Vajiradhammapadip Temple

The Buddhist Sunday School of the Vajiradhammapadip Temple of New York was founded by the head abbot of the temple, Phra Rajakittivedi (Phra Depkittisobhon). It has been in existence since September 7th, 1982. It was the first school to teach the culture and tradition of Thailand in the United States.

Most Theravada monks live as part of monastic communities. Some join as young as seven, but one can join at any age. A novice is called a samanera and a full monk is called a bhikkhu. The monastic community as a whole is called the sangha.

The Buddhist calendar begins when Buddha passed away at the age of 80. To calculate the year in the Buddhist Era add 544 years to the current year. Or to figure out the modern calendar year for a Buddhist year subtract 544 years.