LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FAITH COMMUNITY
The term “upāsakā” means “one who sits close by” and it has come to refer to lay people who join with monastics in the practice of the Dhamma. Following the model established in England, Wat Padhammaratana has created its own Upāsakā Program to provide a structure for lay people to practice and study together. Regular Upāsakā Days are held at the monastery each year, where Upāsikās renew their commitment to the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, participate in a study session focusing on a Dhamma topic, and practice meditation. Over the course of the year, topics cover the five themes of sutta study, daily life practice, meditation, devotion and ritual, and Dhamma in the broader world. A list of suggested readings is also provided for those wishing to delve more deeply into each topic.
Typical Upāsakā Day Schedule
10:30 am – Refuges and Precepts
10:45 am [11 am DST] – Meal offering (bring a dish to share if you would like)
1:00 pm – Meditation, teachings & discussion
4:30 pm – Tea with monastics (optional)
Attendance at Upāsakā Days is open both to those who have made a formal commitment to the program and to those who may simply wish to attend for the day. Each year’s commitment ceremony takes place in the spring. All are welcome.
Purpose
• To enhance individual practice and increase self-discipline through making a formal commitment to spiritual training.
• To deepen both the intellectual and experiential understanding of Dhamma.
• To have more supportive contact with like-minded people and the ordained Sangha.
• To be better equipped to communicate the Teachings to others.
Guidelines
The following Upāsakā Program guidelines are meant as an outline for spiritual training of the individual and are intended to provide a structure for those seeking support and encouragement in their practice.
• Undertake to live by the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
• To take the Theravada Thai Forest Tradition as the focus of one’s Buddhist practice.
• Attend regular gatherings with other Upāsakās, either at the monastery or in our own homes.
• Visit the monastery and formally take the Refuges and Precepts at least quarterly.
• Observe the Uposatha days of the full and new moons in some fashion appropriate to our living situation.
• Practice meditation daily.
• Find some time each year to go on retreat.
• Attend at least one festival day or communal gathering at the monastery each year.
• Cultivate a basic working knowledge of the Teachings.
• Support the sangha according to our means and abilities.
• Keep to the training for at least one year after having made the formal commitment.
2016 Upāsakā Days
This is a brief outline of the planned themes. Each one will be developed more fully prior to its date, with readings, reflection questions, and more background to be provided. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.
วันจันทร์ คุณจำลอง(น้อย) แม็คคาซี่ และเพื่อนๆ
วันอังคาร คุณคิม วาน, Thai Gourmet และเพื่อนๆ
วันพุธ คุณพิมลรัตน์(นก)มาร์วิน, ครอบครัวศิริมงคล และเพื่อนๆ
วันพฤหัสบดี คุณมนัส แซนด์, คุณพิมพ์ใจ-คุณจิม เบอร์มิ่งแฮม
วันศุกร์ คุณสมทรง ฟ็อก และเพื่อนๆ
วันเสาร์ My Thai Restaurant, Thai Gourmet Restaurant
วันอาทิตย์ คุณอุไร ตะสิทธิ์, คุณจำเนียร น้ำใส, Siam Thai Restaurant
Individuals can support the Watpa Dhammaratana by becoming a member. All of our services are available regardless if you are a member or not.
We invite you to choose the form of affiliation that is most comfortable to you. Members and friends receive all mailings and publications. Neither category requires a fee, but of course donations are always welcome.
READ MOREWe come to learn and experience meditation and this is the weekly schedule:
Activity Day Time
1. Chanting & Meditation
Daily Morning and Evening 05.30 - 06.30 a.m.
05.30 - 06.30 p.m.
2. Dhamma Talk Daily Morning 10.45 - 11.15 a.m.
3.Buddhist Study(Thai) Every Sunday 01.00 - 03.00 p.m.
4. Meditation(English) Every Wednesday 06.00 - 08.30 p.m.
Volunteer is one kind of practice. You can come to help and volunteer in many ways. Please contact the center and ask for more info. Tel.412-229-8128
READ MOREYou all can come to practice in the center and invite the monks to your own place for meditation guidance.
READ MORE