Lao Temple Vipassana supports the whole Buddhist Community in Minnesota and beyond.
They do many ceremonies and rituals throughout the month or on a needs basis. From small gatherings for funerals and blessings to large festivals celebrating important Buddhist and cultural holidays.
Learning about Lao Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is by far the most prominent organized religion in the country, with nearly 5,000 temples serving as the focus of religious practice as well as the center of community life in rural areas. In most lowland Lao villages, religious tradition remains strong. Most Buddhist men spend some part of their lives as monks in temples, even if only for a few days.
There are approximately 22,000 monks in the country, nearly 9,000 of whom have attained the rank of "senior monk," indicating years of study in temples. In addition, there are approximately 450 nuns, generally older women who are widowed, residing in temples throughout the country. The Buddhist Church is under the direction of a supreme patriarch who resides in Vientiane and supervises the activities of the church's central office, the Ho Thammasaphat has the 20% of the populations.
Lao Buddhists belong to the Theravada tradition, based on the earliest teachings of the Buddha and preserved in Sri Lanka after Mahayana Buddhism branched off in the second century B.C. Theravada Buddhism is also the dominant school in neighboring Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia
Buddhist Monks
Though in the religion men can becomes monks for a short time or even for an event (festivals, funerals, etc.) many train for years to become Senior Monks and practice for the rest of their lives.
Support for Communities
We strive to fulfill all the needs of the community for follow Buddhism. By going to Funerals and blessings all around the state.
But we also need support. As a Non-Profit we are supported by the community. Donations to help pay for bills, living expenses, upgrading the property, and many others. We take donations online and in-person.
We also will take donations of food to be offered to the monks. Please contact us if you have any questions or want to know if they are available for in-person donations.