Our Mission
Where Faith, Culture, and Practice Become One
Wat Lao Buddhovath provides a welcoming, secure space for Buddhist practice of all traditions—Mahayana, Theravada, Vajrayana, and secular paths alike. Whether you’re new to meditation or a lifelong practitioner, our doors are open.
Goal One - The Dhamma
Lord Buddha Gautama’s teaching was meant to be universal. We work to make the Dhamma accessible to everyone in our community, not just within our Laotian heritage.
How to Request a Dhamma Lesson
In front of a monk, softly chant this request in Pali (or English) to invite a teaching before evening hours:
Pali-English
Brahmā ca lokādhipatī sahampati …
English Translation
“The Brahmā Sahampati, Lord of the World, with palms together before his heart, requests: ‘Teach the Dhamma out of compassion for beings still clouded by ignorance.'”
(Pali-Lao)
ພຣົມມາ ຈະ ໂລກາທິປະຕິ ສະຫຳປະຕິ
ກັຕຕັນຊະລີ ອັນທິວະຣັງ ອະຍາຈະຖາ:
ສັນຕີທະ ສັຕຕາປ ປະຣະຊັກຂະ ຊາຕິກາ
ເທເສຕຸ ທຳມັງ ອະນຸກຳປິມັງ ປະຊັງ
Goal Two - Cultural Immersion
Lao culture is inseparable from Buddhist practice. Beyond food and festivals, we offer language classes, traditional music workshops, and arts & crafts inspired by Lao and Buddhist lore—so our youth can truly live their heritage.
Goal Three - Practice of the Path
Future Projects
Roadway to the Sālā
Half of the meditation hall access road is paved
Raised $25K against a $23K goal
Han Lamvong Road
Second half under construction
$30K raised
Shrine Room Roof Repair
Completed roof restoration after steeple leak
$6K
Bpā Bhavāna Forest Platform
A boardwalk and meditation deck powered by donated pallet wood is now open
Completed
Gift Shop House
Fundraising needed
Planning phase
Tranquility Bridge
Fundraising needed
Planning phase
Memorial Hall
Permits secured, blueprints finalized
In progress
Metta Train
Distributing excess food and supplies
Volunteers & food-safety support needed
Solar Initiative
Well pump and power plan underway
Trenching & installation support needed
Join Us
Your time, skills, and generosity keep our mission alive. Learn how to serve on our board, volunteer for construction or events, and make a gift today.
