Discover WATPALAO Buddhist Temple

Vision & Mission of Wat Pa Lao Woodland (WPLW), Washington

In 2016, the temple with 501(c)3 status sitting on the 16.4 acres land surrounded by nature along the Lewis River in the city of Woodland, Washington being embarked with enthusiasm to move forward with our journey to provide exemplary service in meditation practice and ceremonial celebrations. From our lessons we have learned, we have understood one another as the group of people with varied values, needs with sincerity and respect while having learned to forget and forgive one another to be on the same path of Dharma. We practice in our joint philosophy, “Healthy Souls & Healthy Minds through Meditation and Practice” at the temple. 

WPLW belongs to everyone who shares the vision and mission as set to serve the needs of the communities. Equally important, we shall protect the surrounding environments including the landscape with trees, river and wildlife serving as essential elements to help preserve the culture and traditions by way of celebrations and meditation practice herein. 

For our temple longevity for freedom to practice religion embedded in our goals are to a) continue to build the temple, and b) groom and grow our own leaders within our community. Good leadership is committed to the practice when to lead and when to follow. In other words, we are concerned about losing our cultural heritage and identity while many elders are in the sunset years. Finding someone to replace a leadership role is critical and a must, but not without challenges in current recruitment. 

Understanding of Southeast Asian Cultures with Hopes, Dreams and Beyond 

• Land of Indochina [Make a      bullet Tab on this to Click] for following content in italic) 

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos were under French colonial rule from 1893 to 1954. During this period, continuous hostilities against French rule produced refugee problems within the country. The three nations, through much struggle and hardship, gained their independence from France almost simultaneously. Vietnam became independence in 1953, and, according to Geneva agreements, it was divided into two sections, north and south. 

After the acquisition of Indochinese Independence, pro-Western government came in, held power, and influenced the newly independence nations. As a result, nationalist movements were formed: the Viet Cong in Vietnam, the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, and the Pathet Lao in Laos. With the support of North Vietnam and China, the movements launched campaigns and attacks on the pro-Western influences. 

• The Fall of Indochina:      Refugee Migration {Create Tab & Click a shown above]

The Laotians, Vietnamese and Cambodians being religiously, culturally, linguistically, and politically influenced by India and China, therefore known as the Indochinese are the three major groups of the Southeast Asians. After the fall of Vietnam in April 1975, they came into the lands occupied by other cultural groups. Many came for fear of political persecution in their homeland. After the early 1980’s when the re-education camps were liberated, an increasing flow of the Indochinese sought their new homes in many countries across the globe. Many came for family reunifications to seek new opportunities for themselves and more so for their children. 

• Community Associations      (self-help organizations) [Tab & Click the below content]

In the first few years after the Indochinese arrival, one by one, several self-help organizations were organized and registered in the state of their residence with varied missions and goals ranged from basic needs to social and political derivatives. Soon as the Indochinese associations gained enough members to compose a congregation, they started building churches and temples for their own to serve their communities of need for religious and spiritual purposes in giving and self-reflections. Naturally, businesses like the ethnic groceries and restaurants sprung up in the localities closer to their homes. 

• Religious Organizations      (non-profit status with 501(c)3 [Tab & Click below)

In retrospective, a combined group of families both from Oregon and Washington found an old established church for sale given a desired opportunity to start a temple to focus on activities beyond the religious and cultural events to Dharma Teachings (Medication services) of Buddha, and now the location being named Wat Pa (Forest) Lao Woodland Temple, a perfect place situated along the river, in the woods and upper hills, symbolically an ideal site for peace and tranquility. 

The following members are the original group getting together in the summer of 2014 to a) brainstorm an idea to rebuild a new place for worshipping, b) commit fundraising, c) register with the state as a non-profit religious entity, and d) search for a community of monks to help build the monastery. 

1. Dr Chareundi Van-Si

2. Mr. Joey Simm

3. Mr. Bunma Brian Suchinda

4. Mr. Sutham Sayadeth

5. Mr. Boualiane (Lek) Phomma

6. Mr. Troy Prasouvo

7. Mrs. Vasana Vongthongthip

8. Mrs. Nang Mydouangchanh

9. Mrs. Nouanda Phithavong

10. Mrs. Von Lim

11. Mrs. Talitha Singhai

12. Mrs. Kaysone Khamsoukthavong

13. Mrs. Nouanphone Sayachit 

14. Mrs. Bouaphanh Chanthakhoun

15. Mae Khao Ta Thilavanh

16. Mae Khao Chansouk Phomma

17. Mae Khao Khaisy Phetdara

18. Lung Ounkham and Pa Keomany Souriyavong

Non-Profit Religious Organization Status 

WPLW is a 501C (3) non-profit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service Tax ID #32-0466627. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed under IRS guidelines. No-good or service of any value were or will be transferred to you in connection with this donation. 

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