What are the different parts of a Thai Buddhist temple–the areas, buildings, objects? How is the ordination hall used? Does every wat have a scripture library?
Join Lifelong Learning Payap for a specially-arranged lecture and tour on Thursday, July 3, led by Buddhist monk and teacher the Venerable Phra Kyo Kyo, who teaches Buddhism in English regularly at Wat Suan Dok’s Monk Chats. Phra KK has presented Buddhism to over ten thousand people of all nationalities and backgrounds over the past ten years.
Phra KK has generously offered to explain and answer questions about the different areas, buildings, and activities that make up life at any temple, as well as those traditions, facilities, and functions particular to Wat Suan Dok.
The Venerable Phra will take us on a tour of the temple grounds. He will highlight significant objects as well as elements of Hindu and animist influences found throughout the Wat.
Thailand’s Buddhist temples, or wats, serve a variety of religious, educational, and social needs. Wats give shelter to monks and novices, organize their interaction with the lay public, and support the religious and cultural life of the people. Thai temples operate schools, host community events, run welfare programs, and preserve ancient traditions. While most temples around the country have the same important elements in common, each wat is unique.
There are over 300 temples in the city of Chiang Mai. Wat Suan Dok, founded in 1370, has a long history and special place in Chiang Mai’s culture and identity. It is a center for Buddhist teaching, practice, and public programming. At the national level, the Wat has Royal recognition, and houses the Chiang Mai campus of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
This English-language presentation will be in the Monk Chat office just up (south) from the sala across from the large meditation hall under construction.
