About Us
Since this place of worship was gifted to pass merit to Dr. Sarathchandra, Ven. Kolitha Thero and Ven. Siriniwasa Thero named the Center as Sarathchandra Buddhist Center to ensure his name would be long lasting. By naming the Center after Dr. Sarathchandra as a mark of respect for his generosity, his name will be long remembered as long as the Center lasts.
Hollywood is a highly populated and busy area. However, the Center is situated in a relatively peaceful area. The Center is located just five minutes away from the world famous Universal Studios.
At the time this place or worship was gifted it comprised of two bedrooms, a living room, a restroom and a kitchen. After the Center was established, devotees who were satisfied with the programs of the Center contributed to its development. Thus, with the efforts of monks and devotees the center expanded. In 1998, a new addition of two stories was built comprising of a Shrine Room, two bedrooms, a rest room, and a living room. Devotees contributed to the addition by raising funds by having garage sales and make sales. Because of this expansion, it became more convenient to hold the Dhamma school and meditation classes. There are more than eighty children who attend the Dhamma School and a vast number learn meditation and conduct their lives accordingly.
In the year 2000, a Sacred Bodhi Tree was planted on the East side of the center. Thereafter, a beautiful meditation garden was built around the Sacred Bodhi Tree. Furthermore, the balance sum of the mortgage of around US$85,000 was paid off.
The year 2004 was a special occasion to the Center because it acquired a large house from the Eastern side, and two other rented houses, comprising six units, from the West side. An American couple who had close association with the Center sold their house to the Center at three-fourths the market value once the gentleman passed away. The woman meditated a long time at the Center. The house at the East comprises four bedrooms, two restrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. Sarathchandra Buddhist Center faces Oxnard Street and own property from the boundary of Cartright Road to Denny Road.