Largest Buddhist Monastery in the Midwest. Sunday services 10 AM offered on Zoom and Facebook. In…read moreperson visit allowed with proof of vaccination. Should call to confirm a visit. Beautiful grounds and buildings.

MABA stands for Mid America Buddhist Association which is a Buddhist monastery occupying a 76 acres…read moreparcel featuring rolling hills, lotus-filled lake and beautiful woodland, surrounded by majestic vineyards and wineries in Augusta, Missouri, about one hour drive west of the St. Louis International Airport. To understand MABA, one must start with its Abbot, Venerable Master Jiru. Master was born in a small town along the Eastern coast of Malaysia. His parents were both physicians, immigrated from China after World War II. Master grew up learning martial art from his grandfather, first it was a derivative form of yoga (Yi Jin Jing) invented by Bodhidharma, a famous North Indian monk who visited China fifteen hundred years ago and invented the technique after spending seven years in seclusion inside a cave. Bodhidharma is recognized as the original master of Chan meditation in China and his yoga technique also became the basis of what is now known as Shaolin Kung Fu. While continuing to practice this age old technique, Master Jiru also became experts in two styles of Tai Chi (combining both Chan and Tao). When he was around twenty years old, he vowed to dedicate his life to Buddhism and after spending almost two years overcoming incredible obstacles in learning both Pali and the Thai language, he was ordained as a Theravada monk in Thailand. However, fate brought him back to Malaysia and he eventually became the disciple of a famous Mahayana Chan master. A few years later, Master Jiru decided to search for his true calling overseas, first to Australia, then to America, and over time has held important positions in various monasteries, spanning both coasts of United States. Then in the early-90's, Master was invited by a small group of self-practicing Buddhists living in the St. Louis, MO area, who until then were meeting in each other's homes to study Dharma. Pooling their resources, and with leadership provided by the Master, MABA was founded. Land was purchased and over the past twenty years, with nothing but their sheer will and determination, augmented with small donations and lots of generous volunteers, they have built MABA to what it is today. From a Buddhist teaching standpoint, MABA is unique in that it synergistically combines both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, with great emphasis on direct experience in exploring one's body and mind and systematic approach to understanding Dharma, as opposed to ruts, routines and rituals. Three years ago, in order to meet growing demands on their facility, they embarked on an audacious renovation project, modernizing and expanding their female dormitory which was a tiny hundred year old stone farm house. What emerged, after lots of blood, sweat and tears, is a world class full fledged meditation facility affectionately known as the Blue Lotus House. The open house ceremony for the Blue Lotus is scheduled for April 9, 2017. MABA is always open to the public. In addition to Sunday services, it also hosts regular multi-day meditation retreats. Please visit their website, http://maba-usa.org for more information and to make contributions to support their cause. For testimonials from their students, you can also watch interview videos at their Youtube channel, http://maba.live.

We went to the Thai temple for their monthly food fair for the first time last week. They usually…read morehold it on the 3rd Sunday every month (but recently had to be cancelled in Jan and Feb due to horrific weather!!) from 10:30am-1:30pm -- we got there about 11:15 or so (it opens at 10:30). It's located inside an old church building with a small dining hall with tables and chairs. You have to purchase tickets to buy food in sets of $5 (CASH ONLY or ZELLE--cannot take card!!) They take the tickets to pay but can refund the tickets that aren't used after. The food is delicious but spicy; some dishes were almost sold out when we got there (I got the very last Thai milk tea). Thai milk tea cost $3 and the green curry plate was $10. They also had some Thai desserts which were very authentic per our friends from Thailand. Their website had some other desserts on the Facebook group that we weren't able to find :(paengjee) but this might be because they sold out. They do have Songkran festival (Thai New Year) in April so they may have more variety then! I would have tried more food but didn't bring enough cash and didn't realize we couldn't pay with card!

The only Thai Buddhist temple in St. Louis, it is actually situated inside an old church building…read morein Florrisant. This temple is open to the public and usually houses 3-5 Buddhist monks. There is opportunity to learn about meditation, Buddhism and even learn Thai for both adults and children. On the 3rd Sunday of each month they host a Thai Food Fair to raise money for the temple. Home made dishes along with some catered by neighboring restaurants is available. Don't forget the annual Thai New Year (Songkram) in the Spring!