The history of Buddhism in the United States is as old as the religion itself. There are many Buddhist temples and monasteries throughout the country. Recently, Thais have begun to immigrate to the U.S., especially to California. Many Thais also have vacation homes in this popular tourist destination. If you plan on visiting a Thai Buddhist Temple, be aware that there are major differences between Thai Temples and their American counterparts. In this article, we will discuss what to expect when visiting a Thai Buddhist Temple in Escondido CA, as well as its historical significance, important dates, and most notable attractions. It is located at 139 W 11th Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.
A Thai Buddhist Temple is a spiritual living space for Buddhists. The building is where the majority of spiritual practice happens. It is also used as a place for social action, as well as for spiritual reflection. A Buddhist Temple often has a Theravada or Old Religion feel to it, which is why it is often called a “Thai Buddhist Temple.” Thai Buddhist Temples have been around for hundreds of years. They were established by Buddhist merchants and their converts. The first large-scale Thai Buddhist Temple in the U.S. opened in the Bronx in 1881. The majority of Thai Buddhist Temples are located in Thailand, but there are a few in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
If you are coming to the temple for the first time, you will likely be struck by the differences between an American Buddhist Temple and a Thai Buddhist Temple. American Buddhist Temples are designed and built according to strict architectural guidelines. Almost all internal and external walls are made of concrete, and the ceiling is usually reinforced with iron. The floor is usually hardwood or tile. There are usually no simple or open stupas at American Buddhist Temples. Thai Buddhist Temples do not use such strict architectural guidelines. Many Thai Buddhist Temples are built according to a softer style that is appropriate for outdoor use. Some may have open stupas, while others may have candles instead of lights. Again, this depends on the individual temple.
The Thai Buddhist Temple in Escondido opened in 1985 as the first Thai Buddhist Temple in the United States. The temple is part of the law-enforcement community in Escondido and serves both as a place of religious practice for the community, and as a community center. In 2006, the temple was granted National Historic Landmark status. Today, the Thai Buddhist Temple in Escondida is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in the country, and is also known as the “house of Buddhist knowledge.” The temple has a long and storied history dating back hundreds of years. For example, in 1699 a British trading expedition landed on the west coast of North America and is believed to have visited the area around Escondida.