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HISTORY OF WAT DHAMMARARAM BUDDHIST TEMPLE ASSOCIATION
In early 80’s Southeast Asian Refugees escape war-torn countries. And some resettled in the city of Stockton, California United States of America. We started rebuilding our lives; integrating into American society. It is important for us also to preserve our ancestral cultural heritage as we assimilate into American Society. Without our culture, we will become lost and confused, like fish out of water. Cambodians were the first of the refugees in Stockton formed an association to raise fund and bought land with a house on 3732 E. Carpenter Road On August, 1982 for Khmer Theravada Buddhist Monastery.
On August 18, 1982 Theravada Buddhist Temple was established. The esteemed Theravada Buddhist Monk Venerable Dhammavara Bel Lon accepted our invitation to reside at the new Khmer Temple. In early 1983 it was call Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple. In 1993 the association members re-structure to Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple Association. Eventually on March 25, 1994 it officially declare legally incorporated by the state of California.
The original house a need of major renovation. Board members raise fund for a new $335,000.00 building to accommodate monks and was completed on March 7, 1995. The members of Buddhist followers have increase as well as the need of Buddhist ceremony services. On May 31, 1995 ground breaking for a new 119’X60’ $610,000.00 all purpose building started, and a formal inauguration upon completion on April 7, 1996 was a success.
Board members and regular members contribute both time and financial resources to maintenance and improvement of the monastery. Consequently, we are constantly improving the Temple infrastructure, landscaping, and religious structures. Thanks to all of our members and supporters for making these improvements possible. In addition to serving Cambodian and Buddhist communities in and beyond Stockton, Wat Dhammararam is becoming an increasingly well-known Stockton tourist attraction.
Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple Association is organized accordance with the Cambodian culture and custom, the Buddhist rules, and California state law. Honors board and Master Ceremony members maintain flawless discipline, knowledgeable, advising and guiding Buddhist services. Board Members is guide by strict Temple rules, they also helpful, well respect, and courteous. During the big event all board members are require to wear Official Temple Badge.
Since its inception Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple Association, has gradually improved and expanded. Temple’s role in serving religious and social needs of the Cambodian community in and beyond Stockton. In the coming years we have a few projects we plan to accomplish. This plan is only possible because of the thoughtful contributions from you. We hope for you, and your family will continued to support the Temple for years to come.
Temple is open to public, everyone is welcome!. Note: posted to all visitors please respect, obey; follow the Temple rules and county law. The Facility is run by monks, volunteer staffs and by the donations. See you here soon!. Buddha Bless All.
For more detail information check the Temple history in Khmer.
For more information on the current Association members @ ABOUT US.
Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple Association. Is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). All contributions to organization are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
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