Not Simple Temple Food: Thai Community Making in the United States

Drawing from interviews, participant observation, and online research, I examine two interconnected issues. First, how temple food practices—offering alms to monks and operating newly invented temple food courts—sustain temples spiritually and financially. Second, how temple food, which is consistently integrated into various events and rituals, enables Thai Americans and a diverse assortment of other participants to connect and work together.

Canada

On a Memorable Trek to Kindness With the Dalai Lama

I didn’t think I’d go.  But it was too good an opportunity to pass up, even if the timing was bad.  In late 2024, I learned about an amazing trip that yoga therapist and BCA Facilities Director Bob Matsueda was planning to Northern India in 2025.  I signed up to go on the India trip, committing myself to monthly Zoom orientation meetings to work out travel logistics and learn about India.From Oct. 21 to Nov. 11, 2025, Matsueda led our group of 23, mostly retired, mostly Sansei, many BCA temple a

Near Light We Shine: Buddhist Charity in Urban Vietnam

Today you have to understand charity if you want to understand Buddhism.