DIMS
About Us
Our Story
Dhammakaya International Meditation Society of BC was founded by a small Thai community in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada. After years of practicing together in our own homes, we sought a suitable place where we could gather together as a community to practice meditation and engage in traditional Buddhist ceremonies. After engaging in fundraising, we were able to purchase a house in Richmond, BC. On June 21st, 2008, the meditation centre was established as the first Dhammakaya centre in Canada. After 12 years at our Richmond location, we have found a larger property in Abbotsford, BC that will enable us to accommodate our growing community, and have sold our Richmond property as of January 2021. We are currently renting a house in Abbotsford while our new meditation centre undergoes construction.
The DIMS of BC is one of many centres around the world that has been established by the Dhammakaya Foundation. Our Thailand-based headquarters was founded on February 20th, 1970 by Luang Por Dhammajayo and Master Nun Chandra Khonnokyoong on 78 acres of donated land and CAD$170. The founders and their disciples built the temple based on the teachings and practical research of Venerable Master Phramongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), who rediscovered Dhammakaya meditation which had been lost for thousands of years.
Our founders' vision of "world peace thru inner peace" has led the temple to teach meditation to all who are interested.
Since the Dhammakaya temple was first founded, it has now grown to reach members across the world, with programs including meditation retreats, monk and novice ordinations, nun training, and youth activities for both the Thai and international community. Our headquarters in Thailand continues to spread its message emphasizing the power of meditation to the world.
Rains Retreat
Meet The Teaching Monk
Ven. Sooksunti Supabhaso
Venerable Sooksunti Supabhaso is a Buddhist monk and meditation teacher with over 20 years of experience in meditation practice and teaching in Canada and the United States. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1998 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
With a sincere aspiration to help people discover true and lasting happiness, he has dedicated his life to meditation practice and sharing its benefits with others. His teaching emphasizes a simple and practical approach to meditation, allowing people from all backgrounds to experience greater peace, clarity, and happiness within.
Since 2018, he has served as the Abbot of Dhammakaya Temple Vancouver, Canada, where he continues to teach meditation and Dhamma to the local and international community.
Ven. Udomchai Santirato
Ven. Udomchai Santirato is a Buddhist monk and meditation teacher with more than 20 years of experience in meditation practice and teaching in Thailand. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1998 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
He has also completed training in overseas Buddhist missionary work and has extensive experience teaching and training monks, novices, and people from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout his years of teaching, he has focused on making meditation easy to understand and practical for everyday life. His guidance encourages students to develop a calm and steady mind, learn to manage everyday challenges with greater awareness, and create a positive inner foundation for living with wisdom and kindness.