Message From Our Founder

Bhante Sumitta, a traditionally trained Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who has completed 41 years in the ordained life, is currently living in USA and is the founder of “Dhamma USA”, a US based 501-c-3 nonprofit organization engaged in community care and spiritual care activities.

Bhante is actively involved in social welfare and spiritual care programs in California and other states by conducting Dhamma Talks, Sutta Discussions, Meditations and Pali Language Classes apart from helping many under privileged families and children in Sri Lanka.

Dhamma USA is also helping children education projects in India. Bhante Sumitta’s PhD Research topic at the University of the West and is “Philosophy of Arahanta Ideal as Depicted in Mahaniddesa”. At his school, University of the West, Bhante Sumitta started “UWest Pali Society” to promote Pali studies and Buddhist Art & Culture. A weeklong Budart Exhibition was co-organized by Bhante Sumitta along with Budart.

Currently he works as Faculty at Right Mindfulness Training Academy and he has also worked as an Adjunct Faculty at the University of the West in several Departments teaching Ethics in Buddhist Ministry; Fundamentals of Buddhism; Introduction to Buddhist Psychology and more. He works as a prison care volunteer for Engaged Buddhist Alliance in Southern California apart from teaching at Home Boys Industries in Los Angeles from time to time. He works with many Buddhist temples in Los Angeles with his Dhamma Sharing and meditation classes to help the community.

He is a frequent visitor to Chicago Buddhist Vihara, Long Island Meditation Center in New York and Empty Cloud Monastery in New Jersey to conduct Dhamma talks and practice meditation. Prior to arriving at United States, bhante Sumitta had been working at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka as a Senior Lecturer in English.

He has completed 2 Bachelor Degrees and 3 Master Degrees prior to pursuing his doctoral Degree at the University of the West.