The Mondul Ottawa Khmer Buddhist Monastery
The Mondul Ottawa Khmer Buddhist Monastery, operating as Bodhikaram Temple, is a Canadian nonprofit organization (Registration № 803574672RR0001) serving as a Cambodian Buddhist temple. Established in 2006, it focuses on preserving Khmer cultural heritage and Theravāda Buddhist traditions within Ottawa’s Cambodian community.

History

The monastery began in a rented apartment on Preston Street (2006–2008), later relocating to a purchased property on Deer Park Road (2008–2017). In 2017, it secured a permanent 2-acre site on Hawthorne Road, aiming to establish a long-term spiritual and cultural hub. As of 2022, the organization sought zoning approval to formalize the Hawthorne Road property for religious use, requiring approximately $35,000 in funding for associated fees.

Activities

The temple hosts annual ceremonies aligned with Khmer Buddhist traditions, including Pchum Ben (ancestral remembrance), Chenh Vossa (end of Buddhist Lent), and Kathina (robe-offering ritual). These events emphasize community participation, cultural education, and merit-making practices. The monastery also provides a space for meditation, Dharma teachings, and intergenerational cultural transmission, particularly for Ottawa’s Khmer diaspora.

Governance

Operated by a monastic community and lay board of directors, the organization prioritizes accessibility for diverse age groups, offering programs to maintain Khmer language, rituals, and ethical practices. Its charitable activities are sustained through donor contributions and volunteer efforts.