VIP at the monestary

Last Friday instead of attending Vietnamese class (aka 2.5 hours of  ahhhh, aaiihhhh, ahheeee, ooaooo oooooh, aouuuu, ohhhh, eeeee) we went to the Institute of Vietnamese Buddhism. It was actually one of the most bizarre situations I have ever been in. See, we arrived and received celebrity status on the steps of a pagoda, just posing for 500 photos, we walked into a classroom filled with monks who started cheering for us. We were ushered to the front of the room where we stood on a raised platform and smiled and waved. There were even cameras flashing. I still don't understand it. It was so strange and I felt incredibly awkward. I don't know why it was so exciting that we were there, like exciting enough for them to whip out their cameras. But clearly, we were a big deal.

so many monks

After more photos, we went to a nice, big, air conditioned room and were lectured on Vietnamese Buddhism. It was a little hard for me to follow since I really don't have a thorough understanding of any religion. I did learn a lot though; I find it fascinating that during many dynasties Buddhists were consulted by emperors and other powerful individuals for their thoughts and ideas on how to run the country. State and religion were one, which is exactly the opposite in America. The history of Buddhism in Vietnam is long and intense. During the Vietnam War President Diem, leader of South

Such a studious group.

Vietnam and a devout Catholic, prohibited Buddhist from flying Buddhists flags during Vesak celebration. This was only one of the policies that antagonized Vietnamese Buddhists. In opposition to Diem's anti-Buddhism stance a monk self-immolated in public. This was the first of many riots that opposed Diem, who was eventually assassinated in a coup d'etat. It really was a fascinating lecture. Following the lecture we each received a book on practicing Vietnamese Buddhism and then enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch prepared by the monks. There were so many vegetables, which is definitely something that I have missed. I am so use to having fresh vegetables all the time (thanks Mom!); the only vegetables I get are cooked, and even those are scarce. Well except for right now in the delta– it is vegetable heaven. I. Love. It.