At first, I wasn’t sure if a small donation could really make a difference. But I gave anyway, because my heart felt called. What I didn’t expect was how peaceful I would feel after. It wasn’t about the money—it was the act of giving itself. Now I give every month, and every month I feel more connected to something greater than myself. The temple may be far away, but it lives in my heart.
As a mother of two young boys, I often struggle to bring calm into our chaotic days. That changed when I started including short Dharma talks from Sukhavati Temple in our evenings. We now sit together for 5–10 minutes, light a candle, and listen. Sometimes we discuss compassion; other times we just breathe. The change in our home has been remarkable. Less yelling. More hugging. The Dharma isn’t just for monks—it’s for families, too.
I never imagined that I’d be chanting in sync with people from all over the globe, yet that’s exactly what happened during my first Sukhavati livestream. It was 4am here in Toronto, but I felt awake in the truest sense. Watching the monks in Thailand chant while I followed along from my living room brought me to tears. In that moment, I understood what it means to be part of a sangha, even from a world away.
Dear Venerable, I’ve never met you, but your story changed my life. I read about how you came alone to a ruined temple and began its restoration without asking for anything in return. In my own moments of despair, I thought of you—sweeping the stone steps, painting faded statues, chanting among rubble. Your quiet strength reminded me that service doesn’t need applause. It just needs heart. Thank you.
I came to Sukhavati Temple seeking silence—and found peace far deeper than silence itself. Nestled in the quiet hills, the temple felt like a place untouched by time. I spent days walking meditation paths, sharing meals with the monks, and simply watching the sunrise behind the Buddha Hall. It wasn’t just a break from my routine; it was a return to myself. I left feeling lighter, more centered, and truly grateful.
