Centre Bouddhiste International de Genève (CBI) en Suisse.
Le Centre bouddhiste international de Genève a été fondé en 1992 en tant que premier centre bouddhiste theravāda en Suisse.
Dès le début, il a rassemblé les communautés bouddhistes sri-lankaises, thaïlandaises, birmanes et d’autres communautés asiatiques. Aujourd’hui, il accueille également de nombreux pratiquants européens, en particulier de Suisse.
Genève abrite de nombreuses grandes organisations internationales, notamment les Nations Unies (à l’exception du Conseil de sécurité), la Commission des droits de l’homme, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé, l’Organisation internationale du travail, l’Organisation internationale de métrologie légale, l’Union internationale des télécommunications, ainsi que des organisations soutenant les réfugiés politiques.
Par conséquent, des personnes provenant d’environ 178 pays vivent dans cette ville internationale bien connue. En se promenant dans les rues, on peut entendre de nombreuses langues différentes parlées en même temps.
De plus, Genève est largement connue comme la « Ville de la Paix » et est souvent considérée comme la capitale diplomatique de l’Europe en raison de son importance mondiale.
Inspirés par cet environnement ouvert d’esprit et multiculturel, nous sommes très heureux d’établir un centre bouddhiste représentant toutes les traditions du bouddhisme, y compris le Theravāda, le Mahāyāna, le Vajrayāna, ainsi que les nombreuses écoles zen du monde bouddhiste.
Geneva International Buddhist Centre (CBI) in Switzerland.
The Geneva International Buddhist Centre, founded by Ven. Dr. Tawalama Dhammika in 1992, stands as a beacon of Theravada Sri Lankan Buddhism in Switzerland. Nestled on an acre of land in Geneva, conveniently close to the airport, this centre is a harmonious blend of spiritual tranquillity and urban accessibility.
Over 31 years, it has blossomed into a fully-fledged Buddhist haven, graced with three majestic Buddha statues, two sacred Bodhi trees, and a serene Stupa.The centre’s influence extends far beyond the Sri Lankan community, touching the lives of Swiss and European individuals. Its diverse annual program, running from September to June, accommodates five different groups each week for spiritual practice.
The inclusive nature of the centre is highlighted by its monthly event hosting speakers from various religious backgrounds, including Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Islamic, and Zen Buddhist traditions.
Additionally, the last Sunday of every month is dedicated to a one-day meditation retreat, fostering a deep sense of inner peace and reflection.
The centre also resonates with the Asian community, attracting people from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India, and Bangladesh. They visit for blessings, offerings, and cultural events, with Sundays being especially vibrant with traditional ceremonies.
The centre is home to three resident monks—Bhante Dhammika, Bhante Sujatha, and Lakkhano, a Swiss high school teacher turned monk—as well as the beloved cat Minuu.
Adding to its spiritual depth are two nuns, Bhikkhuni Shantha (Thai-Swiss) and Bhikkhuni Manasa (Vietnam-Swiss), who are closely affiliated with the centre and visit regularly for practice.
This Buddhist centre is not just a religious site; it’s a cultural bridge integrating seamlessly into Swiss society and culture.
It’s a testament to the universal appeal of Buddhist teachings and the centre’s commitment to fostering understanding and harmony across diverse communities.Since the beginning of CBI, the Venerable Mujin Sunim has supported us with her interest in the centre, and Rev. Jérôme Ducor and Rev. Vincent Vuillemin have supported us and shared their wisdom with our community through Zoom since the beginning of the Covid pandemic and previously once a month for many years as our guest speakers on the last Wednesday of each month.
Sources :
Le Vénérable Dr.Tawalama Dhammika, responsable du centre.
