired to have its own place of worship. With limited funds and community contributions, a small residential house was purchased and converted into a temple.
Challenges included zoning restrictions, the inability of a nonprofit to obtain a bank loan, and limited space. Ms. Metta Surya kindly lent her name to secure the loan, and the garage was converted into a prayer hall. Zoning issues and limited parking led to complaints from neighbours, and after warnings from the city the property had to be sold.
2013–2022: 123 E. Locust Street, Ontario
Learning from the past, DCT purchased a new house on October 25, 2013, with better parking. Again Ms. Metta Surya helped secure the loan. DCT launched community loan programs and fundraising initiatives, and the mortgage was fully paid off. On August 17, 2015, ownership was transferred to DCT.
Despite years of effort, official permits to operate as a temple were not granted.
2022–present: 8137 and 8184 E. 9th Street, Rancho Cucamonga
Following proposals from the committee and community, on February 4, 2022, DCT purchased a former inactive place of worship in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The purchase was made possible through donations and community loans.
Venerable Bhikkhu Jayamedho attended the key handover ceremony and performed Paritta chanting and the blessing of the new building. Today DCT has a proper temple with ample parking and official approval to conduct public services.
On February 13, 2024, DCT completed the purchase of a nearby house to serve as a kuti (monks’ residence), less than 100 meters from the temple. It was funded through the sale of the Locust Street property.
Today
DhammaCaKraTra is a home for Indonesian Buddhists and friends in Southern California. We gather for chanting, meditation, Dhamma study, cultural celebrations and community service — with loving-kindness as the foundation of everything we do.