VIHARA SUWARNADWIPA
天竺禅寺



Frequently Asked Questions



Let us answer some questions that you may have to understand the mission of this organisation.

We hope you will know us better at the end of this FAQ.


vision & mission
dharma outreach
management
support

vision & mission



1. What is Yayasan Vihara Suwarnadwipa (The Foundation of Suwarnadwipa Temple)?

This Foundation was an idea mooted by Mr Tamin Sukardi, the late Founder of Taman Simalem resort. It is the vehicle behind the development of Suwarnadwipa Temple that is located within the 206ha resort compound.

The Temple is envisioned to be the spiritual haven for followers to:

A. Take refuge in the Triple Gems (Buddha, Dharma & Sangha)

B. Practice the Eightfold Paths

  • Right Resolve
  • Right Views
  • Right Speech
  • Right Livelihood
  • Right Action
  • Right Effort
  • Right Mindfulness
  • Right Concentration

C. Explore & understand the foundation of the Buddhism – the Four Noble Truths which consist of:

  • Dukkha – The Suffering
  • Samudaya – The Cause of Suffering
  • Nirhodha – The End of Suffering
  • Magga – The Path that frees us from Suffering

​​

2. Why is the temple constructed inside Taman Simalem resort?

The decision to build a temple within the resort compound was recommended by a number of geomancers who visited Taman Simalem resort during its early development. The geomancy facing of this site offers breathtaking view of Lake Toba and is believed to bring blessings, health and good luck to all worshippers. Being in a tourism zone, it is the Founder's hope that the temple's unique architectural feature will be an additional attraction for all worshippers.


3. What are the vision and mission of the Temple?

Suwarnadwipa Temple aspires to be a BUDDHISM CENTRE of the Region that provides a SPIRITUAL HAVEN for all. The main aim is to promote HARMONIOUS and COMPASSIONATE LIVING through BUDDHIST DHARMA EDUCATION & PRACTICES.


Our Mission Statements are:

A. Spiritual

i. To provide a peaceful and dignified environment for Buddhists to observe spiritual practices.

ii. To promote/ deepen understanding of Buddhist teachings (sutras and doctrines) and monastic practices (e.g meditation)


B. Compassion

To serve the community through caring and charitable activities.


C. Harmony

To strive and advocate for harmonious, wholesome and balanced living environment for all beings.​



dharma outreach



4. What kinds of projects do the Foundation support?

Currently, the priority focus is to complete the building of Suwarnadwipa Temple.


Funds are also distributed to humanitarian aid through our Dharma Outreach programs that focus on children and senior citizens in need. Our aid or support is extended regardless of recipients’ race, religion and gender.


We believe in long term partnerships with charity/ community organisations to ensure that we are able to assist with continuous improvements of their living conditions. We assist several charity outfits through efforts such as routine delivery of vegetables and other food supplies, donation of building supplies and regular grants to subsidize their operational costs. We constantly review our supported causes to ensure our outreach programs result in the best possible positive impact on the recipients.


5. Which are the charity outfits that are supported by your Foundation?

Our Foundation will endeavor to support various charities under our outreach program with the aim of having a positive impact on the recipients of support. Currently, the organizations we have adopted are:

A. Yayasan Panti Asuhan Elida

Address: Jln.Flamboyan Raya IV A No.2 Tj.Selamat Medan Tuntungan

In-Charge: Mrs Achun

B. Yayasan Elim Anugrah

Address : Jln Tangguk Bongkar V No 80 Mandala Medan

In-Charge: Mrs Rotua br Manurung



management



6. Who is responsible for day-to-day oversight of the Foundation?

The Foundation has appointed Management Committee to conduct the business of the Foundation. The Management Committee makes recommendations and implements the policies approved by the Foundation Board of Directors in helping the Foundation meet its mission.


7. Who is on the Foundation Board and Management Committee?

The Foundation Board members serve five-year terms and may be re-appointed for additional terms. All members of the Foundation Management Committee are appointed by the Foundation Board of Directors. All Board and Management Committee members are unpaid volunteers who put in many hours to support the community. Several Management Committee members are professional fundraisers as well as long-time Buddhist practitioners.


8. Who are the key Management Committee members of your Foundation?

  • Management Head – Mr Solihin Chandra
  • Secretary – Mr Harianto
  • Treasurer – Mr Eddy Tanoto
  • Auditor – Mr Tadjuddin Sukardi

In addition, the Foundation is supported by many wonderful volunteers.



support




9. What is the best way to support the community through your Foundation?

Many people find giving monthly donations through automatic giro deduction/ credit card to be the most convenient. By doing so, donors provide consistent support to the recipients and to direct funds where they are needed most. If you are interested in making larger or other in-kind gifts or to volunteer with us, please contact us via email at info@suwarnadwipatemple.org.


10. How can I make a donation to the Foundation?

There are many options to give a gift to the community. At the moment, all monetary donations can be directed to our Foundation bank account at Bank Central Asia Account Name: Yayasan Vihara Suwarnadwipa Account No: 0228328777 We will issue official receipt to all donors who leave their names and contact details (Mobile No and/ or Email). The Foundation regularly organises adhoc and regular fund-raising activities with specific charity causes and religious events. Participation can be in terms of monetary as well as in-kind gifts. Do follow us at our Facebook and Instagram account @suwarnadwipatemple to get the latest updates. For more information, you are also welcome to call us at +62 811 6140 616.


11. When I pay to attend a retreat/ event organised by the temple, buy an entrance ticket to visit the temple or pay for religious offerings at the temple, what does my payment support?

Payments for retreat/ event/ offering and ticket sales help pay for the operational expenses of day-to-day running of the temple as well as cost of hosting a retreat/ event.


12. Why should I buy “package” to visit your vihara?

This Vihara is managed fully as a non-profit social organisation. If you purchase the Temple Package or any other Programs in future, you will be contributing to the continuity and charitable purpose of the Vihara. Your charity contribution is deeply appreciated.


13. Can I apply for grant funding from the Foundation?

You may write to us to info@suwarnadwipatemple.org to introduce your cause/ organisation to us. However, during the period of this coronavirus pandemic, and limited by fundraising opportunities, our Dharma Outreach programs are focused on existing causes/ organisations that we have supported since 2020.




open daily, 08.30 - 17.30





jalan raya merek-sidikalang km 9
merek 22173
north sumatera - indonesia