Karen Buddhist Association of Iowa
CONTACT
HOURS
ETIQUETTE
Language:
Sino -Tibetan
Phone Number:
716-507-7287
For more information visit their Facebook page:
Doesn’t hold weekly meetings
Greetings adapted to Western culture and are done shaking hands with the right and supporting that arm with the left hand, using two hands is a sign of respect.
Direct eye contact can be disrespectful as it shows equal status, crossing arms is also considered disrespectful as well as showing the bottom of your feet or touching your head.
Directness is viewed as benign and rude and rushing schedules is frowned upon because it could leave some people behind.
Student Testimonial
By: Natasia
History-
Originated from Burma, came to the United States as refugees mostly from refugee camps in Thailand. Came to Iowa working in meat packing because of the high wages. Began meeting in homes and eventually bought a house to hold meetings. After a bit sold that house in order to buy the old Catholic church in Indianola. Became an association in the early 2000s.
Practices/Services-
Karen New Year is celebrated in January. Also, in January the monks give teachings. February there is a rice festival, a special rice that is cooked once a year. The rice is cooked in the parking lot over a wood fire and members take the rice home. In April there is a water festival. This water festival is also celebrated in Burma, where the seasons are different. In Burma it is summer. However, in the United States it is winter. The elders are also celebrated in April. They brush oil on them and hand them an envelope with money in it. In July, men can become monks for a week and women can become nuns for a week. Their heads are shaved and they are given a robe. They practice meditation and teaching during this time. In September, there is a candlelight ceremony. In November, there are various festivals and Karen Buddhist all over the Midwest will come join. Also, in November they make money trees and parade outside of the temple three times with their money trees. This helps raise money to maintain the temple. Other than these events the temple is normally empty except for special events like a wedding. The monks can’t eat after noon and they don’t feed themselves. This is similar in Burma, different people provide food for the monks.
Distinctive Qualities-
This community has two monks and two nuns that live at the temple. The monk doesn’t speak English well, so the younger population has a hard time understanding him. Most members have known each other since childhood, so there is lots of community beyond just the church.
Demographics-
Made up of mostly refugees from Burma or Thailand.
Branch-
The community practices Theravada Buddhism.