Wat Buddha Oregon was built in 1997 by the Buddhist community in Oregon and nearby states.

The original contributors were

1. Vatanyoo Siriphatnaboon
2. Viroj & Somchit Boonkoom
3. Cherdchai & Sarapee Udon
4. Nattawan Thangvijit & Sunun Gulmahong
5. Susie & Surapon Kasem
6. Somsri & Seksiri Arttamangkul
7. Chomnitya Tiantawach
8. Sumalee Jermsak
9. Manus & Surapee Poonyagariyagorn
10. Anantaporn & Thomas Evans

They found the 2.5-acre property in Turner, Oregon, which is not far from the capital city of Salem and located on a hill surrounded by beautiful tall trees. The property is also near the main interstate 5, making it easy for members to commute.

After completing the Temple, the Board of Directors had to seek a qualified monk to take a residence at the Temple. They then found Ven. Samruay Karudhammo from Wat Prasrimahatatu (Chicago, IL) invited him to become the first Abbot at Wat Buddha Oregon. After the Temple had an Abbot, the Abbot then formed the managing board of directors of the Temple. After having all personnel in place, the Temple started to have service every Sunday. In 1999, Wat Buddha Oregon joined the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A.

Objectives

1. To hold Buddhist ceremonies.
2. To be a spiritual place for the Buddhists in Oregon and nearby states
3. To be a center of the Insight Meditation and teach Buddhism in the U.S.A.
4. To teach Thai cultures to U.S. born Thai children and foreigners
5. To be a place of service to Thai Consular to connect and give assistance to the Thai community in Oregon

Administration

The temple Administration consists of a board of directors, including residence monks and laypeople that the temple members elected. The Board of Officers, which the Board of Directors elects, are Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. This group of Directors oversees the day-to-day operation of the Temple.

Campus Assets

1. 5-acres of land
2. A Service Building
3. A residence of the monks
4. A guest-monks residence
5. An Auxiliary Hall

Activities

1. Offer an insight meditation class for English speakers every Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2. Collaborate with high schools, colleges, and universities in the area that want to learn about Buddhism.
3. Teach Buddhism to anyone who wants to learn.
4. Hold advanced Insight Meditation workshop every first weekend of the month (Friday-Saturday-Sunday)
5. Hold 5-10 days of advanced Insight Meditation in April and July
6. Ordain Bhramin on every Buddhist Holy day
7. Ordain Monks and Novice Monks every Summer
8. Hold Thai cultural activities
9. Hold Sunday Service, which includes chanting, a food offering to the monks, and listening to Dharma talk every Sunday
10. Publish newsletters to members twice a year
11. Give free varieties of Buddhist books
12. Teach Buddhism via social media
13. Teach Buddhism to the general community in Oregon
14. Be the Insight Meditation Center for the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A.

Honorary Ceremony

On June 17-19, 2011, Wat Buddha Oregon hosted the Council of Thai Bhikkhus annual meeting, which brought over 300 monks to Oregon. During this time, the Temple also held a Buddhist ceremony.

Name of the Resident Monks

1. Phrakhru Vachiradhammavidet, Ph.D. (Ven. Subin Singthong)
2. Phrakhru Vijayapattrabundit (Ven. Lee Krasaeto)
3. Phramaha Montri Chayameti (Ven. Montri Chaiyo)