Buddhist Temple Opens With Festival

November 29, 2009

Author: Lisa Marchesoni

Source: The Murfreesboro Post

http://www.murfreesboropost.com/buddhist-temple-opens-with-festival-cms-20634

Kay Watson reverently joined her daughter, Amy, on her knees in prayer as they celebrated the popular Thailand festival of Loy Krathong Day last Saturday at a new temple.

“Loy” means to float and “Krathong” is a water vessel decorated with candles, coins and brightly colored flowers. During the festival, people make wishes and launch the Krathongs on water. It is believed the Krathongs carry away sins and bad luck along with good wishes for a new year.

“I wished everyone to have a healthy and happy life,” Watson said.

She joined about 75 other people at new Wat Amphawan of America Buddhist temple Saturday at 4880 Barfield-Crescent Road.

Thailand native Jack Butchareon, who owns Thai Corner with Floors ’N More on Robert Rose Boulevard, said a retired Thai medical doctor donated funds to purchase the house and acreage for a Buddhist temple, the second one in Rutherford County. The Laotian Wat Buddharam temple is located on Old Nashville Highway.