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Roles and Contributions of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. to Thai Society in the United States
Propagation of Buddhism.
Wat Thai is the largest Buddhist institution in the United States opened as a Thai temple and also for the propagation of Buddhism. The Temple offers both in theory and in practice on Buddha teachings. On the theory: the temple has opened Sunday school for basic studies in Buddhism, and in Buddhist culture. It is the center for religious information. Wat Thai plays a major role in disseminating of Buddhist Information and rendering Buddhist missionary services thru Publications, Videotapes and Cassettes, Internet, and Email. On the practice: the temple offers seminars and retreats activities in Meditation for Thai and non-Thai members under the supervision of highly qualify monks.
Center for teaching Thai language, custom, and culture all in the frame works of Buddhism.
Wat Thai is the cultural center for all Thais in the Metropolitan of Washington, D.C. Wat Thai offers lessons in Thai language, dance, music, arts, and summer sports. Some of these activities are in the form of exhibitions during Thai holidays such as Songkran festival, Floating lights festival, Possessions of candles at the Beginning of lent season, and Gratina festival.
Temple in the Hearts and Minds of all local Thai Buddhists.
Wat Thai is a center for Social Assistance for those who need help. Wat Thai is always willing to help whether a newly arrived Thai looking for some specific need or a local Thai with family problems. The temple provides assistance not only to Thais but also to Laos, Cambodian, and Vietnamese through the linkage of temples in the US and abroad. Advice are also given to those whom seeking the comfort in spiritual and need of Dhamma hoping to alleviate the complexities of daily life in this multi cultural societies in America.
A data center for news and events.
Wat Thai is a center for Information Exchange for all Thais in the United States. It has the capacity to provide knowledge and relevant information including Buddhism, Thai language, Arts, Custom, and Culture. Thai temples outside Thailand are still trying to maintain the role of traditional temples in ancient time by providing a place for people to gather and exchanged information and ideas etc.
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