Calling Buddhists in the Area (Washington: place to live, centers, suburbs)

[CocoTheNut]

So, I have been thinking for some time now about exploring this religion/philosophy. I have always been agnostic/spiritual but not religious.

I have always been interested in spiritual growth in a non-religious way, if that makes any sense. The little that I have read about Buddhism really appeals to me. Although my long ago former roommate was a Buddhist who had an altar in her room that she would chant in front of daily. I don't think I want to be doing that.

Are there any Buddhists on this forum who would care to describe their experiences with temples in the DC area (is that what they are called?) or educational centers and recommend a couple to someone seeking to learn more? Any tips on good on-line resources to get me started would be great.

Thanks.

[BigCityDreamer]

The Wat Thai is the largest Buddhist temple in the DC area. I live close to it and know they have major events throughout the year.

History of Wat Thaidc (http://www.watthaidc.org/watdc10/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&It emid=28 - broken link)

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

The Wat Thai is the largest Buddhist temple in the DC area. I live close to it and know they have major events throughout the year.

History of Wat Thaidc (http://www.watthaidc.org/watdc10/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&It emid=28 - broken link)

Cool it's in silver spring. It's also Thai, even better!

I just assumed, previous to your post, that Virginia would have had the largest in the area. Interesting it's Maryland.

[DCforever]

NIPPONZAN MYOHOJI
Japanese Buddhist Temple
4900 16th Street, NW
(at corner of Blagden Ave.)
Washington, DC 20011 USA

[BigCityDreamer]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

Cool it's in silver spring. It's also Thai, even better!

I just assumed, previous to your post, that Virginia would have had the largest in the area. Interesting it's Maryland.

As developed and diverse as northern Virginia is nowadays, much of it's still a relatively new kid on the block, so to speak. Just a few decades ago, Montgomery County, Maryland was the premier suburban region in the D.C. area. Lots of different places of religious worship were built during that time. The Maryland suburbs still have a lot of diversity, including large Asian populations, even though northern Virginia has overtaken Maryland in that respect.

[jujulu]

Maybe if the lobbyists and Type A's converted to Buddhism DC would be a better place to live.

[CocoTheNut]

Originally Posted by jujulu

Maybe if the lobbyists and Type A's converted to Buddhism DC would be a better place to live.

Yeah, and Type Bs who have to be around them as well to learn how to keep from strangling them.

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

The Wat Thai is the largest Buddhist temple in the DC area. I live close to it and know they have major events throughout the year.

History of Wat Thaidc (http://www.watthaidc.org/watdc10/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&It emid=28 - broken link)

Thanks. Is it the really tall structure you see from 495 when you are crossing from VA to MD?

Originally Posted by DCforever

NIPPONZAN MYOHOJI
Japanese Buddhist Temple
4900 16th Street, NW
(at corner of Blagden Ave.)
Washington, DC 20011 USA

I know where this building is. I have driven past there. Never thought it was a temple.

[RozCat]

[quote=CocoTheNut;21310325]Yeah, and Type Bs who have to be around them as well to learn how to keep from strangling them.

Thanks. Is it the really tall structure you see from 495 when you are crossing from VA to MD?

[quote]

I think you're talking about the Mormon Temple in Kensington.

[BigCityDreamer]

Originally Posted by CocoTheNut

Thanks. Is it the really tall structure you see from 495 when you are crossing from VA to MD?

The Wat Thai is north of DC in Silver Spring. Like, if you draw a straight line north from the Lincoln Memorial, then you eventually hit the Wat Thai about 4 miles outside the Beltway.

I'm sure there are several other smaller Buddhist temples all over the DC area.

[RozCat]

I hear folks talking about some buddhist monastery in Montgomery County maybe, that opens its doors to visitors for weekend retreats and such. Does anybody know about that?