DIMC Sociology 10

1
Dhammakaya International Meditation Center,
Azusa, CA
2
Group Members!

• Back Row (Left to Right)Stacy Gonzalez, Joe
  Sepulveda, Brenda Landeros, Jennifer Garant.
  Front Row (Left to Right) Guest, Azalea
  Aragundi, Vicky Guzman.

3
History of the Dhamma

• Dhammakaya means body of reality and one of the
  volunteers at the center said that this practice
  was discovered by Venerable Chao Khun Phra
  Mongkol-Thepmuni and rediscovered by Luang Pu Wat
  Paknam in the 1900s after this practice was not
  being taught for over 400 years after the death
  of Buddha. This practice is very popular in
  Thailand and has been passed on and now practiced
  globally.

4
The life of a Monk

• From the moment a child is born, a monk begins
  his journey first as a novice. A novice does not
  become a monk until the age of 20, and are
  refrained from interacting with any foul play
  activities such as sexual intercourse, drugs,
  alcohol, and are also not allowed to have a
  relationship, get married or eat dinner. Monks
  do not eat dinner for the purpose that making
  meals take too much time away from study, which
  they are advised to do as much as possible
  throughout the day. Instead, monks go into their
  fellow neighborhoods and villages to obtain food
  using a bowl. In respect to the individuals
  giving the monks nourishment, they are required
  to eat all the food given to them in the bowl.
  Not doing so is considered rude. Monks also wear
  the orange attire in the belief of doing so, they
  will scare away animals. Monks engage in the
  practice of eating fresh whole foods and fruits,
  keeping their bodies pure and rich.

5
5 Precepts

• The Buddhist culture believe in engaging five of
  the most important precepts, which monks also
  practice as well. Some go as far as doing 200!
• 1. The first precept implies the rights of all
  living beings to protect and preserve their life.
  It also implies the impotence of love and
  compassion for all.
• 2. The second precept signifies an individuals
  rights for the possession as well as the
  protection of wealth rightly acquired. It also
  stresses the importance of right livelihood.
• 3. The third precept, not to indulge in sexual
  misconduct, teaches one to respect ones own
  spouse as well as those of others, including by
  extension, all things that are near and dear to
  them. It is, moreover intended to inculcate in
  man self restraint and a sense of social
  propriety.
• 4. The fourth aims at preserving mans
  credibility, upon which rests his honor, dignity,
  and trustworthiness. It makes man honest and
  healthy.
• 5. The last precept intends to keep man healthy
  physically, mentally, and morally. It helps him
  to maintain his sense of responsibility in
  thought and action something not possible when
  one is under the spell of drinks or drugs.
• When we asked a monk which precept was most
  important, he replied, Number five.

6
Meditation

• Meditation is used to help the body, mind and
  soul relax. There is a certain form one must
  perform in order to achieve maximum relaxation.
  You must shut your body off, focus on your center
  and remember all the seven bases of your body.

7
Meditation (cont.)

• These are photos of the meditation rooms where
  followers of the Buddhist culture and monks
  gather to have service, ceremonies and embrace
  relaxation. We were privileged to be allowed to
  obtain photos of such historical meaning and
  beauty.

8
The Group Experience!
9
Sociological Terms

• The Following Sociological Terms will be used
  from our lecture notes, Martians Guide, and The
  Practical Skeptic Guide
• Culture Shock When people enter into a new
  cultural context, they sometimes become
  overwhelmed or confused. (The Martians Guide,
  Chapter 3)
• Culture The conditions and realities resulting
  from all aspects of human beliefs, creativity,
  thoughts, institutions, norms, and traditions.
  These conditions are passed down from generation
  to generation. (The Martians Guide, Chapter 3)
• Values Refer to the principles, standards, or
  qualities considered worthwhile or desirable by a
  culture or group. (The Martians Guide, Chapter
  3)
• Subculture A smaller group within a culture
  that has its own values, beliefs, or shared goals
  that are distinct from those of the larger
  society. (The Martians Guide, Chapter 3)
• Socialization Lifelong process by which people
  acquire cultural competency and through which
  society perpetuates the fundamental nature of
  existing social structures and institutions.
  (McIntyre, 2006, p. 144)
• Non-Material Culture Refers to those aspects of
  culture we cannot accesss directly with our
  sense. (The Martians Guide, Chapter 3)
• Social Norms The rules that a group uses for
  appropriate and inappropriate values, beliefs,
  attituteds and behaviors. (www.dictionary.com)
• Beliefs Mental acceptance of and conviction in
  the truth, actuality, or validity of something.
  (www.dictionary.com)

10
Brenda Landeros

• While visiting the Dhammaka International
  Meditation in Azusa with my group I was expecting
  to experience Culture shock Extreme discomfort
  experienced by individuals encountering a new
  culture that challenges their worldviews
  (McIntyre, 2006, p. 106) however, Ms. Vee, a
  volunteer at the meditation center, was very
  welcoming and inviting. She explained the
  Dhammaka (Buddhism) Culture The set of ideas
  and things handed down from generation to
  generation in a particular group or society
  culture is both a product of peoples actions and
  a constraint on their actions (McIntyre, 2006, p.
  95) to us, what we could expect while visiting.
  We were able to participate in the Mediation
  class, which was very relaxing, as well as the
  food offering ceremony to the monks. We were
  afforded the opportunity to join the monks,
  members and guest for lunch.
• Before the meditation class began we were greeted
  by Ms. Vee who explained to us to process of
  becoming a monk, the Values Abstract ideas
  about what is good and what is bad shared by
  people in a society (McIntyre, 2006, pp. 101-103)
  of the Buddhist religion, the beliefs behind
  meditation and the Subculture A group of people
  whos shared specialized values, norms, beliefs,
  or use of material culture sets them apart from
  other people in society (McIntyre, 2006), within
  the Dhammaka society, the requirements or
  precepts in becoming a monk as well as the
  precepts of Buddhist.
• At the beginning of the mediation class we were
  educated about the 5 precepts of the Buddhist
  religion, instructed on how to focus our energy
  and clear our mind. I have never meditated or
  participated in a yoga class, I found this
  experience to be very relaxing, energizing and
  found a new respect for the power of serenity.
  We were allotted the opportunity to listen to
  regular attendees experiences and methods of
  meditation. I found the experience to be
  informative as well as relaxing.
• I was offered the opportunity to participate in a
  food offering ceremony, to simulate the food
  offerings that the monks take place in throughout
  their village. This was a new experience for me.
  Following the food offering, we were invited to
  join the monks and members for lunch. The
  Socialization Lifelong process by which people
  acquire cultural competency and through which
  society perpetuates the fundamental nature of
  existing social structures and institutions
  (McIntyre, 2006, p. 144) that takes place among
  the monks was intriguing.
• My overall experience was very relaxing,
  informative, welcoming and eye opening. I was
  impressed by how welcoming everybody was,
  instructing us of the dos and donts, allowing
  us to take apart of the sacred ceremonies,
  informing us of the Dhammaka believes. I truly
  enjoyed every moment of the experience and I am
  thankful for the opportunity to broaden my
  beliefs (written by Brenda Landeros)

11
Azalea Aragundi

• Being in Dhammakaya Int. Center was a place of
  positive vibes. I felt like a stranger in a
  strange land in a non-material culture. Such as
  why do Monks wear only orange? Was belief to
  protect them from wild animals. As well as the
  color of choices in the building. Its how strong
  the belief they have that over powers your senses
  and lets you know its there. Such as the
  Meditation, a strong belief of inner peace and
  being one with the self.
•  
• I had brought my daughter with me to this field
  trip and they treated us so respectfully and even
  took care of her. I felt so blessed and they do
  have kindness and inner peace in them. Made me
  realize how strong their belief was and it showed
  in the outside as well. Me and my daughter had an
  amazing experience and even participated in their
  traditions. (written by Azalea Aragundi)
•  

12
Vicky Guzman

• When I attended the Dhammakaya International
  Mediation Center (DIMC) it was quite an
  experience. As I arrived I saw some doors that
  looked like hotel rooms next to one another.
  There were three people around and they were
  wearing all white. As other peers arrived they
  quickly came and greeted them. One thing I mainly
  noticed was that they were friendly. While I was
  walking up to the entrance there was a gardener
  he immediately greeted me. He said hello with a
  big smile. I walked up to the main entrance and
  seen a rack specified for shoes. I thought to
  myself I hope I dont have to take my shoes off.
  Sure enough when the lady came out she said
  please take off your shoes. I did not have any
  socks on, so I was extremely embarrassed. When I
  walked in the carpet was nice and fluffy with a
  lot of padding. Everything was white because it
  was a calm relaxing color. That was the main
  representation of the room, was to claim peace
  and joy.
• My overall feeling of this culture was not as
  culture shock as I thought I would be. I honestly
  had so many other ethnocentrism feelings about
  it. But, it was nothing as I expected it to be.
  It reminded me of my semi religion beliefs. As a
  Catholic a priest cannot be married, have a
  girlfriend, or kids. Monks roles in life are a
  little more restricted in socialization. They are
  more isolated than others. They are not allowed
  to watch movies, play video games, and basically
  have an average persons life. Although they are
  not in Thailand anymore they still follow their
  cultures beliefs. Their main focus is to
  meditate. I really enjoyed the meditation
  session. At the beginning I had an urge of
  anxiety. Than as he was leading us I started to
  feel relaxed and sleepy. I wasnt sure if it was
  because I was over exhausted, but I felt like I
  was going to fall off of my chair. As it
  progressed it felt smoothing I couldnt get my
  thoughts to the center which they claim is the
  stomach. But I did feel relaxed my body was
  heavy. When we were finished he asked if we felt
  the mediation long or short. If we felt it short
  we did it right if it was long we had more
  practice to do. I really enjoyed the visitation
  and participation I played in their system. I
  would strongly recommend friends and family to
  visit. (written by Vicky Guzman)

13
Stacy Gonzalez

• When I first arrived to the Dhammakaya Meditation
  Center, I was completely lost and confused. I
  wasn't sure where the entrance was located or who
  to speak too. My best friend was kind enough to
  accompany me along the trip. We were both in
  shock but at the same time amazed by how
  beautiful the scenery was. The location looked
  just like a mini village on top of a mountain.
  There were clouds embedded at the top, a cold
  breeze coming in and buildings surrounded the
  perimeter. My best friend had made a comment
  saying it looked a lot like a rehabilitation
  center, and come to find out it use to be. When
  we entered inside one of the main corridors, we
  were greeted by a very friendly woman, whose name
  I was unfortunate not to obtain. She offered us
  coffee, snacks and free DVD's and pamphlets to
  help ourselves. We were then greeted by Ms. Vee
  who was going to be our tour guide for the day.
  As we waited for the rest of the group, we were
  asked to take our shoes off since it is
  considered rude and dirty to walk around such a
  professional and pure sanction where monks live
  in. We were more than happy to do so but I kept
  telling my friend I feel rude and naked walking
  around without shoes. I grew up in a household
  where my mother made us wear shoes inside our
  home and others, so already I was experiencing
  some culture shock When people enter into a new
  cultural context, they sometimes become
  overwhelmed or confused. (The Martians Guide,
  Chapter 3) .
• Ms. Vee went on to escort us around the premises
  and sat us around to explain the story of the
  Dhammakaya. She also answered many questions we
  had about the culture like "Why do monks wear
  orange?" or "How does one become a monk?" She was
  very polite and informative and because of her,
  we had a very enjoyable trip. My favorite part of
  the trip was the meditation class. We were taken
  into a small room where a monk was seated in
  front of us guiding us along the meditation. He
  explained the importance of meditation and the
  correct way of doing it. The meditation lasted
  about 45 minutes but felt much shorter than that.
  This is an experience I will never forget because
  for the first time in a very long time I felt a
  sense of peace and relaxation. I would recommend
  anyone who is interested to go to this location.
  It was by far the best choice in my personal
  opinion and I plan on returning some time again.
  (written by Stacy Gonzalez)

14
Jennifer Garant

• As I was in the room for the meditation, they
  provided a clear crystal ball to help bring an
  image for the meditation process. The monk said
  that it symbolizes clarity and pureness to bring
  upon your inner self. The purpose of this
  meditation practice is to meditate to bring inner
  peace to oneself and by doing this it will bring
  world peace and it is also believed that it was
  the original Buddha teachings. If you are just
  starting to meditate, you could also visualize
  this crystal ball going up into your nose and
  into your mind and into your inner being which is
  located at the top of your stomach, which is two
  finger widths above your naval. Their body
  language is positioned with their back straight,
  sitting Indian style or in a chair with legs
  apart and hands apart. One method of the
  meditation is to imagine 7 different positions in
  your body of where you are to have this invisible
  sphere or crystal ball enter and position
  itself in position 7 which is considered to be
  your inner being (two inches above the naval) and
  meditation stage. As they are finished meditating
  they chant a mantra, soha or padme while
  having their hands together in what Christian and
  Catholic religions call prayer hands. This is a
  type of body language also used while offering
  food to the monks. (written by Jennifer Garant)

15
Joe Sepulveda

• During my visit to the Meditation center, I
  witnessed a ceremony of worship. A large group of
  people were praising there lord Buddha by
  chanting various mantras, in there native
  language Thai. There was over 40 people chanting
  and clapping, and lifting there hands.
• This was there social norm beliefs as a group
  of people by doing such acts of worship, they
  were bringing peace to there surrounding and
  honoring there lord.
• As me being a outsider, I didnt understand there
  language our culture and choose not to
  participate in there lifting hands. (written by
  Joe Sepulveda)

16
Group Contribution

• Each member was responsible for writing down
  their own personal experience about the trip, as
  well as integrating the sociological terms within
  our experience. We all shared photos and video of
  what we believed would depict the best images of
  our trip. Brenda Landeros, Azalea Aragundi and
  Stacy Gonzalez were responsible for setting
  meeting locations, choosing the location, times
  and dates for weekly group updates, and group
  project deadlines. Vicky Guzman, Joe Sepulveda
  and Jennifer Garant were responsible for
  obtaining information about the center, obtaining
  photos and video. All the group members were
  responsible for networking with others around the
  mediation center to give each other feedback and
  a better understanding about the cultural
  background. Overall, every group member did a
  great job in keeping up with each other via
  email, text messaging and writing forums in order
  to make sure that every member was up to date on
  what was going on. Brenda Landeros, Jennifer
  Garant and Azalea Aragundi participated in the
  food offering ceremony at the Dhammakaya
  Meditation Center, and Stacy Gonzalez was
  responsible for putting the Power Point together.
  No one did more or less work than the others and
  we all spread out the work evenly.

17
Extra Extra!

• Food we got to enjoy For FREE!
  
  
• 
  
  We weren't
  ready ?

18
Tour Guide

• As many of us entered the center, we were
  welcomed by a wonderful women, who took the day
  out to give us a tour around the meditation
  center. She gave us lecture and information
  guides, as well as booklets and cds so that we
  could better understand the Buddhist culture.
  Meet Ms. Vee! She was extremely helpful and we
  all felt very lucky to have her by our side
  throughout this cultural journey. (written by
  Stacy Gonzalez)

19
Did you know?...

• The monks believe that if you save an animal from
  being killed and releasing it back to nature,
  that the Kama will reward you with health and
  prosperity. The Kama is best known as karma, what
  goes around comes around. Every second Sunday of
  the month, the temple buys catfish and releases
  it into a pond or lake and this symbolizes saving
  a life and you are given a life or positive
  energy. They also believed that this would
  relieve your loved ones from suffering. (written
  by group member Jennifer Grant)

20
Food Offering

• A food offering was held after meditation class.
  The food offering is an offering to the monks. We
  replicated an example of what monks do when they
  are offered food from the people in the village.
  We were blessed enough to be asked if any of us
  wanted to be a part of the ceremony. A special
  thanks to our group members Jennifer Garant,
  Brenda Landeros and Azalea Aragundi for
  participating. (written by Stacy Gonzalez)

21
Food Offering (continued)

• As I participated in the food offering for the
  monks, they were recreating an old ritual as used
  in the Buddhist practices. What they do is sit
  around and the monks go around this circle and
  collect the food from those around. Each food
  item that is given to the monk has to be blessed
  by the person giving it and the gesture is the
  prayer hands for each item that is given. All the
  food that is given to them has to be eaten all so
  they dont eat dinner because they eat all that
  food that is given to them in the offering and
  they also cannot eat if the food is not given to
  them. So the monks fully depend on the people to
  feed them. Although this was what the offering
  used to be, the offering now is the people only
  giving the dry food which symbolized the cooked
  food that used to be offered to the monks years
  ago. After the food items are given to the monks
  by the people, the chant the mantra again, soha
  or padme. (written by group member Jennifer
  Garant)

22
Knowledgeable Facts

• There was 3 different symbols that were of
  significance to the Buddhism religion, their
  master Luang Phor, the crystal ball and the gold
  statue.
• Luang Phor was a man who was born in the 1800s
  and at the age of 22 became a monk, and went on
  to teach Buddhism to the masses and the art of
  meditation.
• The crystal ball is a symbol used as a focal
  point when trying to reach the depths of
  meditation. As we were explained that we must
  train the mind to gain more conciseness.
• The gold statue stands for the core mediation
  stance, the heart of the lower stomach.
• (Slide written by Joe Sepulveda)

23
Message to our Professor

• Dear Professor Lynn Navarette, we all just want
  to say thank you for embedding this opportunity
  for us to learn something new. As a group we all
  enjoyed this amazing opportunity and we hope you
  enjoyed our work! In conclusion, this was an
  adventure none of us will soon forget.