Yesterday, (28.5.2024) was my father’s 81st birthday. As we could not be in Devon – we decided to visit the local (Thai) Buddhist Temple situated about 40-minutes drive from Sutton. This is a Theravada Buddhist Temple funded by the King of Thailand. It possesses a modest park with a small body of water, a mansion house and a temple complex. Indeed, we have visited here many times in the past. As with all such temples – it is free to enter – and no-one interferes with acts of private meditation. On occasion, the robed-clad monks (Bhikkhu-Beggar) might be seen walking through the grounds. As all animal cruelty is strictly forbidden, the local wildlife tends to behave in a much more relaxed and content manner – as if each animals perceives the “Dhamma” (Teaching) that is being practiced. Whatever the case, such an environment allows children to develop a caring attitude of respect for all animals – just one of the reasons we take our children to such places!
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 