Wat Carolina Buddhajakra Vanaram, Thai Buddhist temple in Bolivia, United States.
Wat Carolina Buddhajakra Vanaram is a Buddhist monastery in North Carolina with expansive grounds featuring traditional Thai structures and cultivated gardens. The complex provides spaces for meditation, prayer, and gatherings, with a new multipurpose building under construction to add a library and meeting areas.
Abbot Phrakru Buddhamonpricha came to Oak Island, then called Long Beach, in 1986 to visit his two sisters and brother. In 1987 the four founded the Buddhist Association of North Carolina, and his siblings donated 21 acres. Phrakru returned from Indonesia to establish Wat Carolina Monastery, which opened later that year.
The monastery was founded by Abbot Phrakru Buddhamonpricha together with his two sisters and brother, who in 1987 established the Buddhist Association of North Carolina. The abbot, who had come to Oak Island in 1986 to visit his siblings, returned from Indonesia to lead the community. Visitors can join chanting, meditation and Dharma talks, and Thai festivals and food fairs are held on the grounds.
The monastery lies near Bolivia, about 20 miles (32 km) west of Wilmington. It is reached by road from the Wilmington area, and the grounds are spread over 21 acres, so allow time to walk between the buildings. Contact the monastery before travelling to confirm when visitors are received and whether events are running.
The monastery sits on generous grounds that began as a personal undertaking by the founder and has gradually grown into a significant Buddhist institution. The ongoing development of new buildings reflects the community's commitment to expanding its presence in the region.
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