The London Buddhist Vihara

The London Buddhist Vihara is a leading centre for Theravada Buddhism. Founded in 1926 by Anagarika Dharmapala, the Vihara was the first Buddhist monastery to be established outside the continent of Asia. It has continued its task of disseminating the Dhamma with resident bhikkhus (monks) from Sri Lanka throughout this period, with the exception of the 1940s due to World War II. The Vihara moved to Chiswick during 1964 when the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust (ADT) of Sri Lanka purchased the freehold property at Heathfield Gardens. In 1994 the Vihara moved to new spacious premises in The Avenue, Chiswick, London W4. The Vihara was managed by the Vihara Management Committee (VMC) who were appointed by the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust in Colombo. The ADT also appoints the resident Dhammaduta Bhikkhus. In December 2020, the Vihara was granted charity status and is registered as London Buddhist Vihara Trust. (Charity Registration No 1192854). The members of the VMC are now The Board of Trustees accountable to the Charity Commission of England and Wales.