Wat Buddhanusorn

Wat Buddhanusorn, is a Buddhist temple, of the Theravadan tradition, in Fremont, California, United States.

The name, Wat Buddhanusorn, means “temple for the dedication of the Buddha,” in the Thai language. It was founded in 1983 and, in Buddhist tradition, relies on donations and volunteer work for support. The temple community serves to propagate the Buddha’s teachings and practice, to teach and promote Thai art, language, and culture to all those who are interested, and to serve as a pillar of the Thai community.

Daily life

Morning: Monks gather in the main hall to chant and meditate. After the morning meal they begin their work in and around the temple and meditate on sweeping the grounds. Afternoon: After the main lunch meal the monks continue with the temple projects. In the evening the monks again gather in the main hall for chanting and meditation.

Historic highlights

Wat Buddhanusorn has enjoyed visits from many dignitaries, including Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand in 1993, during the temple’s tenth anniversary. Her Majesty dedicated a stone and planted a tree to commemorate the event, making it the only temple outside Thailand where the Queen has given such a blessing. His Holiness Somdech Phramaha Thiracarya, lord abbot of Wat Chanasongkranm, visited and blessed the temple in 1993. In 1996 Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali dedicated the temple’s spire, in addition to planting trees on previous visits. Her Royal Highness Princess Bajakitiyabha has also visited and planted trees. In 1997 His Holiness Somdech Phramaha Rajmangalacarya, presided over the largest gathering of Thai monks in the San Francisco Bay Area, over 150 monks, for the demarcation of the temple.

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