MEET MY RELIGIOUS NEIGHBOR
FALL SERIES 2021: BUDDHISM
WAT PHOTHISOMPHAN
2560 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA
The site visit to Was Phothisomphan will take place on Sunday, Saturday, September 19th, 2021 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The community will observe Boun Khao Salak, a celebration and remembrance of the dead, which also includes chanting, food offerings to the monks (tak bat), a meal, and probably also a dharma talk (“sermon”).
Masks will be required of visitors, who should also observe these basic rules of etiquette and attire: (1) dress modestly – arms should be covered at least to elbows, and legs at least to knees, both for women and men (no shorts or short skirts, no sleeveless or short-sleeve tops); (2) remove shoes and head-coverings upon entering facility; (3) do not touch the monks; (4) do not point outstretched legs at the monks or holy objects; (5) consider making a small donation or buying a tak bat basket to donate to the monks.
TU VIEN HONG DUC
5906 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA
The site visit to Tu Vien Hong Doc will take place on Sunday, October 10th, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The community will be observing the annual commemoration of the installation of their bodhisattva Quan Am statue in 2014. The festivities will consist of indoor chanting and a dharma talk from 2:00–5:00pm, then a bowing procession to and prayers at the statue from 5:00-7:00pm. Most likely, food, etc. will be available for purchase.
Masks are required indoors. Also know that visitors will need to remove shoes (indoors) and should avoid pointing outstretched legs toward sacred statues, altars, and monks. Modest attire is also advised in the indoor spaces.
PURE LAND OF IOWA
8364 Hickman Rd, Clive, IA
The site visit to Pure Land of Iowa will take place on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
From 12:30-1:00 there will be a tour of the temple complex, which includes both “Pure Land” and “Wisdom” halls, and more. After that, from 1:00-2:30 pm, Venerable Dr. Douglas Cheolsoeng Gentile will lead a “Beyond Mindfulness: Intro to Zen” meditation and discussion session.
Masks are required indoors. Also know that visitors will need to remove shoes (indoors) and should avoid pointing outstretched legs toward sacred objects and persons. Modest and comfortable attire is also advised.
“Meet My Religious Neighbor” open-houses are a collaboration with CultureALL, the Des Moines Area Religious Council, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.