Overview of the Temple
The Southeast Asian community in Rhode Island has grown tremendously in the 80's and throught the 90's as the results of the migrating Asian populations from the destruction and devastation of war in our homeland. Many of these suffered the loss of their art, culture, and religion while escaping through the struggle and fear that nearly cost their lives. However, this Great State of Rhode Island provided the opportunities to start a new life and inherited our rich culture and tradition to the next generations, which includes the next batch of leaders in this society.
There is over 10,000 Southeast Asians reside in RI and are members of the Buddhism faith. With supports of the Buddhism community, WatLao Buddhovat (Buddhist Temple) of Rhode Island Inc. above was first established in October of 1986 to provide the cultural and religious needs for all.
In 1990, this organization purchased the above property of 15.3 acres located in Smithfield, RI for use of the organization facilities and activities. The organization has become non-profit under 501(c)(3) of the IRS in 1997.
The principal religion of the Laotian community here is Theravada Buddhism, which was brought from India and is shared by Thailand, Cambodia and Burma.  Buddhism has long been a strong force of Lao culture.
The WatLao Buddhovat is proposing for the construction of the new temple which is currently comprised of an existing residence and garage situated on 15.3 acres of wooded land. The site will be divided into several zones: Buddhist Monks Residence, Sunday School, Parking Lots, Main Temple(sara), Shrine, Buddha historic site, That for their lover, and recreation field (soccer field, tennis court, basketball court, and running tracks).
Our proposal consists of construction of 7,000 square foot of Sara(main temple) building centrally situated on the site.  In addition to the temple, we also proposed a new Sunday School.  We have over 100 students and over 30 students are dancer (LaoTradition Dance). Each year more than 8 students from our temple graduate from high school and continue to colleges and universities. In order to preserve our culture and tradition, first we must educate our children here at the temple.

The scope of the project are consisted of SARA(main temple), and Sunday School.  Sunday School is serve for both an institution, cultural center, community center and supporting organization. The Sara (main temple) is serve for ceremonies
services, festival, bouns, cultural practice, tradition, and meditation center. The cost of the projects is estimated over $1 million
dollars.

With the strong supports from the Laotian and buddhist community, the proposed temple will become a success and we couldn't do it without you.  So please help the WatLao Buddhovat to help you, the community!

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