A multi-day celebration from June 12, 2014 heralded the inauguration of Wat Nawamintararachutis, the largest Thai Buddhist temple in Raynham, Massachusetts, in the United States. This is also the largest Buddhist temple outside Thailand. About 500 Thai monks from around the world and local representatives attended the inauguration ceremony.
500 Thai Buddhist monks at opening of Thai Buddhist Temple in the US.
From: httpboston.cbslocal.com
As part of the regular events, there were also evening chanting, meditation, taking of the precepts, and a Dhamma talk from 7.30 pm to 9.45 pm on June 20, 2014. From June 27 - 29, monthly meditation practices will be taking place at the temple premises from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day.
The temple was established in 2002 in honor of the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Thailand’s king, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, in June 2006 and his 80th birthday on December 5, 2007. The temple was also established to mark the birth of the 86-year-old Bhumibol Adulyadej who was born atMount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge on December 5, 1927. A project worker, Dr. Joy Marzilli, said “This is actually to me, the most wonderful thing in my life. It represents the love for us to the King, to honor our King.
The building is a permutation of Thai and New England elements, has an incredible, natural atmosphere and is a marvelous place for practicing meditation. The designer, Been Wang, said, “The most exciting thing is when you hear people say, wow, this building is like a drop from heaven.
The construction of the religious monument cost US$60 million including a 119,000 square foot structure that contains a meditation center, two museums, a library and conference rooms which took up nearly 10 years to complete. Ven. Phra Promwachirayan, one of the most highly regarded monks in Thailand, also gave a presentation at the inauguration ceremony. He said that he would like to utilize this wonderful temple as a center for all nations. Asian people, African, European people and American people can all utilize the facilities here.
Wat Nawamintararachutis also hosts many religious and cultural activities throughout the year that include celebrations, ceremonies and festivals. Their website mentions, The year begins with the New Year celebration in January and Magha Puja Day in February or March. We celebrate Thai New Year, the so-called Songkran Day in April and Visakha Puja Day in May. From July to October we observe the Rains Retreat Holiday beginning with Asanha Puja Day and Vassa (Thai: Wan Kao-Pansa) and ending with the Katina Festival. We commemorate the Queen’s birthday (Thai Mother’s Day) in August; Wan Piyamaharat and Ok-Pansa in October. We celebrate Loy Krathong festival in November and the King’s birthday (Thai Father’s Day) in December.
They also offer a one-day meditation retreat every month and four week-long meditation retreats during the year. For children, they offer Sunday school classes and intensive activities as part of the summer school program. Wat Nawamintararachutis also offers a wonderful Thai cuisine, traditional Thai music, dance performances and warm-hearted greetings for everyone regardless of background, race and nationality. The main purpose of the temple is to promote Buddhist meditation and practice according to the teachings of the Buddha.