Our Foundation in Early Buddhist Teachings

The Urban Temple draws inspiration from the wisdom of early Buddhist teachings, contained primarily in the Pali canon. These teachings, which offer a radically different view of the world, promote mindfulness, compassion, and understanding. They provide a timeless guide to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

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The Temple Crew

Prabhath Sirisena founded the Urban Temple with a close group of friends. He was born to a traditional Buddhist family in Sri Lanka, and has been a monk in the Theravāda Buddhist forest monastic order. As a Visiting Researcher at Leiden University and a PhD Candidate at University of Colombo, he draws from the study of Buddhist texts as well as his forest monastic experience to publish academically in the fields of Anthropology of Buddhism and Early Buddhist studies. As an earnest practitioner, he has more than two decades of experience in the Buddhist way of life. Prabhath is father to a little daughter, and together they live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

A Space Open to All

While our foundation is in Early Buddhist principles, The Urban Temple embraces a universal approach. We are open to all individuals, regardless of their background, culture, or spiritual beliefs. Our community welcomes diverse perspectives, and is united in the quest for personal growth and spiritual exploration. Whether you are new to spirituality or have been on this path for a while, you are welcome here.

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Life

Our mission is to bridge the timeless wisdom of Early Buddhism with the practicalities of contemporary living. We believe that these teachings are not just historical relics, but living, breathing instructions that can have a meaningful impact on our daily lives. We explore how these ancient insights can be applied to modern challenges, helping us find balance and purpose.

Creating a Community of Learning and Growth

The Urban Temple aims to be not just a platform but a community. We hope to foster an environment of learning, sharing, and support, where each individual’s journey is valued and nurtured. Through various initiatives like The Dharma Digest, workshops, discussions, and community events, we aim to create opportunities for our members to engage, reflect, and evolve both individually and collectively.