Theravada Buddhism terminated its lease of the Buddhist meditation center in Jablonné nad Orlicí as of October 31, 2019, as we did not agree with the owner of the property (Mediate s.r.o.) on the terms of the continuation of the lease agreement.

Ashin Ottama is a Buddhist monk of Czech origin. He began practicing the teachings of the Buddha in exile in Switzerland in 1972, and was ordained a monk in Rangoon, Burma. He practiced insight meditation (vipassana) under the guidance of various teachers. He has been leading meditation courses in the Czech Republic since 1996.

Venerable Ashin Ottama visited the Czech Republic again in the first half of 2019 after several years. During his visit, he also gave two public lectures organized in Pardubice by the DÓAN Buddhist Association on 05/06/2019 and by Buddha Mangala in Prague on 05/13/2019 at the Lotus Buddhist Center (www.centrumlotus.cz). Below you can view photos from the Pardubice lecture.

Sajadó U Tejaniya underwent colon surgery at a specialized clinic in Singapore on 01/08/2018, during which they removed a malignant tumor. Subsequent examination of the lymphatic system and liver did not show spread to these sites. Therefore, the situation is developing well, but the sajadó still has to undergo many examinations and probably further treatment.

With the successful election of adjan Gavésak, the formation of the three-member council of elders was completed. The Council of Elders is the highest body of Theravada Buddhism. It is necessary for its practical activity to have at least three members, which has been fulfilled since February 2019.