On Sunday July 10, 2016 Wat Phra Dhammakaya Tokyo, Japan, arranged their monthly meditation for Thai Cultural Exchange for Japanese. The monastic president was Phra Thanawut Tissaro. The ceremonies began at 10:30 a.m. with pledging the verse to request the precepts and the Alms Offering verse. Then, they offered alms and meals to 7 monks. Afterwards, they meditated together for 30 minutes. The monks explained about the Thai culture in the topic of respect in the meditation room. These activities were led by Phra Sanam Bhurisilo. The respect in Thai culture or “Wai” is classified into 3 levels which are 1) how to “Wai” to the Triple Gems 2) how to “Wai” to the elder and 3) how to “Wai” to your friends. After the teaching monk finished lecturing, the staffs demonstrated how to “Wai” in the correct way. Then, they practiced to “Wai” together which made them very joyful.
In the afternoon at the kitchen of Wat Phra Dhammakaya Tokyo, Ms. Janjira Nomoto taught the Japanese participants how to make Thai desserts. Not only the children but also the adults were excited and enjoyed making Thai sweets. At 1:30 p.m. they had delicious Thai food together and had took the Thai dessert that they made back to their loved ones at their homes. The activities will be held again on September 11, 2016 during 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
