Established in 1999 as a corporation, Myanmar American Buddhist Association (MABA) has been operating under the U.S. Non-profit Religious Corporation Law exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is located at 4619 Central Avenue, Fremont, CA 94536. Accordingly, Mettananda Vihara monastery, a subsidiary of Myanmar American Buddhist Association had been established on October 28, 1999.
Effective from December 15, 2017, MABA formerly located at 4619 Central Avenue, Fremont, CA 94536 had been moved to new location situated at 35691 Palomares Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552. This home has 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2939 Sq Ft, 2.46 Acres Lot which is built in 1961, with Beautiful Hardwood Floors, Large Windows with Scenic Views, French Doors, Large Open Living and Dining Area and Nice Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances.
Moreover, Myanmar American Buddhist Association (MABA), was considered to be a religious denomination in Theravada Buddhism. It is also generally operated in accordance with the system of the Theravada Buddhism, and particularly in the Myanmar Theravada Buddhism that has had a profound influence on modern Vipassana Practice, both for lay practitioners in Asia as practitioners in the West as well. Traditionally, their mission is to serve people spiritually by creating suitable conditions not only for learning the Buddha’s teaching but also practicing Vipassana meditation. This includes organizing Dhamma classes, and Vipassana (Insight) meditation retreats.
In particular, the organization (MABA) is organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes with the following primary objectives: -
Hold meetings for those interested in Theravada Buddhism.
Provide for expositions of the cultural heritage of Theravada Buddhism.
Establish and maintain a Theravada Buddhist library.
Provide facilities for the practice of meditation and other Buddhist disciplines.
Collect and disseminate information on Buddhism.
In addition, the following activities and operational information are also included.
- Provide spiritual guidance to the community.
- Teaching Buddhist philosophies and practices to the community and interested individuals on free of charge.
- Conduct Vipassana (Insight) and Metta (Loving-kindness) meditation retreats occasionally to beginners and experienced yogis in compliance with Theravada Perspective.
- Worshiping, praying, Preaching, chanting and reciting of Buddha’s doctrine and discourses and performing a religious ritual at the funeral, and providing free food to the community on religious festivals.
- Open short term summer Buddhist Cultural Dhamma classes yearly on summer school holidays for Young/Adult students, and also Burmese language classes for students and those who are interested in learning Burmese languages irrespective of age, race or religion on free of charge so that they may be role models to influence the Burmese culture and tone of Buddhist.
In addition, MABA is affiliated with the religious denomination or organization for which Sayadaw Dr Ashin Dhammapiya is a principal of the governing body of the denomination or organization in the United States and Ngar Gyan Pyan (Dawei) Sasana Yeiktha abroad in Myanmar alike. It may prove and verify that such commonalties as a recognized creed and form of worship, a formal code of doctrine and discipline, religious services and ceremonies, established places of religious worship, and religious congregations which are common objects, thoughts, ideas and beliefs towards Theravada Buddhism. And, Sayadaw Ashin Ghositabhivamsa is a Deputy Chief Abbott and Resident Monk of Mettananda Vihara monastery a subsidiary of Myanmar American Buddhist Association (MABA) in U.S.A.