Day 145: Wat Thai, Silver Spring, Maryland
📌APIA Every Day (145) - Wat Thai, a Buddhist temple located in Silver Spring, Maryland, was founded in 1974 by the Thai Buddhist community known as "The Buddhist Association in Washington DC” and is the second Thai temple established in the U.S., following the temple established in Los Angeles. Initially established in a small house in Washington DC, the community wrote to Wat Mahathat in Bangkok, requesting monks to serve the newly formed temple. The monks arrived on July 4, 1974, a date that coincided with both American Independence Day and Asalaha Bucha Day, an important Thai Buddhist festival. This beginning symbolized the foundation of a new Thai Buddhist community in the United States. Over time, Wat Thai has relocated to its current, more spacious location in Silver Spring, reflecting its growth and the increasing number of congregants.
Under the leadership of its second and current abbot, Phra Maha Surasak, Wat Thai has expanded significantly. The Thai initially had two monks; now, the temple supports ten fully ordained monks and serves over 2,200 families and 37,000 individuals in the greater Washington DC area. The temple offers various services and activities rooted in Thai Theravada Buddhist traditions, including regular meditation sessions, Dhamma discussions, and bimonthly workshops in both Thai and English. Phra Maha Surasak, also known as Luang Ta Chi, is a prolific writer who educates others through short stories about the Dhamma, making Buddhist teachings accessible to a wider audience.
Wat Thai plays a crucial role in promoting Thai culture and Buddhist practices within both the Thai immigrant community and the broader public. The temple hosts significant cultural events such as the Kathina Ceremony and Songkran (Thai New Year), which attract not only Thai Buddhists but also people from diverse backgrounds interested in Thai traditions. Additionally, Wat Thai offers Thai language courses and traditional music and dance classes, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Thai culture.
LEARN MORE:
Buddhism in America: Wat Thai Washington DC
Harvard University: Wat Thai Washington DC
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