The 90th Birthday Celebration of Phra Vidhetdhammarangsi (Luangta Chi) Planning/Projects
June 3-7, 2015
Thai temples abroad are the community and spiritual centers for Buddhists. They cultivate in children the Thai culture and promote Buddhism resulting in the benefit and the happiness of all the people in the community. Wat Thai Washington, D.C. was established in 1970 and is turning 40 years old. Phra Rajamongkolrangsi (Surasak Cheevanandho) or Luangta Chi, the chairman of monks has been effectively working on promoting Buddhism and bringing to the Thai communities abroad social development and unity as we can see clearly these days. Phra Rajamongkolrangsi (Luangta Chi) will turn 90 years old on June 9, 2015. Therefore, monks, the committee, and laypeople of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. will organize merit-making activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. and the 90th birthday anniversary of Phra Rajamongkolrangsi (Luangta Chi) during June 3-7, 2015.
2.1 To pay respect to Phra Rajamongkolrangsi (Luangta Chi) who is the role model of Buddhist missionary monks abroad on the auspicious celebration of his 90th birthday anniversary
2.2 To celebrate the 4th decade (40th anniversary) of the establishment of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. (1974-2014)
2.3 To honor the monks and laypeople who devote their lives for Buddhist work in the U.S.A.
2.4 To raise funds for the construction cost of “Luangta Chi’s 88 Years Building”, which is the monks’ residence, school, research and promotional center for Buddhism and a place to display Phra Rajamongkolrangsi (Luangta Chi)’s work
2.5 To promote Buddhist education and practice including Thai culture internationally
3.1 Meeting of Wat Thai Washington, D.C.’s Board of Directors to appoint the preparation teams for both monks and laypeople
3.2 Appoint an organizing team comprising laypeople of Wat Thai Washington, D.C., members of the Secretary of the Council of the Thai Bhikkhus in U.S.A., Board of Directors of Wat Thai Washington, D.C., and worshippers of Phra Rajamongkolrangsi to help plan, administer and organize the projects
3.3 Organize meditation courses, Dhamma teaching, Dhamma talk to celebrate Dhamma. Host merit-making ceremonies to celebrate Phra Rajamongkolrangsi’s 90th birthday and Wat Thai Washington, D.C.’s 4th decade
3.4 Publish 5 souvenir books
3.4.1 “Luangta Chi’s Dhamma Treasure: Kru See, Luangta Sawn” 1,000 copies published by the Board of Directors and fellow students
3.4.2 “Wat Thai Washington, D.C.’s 40 Years of History and Accomplishments” 2,000 copies published by the Board of Directors and fellow students
3.4.3 “Luangta Chi’s Autobiography” (Thai version) 1,000 copies published by the Board of Directors and fellow students
3.4.4 “Dhamma for Life by Luangta Chi” 1,000 copies published by the Board of Directors and fellow students
3.4.5 “Vipassana” (English version) 1,000 copies published by Khun Sivimol Ramkomut and fellow students
3.5 Create a website www.luangtachi.org and Luangta Chi’s online library to provide the information about his biography and records
3.5.1 Luangta Chi’s Dhamma teaching voice recordings
3.5.2 Translated chanting recordings
3.5.3 Photos of Luangta Chi’s life
3.5.4 Photos of Wat Thai Washington, D.C.’s history and activities
3.5.5 Videos of Luangta Chi’s Dhamma teaching
3.6 Exhibit of Luangta Chi’s work
3.7 Promote the events through the temple’s website, Facebook, magazines, newspapers and cable TVs throughout the years of 2014-2015 to encourage participation, donation and sponsorship of various activities
4.1 In collaboration with IBC, Wat Thai Washington, D.C. will organize the International Vesak Day on May 17, 2015
4.2 Dhamma Celebration Meditation Courses on June 3-5, 2015
4.3 Wat Thai Washington, D.C.’s 40 Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, June 6, 2015
4.4 Phra Rajamongkolrangsi’s 90th Birthday Celebration on Sunday, June 7, 2015
4.5 Other activities at Wat Thai Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
5.1 Board of Directors and missionary monks of Wat Thai Washington, D.C.
5.2 The Council of the Thai Bhikkhus in U.S.A and Wat Thai Washington, D.C.’s missionary monks and laypeople
5.3 Organizations, associations, communities and Phra Rajamongkolrangsi’s worshippers
The budget is categorized into: 6.1 Event organization
6.1.1 Offerings to the 10 venerable monks (US$1,000 each)
6.1.2 Offerings to the participating 259 monks (US$200 each)
6.1.3 Offerings and transportation costs for the Chairman of the Ceremony and the preaching monks (US$2,000 each for 2 monks)
6.1.4 Rental cars for transportation of monks during the events
6.1.5 Souvenirs and flowers for event decoration
6.1.6 Food and beverage
6.1.7 Coordinating expenses
6.1.8 Printed and exhibition material
6.1.9 Hotel accommodation for guests
6.2 Five souvenir book publications
6.3 Sources of income
6.3.1 90 Pha Pa for Luangta Chi’s 90th birthday anniversary (US$999 each)
6.3.2 Donation from laypeople
7.1 Fellow students and worshippers are given the opportunity to show respect and gratitude and making merits for Phra Rajamongkolrangsi (Luangta Chi)
7.2 To honor Luangta Chi as a great benevolent monk and a role model of missionary monks abroad
7.3 To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. and to honor those who help established it
7.4 To promote the Buddha’s Dhamma, with fellow students using Dhamma and Phra Rajamongkolrangsi’s teaching in their daily life
8.1 Wat Thai Washington, D.C. 13440 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906 Tel. (301) 871-8660 and (301) 871-8661 Web sites: www.watthaidc.org, www.luangtachi.org Email: watthaidc@hotmail.com, watthaidc2013@gmail.com Facebook: watthaidc2013@gmail.com
8.2 Thailand’s Contact: Phra Kru Pariyattidhammabhirama (Dr. Phra Maha Taweepong), Wat Pa Wiwekchantharama, Kamin Sub-district, Muang District, Sakolnakorn Tel. 66(0)81-776-1896
8.3 Thailand’s Contact: Phra Kru Sangharakampol Suthiro, Vice Governor Nonghan District, Udornthani Tel. 66(0)86-080-8812
The Programs on June 3 - 7, 2015
Introduction of the Mahasatipatthana Sutta Vipassana meditation practice to pay homage to Phra Rajamongkolrangsi 90th Birthday by Phra Maha Suratal Sitthipalo and his colleague
Meditation Schedule To pay homage to Phra Rajamongkolrangsi On his 90th Birthday Wat Thai Washington, D.C June 3 – 5, 2015
Jun 3 (Wed)
06:00 am. Morning Chanting and Registration
07:00 am. Breakfast served
09:00 am. Opening the Meditation workshop lead by Phra Rajamongkolrangsi followed by chant and to observe the Eight Precepts.
11:00 am. Lunch Served and observed mindfulness
12:30–15:00 pm. Meditation Practice followed by 10 minutes recess
15:10-16:00 pm. Personal Inquiry and Clarification about Meditation
17:00-17:30 pm. Break for Refreshment
18:00 pm. Evening Chanting followed by 10 minutes recess
19:10-20:30 pm. Meditation Practice
20:30-21:00 pm. Daily Summary of the Meditation Practice by the Senior Meditation teachers
Today program ends at 21:00 pm.
Jun 4 (Thu)
06:00 am. Morning Chanting and Registration
07:00 am. Breakfast served
08:00 am. Meditation Practice
11:00 am. Lunch Served and observed mindfulness
12:30–15:00 pm. Meditation Practice followed by 10 minutes recess
15:10-16:00 pm. Personal Inquiry and Clarification about Meditation
17:00-17:30 pm. Break for Refreshment
18:00 pm. Evening Chanting followed by 10 minutes recess
19:10-20:30 pm. Meditation Practice
20:30-21:00 pm. Daily Summary of the Meditation Practice by the Senior Meditation teachers
Today program ends at 21:00 pm.
Jun 5 (Fri)
06:00 am. Morning Chanting and Registration
07:00 am. Breakfast served
08:00 am. Meditation Practice
11:00 am. Lunch Served and observed mindfulness
12:30–15:00 pm. Meditation Practice followed by 10 minutes recess
15:10-16:00 pm. Personal Inquiry and Clarification about Meditation
16:00 pm. Closing remarks and ends of program
Today program ends at 16:00 pm.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Wat Thai Washington, D.C.
9:30 am. Merit making for the deceased ancestors:
– Phra Rajamongkolrangsi lights up candles and incense to pay respect to the Triple Gem, prays and takes the precepts and lights up the golden set of candles and incense
– The monks pray to dedicate merit to ancestors
10:00 am. The Recognition Ceremony for benevolent donors and committee members of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. in its 40th anniversary.
11:00 am. Lunch offered to around 259 monks Lunch for laypeople
1:00 – 3:00 pm. Special reflection on Thai Buddhist by Bhante Gunratana of IBC “Looking Back and Looking Forward—Thai Buddhism in the U.S.A.: A Case Study of Wat Thai Washington, D.C.” The discussion panel consists of Phra Rajpanyameti (Somchai Kusoljitto), Dr. Suton Dhammaprasert, and Khun Monchaya Jettabut (June), a representative from MCU Moderator: Phra Kru Siri Atthavidhes (Dr. Phra Maha Thanat Atthajaree)
3:00 pm. Break for refreshment
3:30 – 6:00 pm. 40th Years Anniversary Cellebration of Wat Thai Washington, D.C
– Historical perspective offered Phra Kru Pariyattidhammabhirama(Dr. Phra Maha Taweepong Tawiwangso)
– Thai classical dance and music performs by the students of Wat Thai
6:00 pm. Evening chanting
7:00 – 8:30 pm. Special chants to pay homage to Phra Rajamongkolrangsi
Phra Rajamongkolrangsi’s 90th Birthday Celebration and Merit Making Ceremonies
7:00 am. Breakfast offered to monks
9:00 am. Monks and laypeople gather in the ordination hall
10:00 am. H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States of America lights up candles and incense to pay respect to the Triple Gem Ten venerable monks chant special prayers to pay homage to Phra Rajamongkolrangsi Offerings to the monks
The monks accepts the offerings and chants followed by pouring water ceremony and blessing
10:30 am. Celestial almsgiving to 99 monks
11:00 am. Lunch offered to monks
11:30 am. Lunch for laypeople
12:30 pm. Monks and laypeople gather in the ordination hall
13:00 pm. HSH Princess Vudhichalerm Vudhijaya, the chairperson of the ceremony arrives and lights up candles and incense
The Hosts of Dhamma teachings lights up candles
A sermon of Dhamma teaching offered by the Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, a member of the Secretariat to the Executive Committee for the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, the rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, the Ecclesiastical Governor Region II, and Chief Abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawat
2:00 pm. Offering of “90 Pha’ Pa’ (money trees) and the changing robe ceremony in honor of Phra ajaGhana Phra Rajamongkolrangsi on his Birthday
Phra Rajamongkolrangsi gives remarks
Bathing water and robe offering ceremonies
Giving of tokens of appreciation
End of program
Note: Schedule may be change to suit participants