Panic in Afferden
In the land of Maas en Waal lies the small town of Afferden, with barely 1700 inhabitants, belonging to the municipality of Druten.
In the center, the tower of a previously demolished church is still standing, as is the church, built in 1890/91 in neo-Gothic style, named Sint Victor en Gezellen.
So far nothing shocking were it not for the fact that I was approached at the beginning of this year by a restless couple from this place. Didn't know the people but they had heard through the grapevine that I know Thailand quite well. They wanted to come and talk about Buddhism. What was going on? The doors of their church had been locked for some time and rumor had it that strange Thai snoeshaans dressed in orange robes wanted to buy their church. People feared Islamic conditions such as in The Hague with an Iman preaching hate there.
Made it clear to them that I would like to talk but that it would be something like confessing to the devil but could reassure them.
Due to a lack of Roman churchgoers and the related lack of income, the church was sold to the Buddhist foundation Dhammakaya Netherlands at the beginning of this year (2017). This foundation has existed since 2014 and aims to provide more knowledge about Buddhist teachings and, as they describe it, to inform more and more Dutch people about the wisdom and techniques of Buddhism in order to use it in their lives to achieve more satisfaction, well-being or find meaning. By developing activities for both Thai and Dutch people, they try to achieve more unity within the diversity in society.
Goals
- To teach and inspire people to a Buddhist way of life with generosity and meditation.
- Make the meditation method and practice more known.
- Promoting, building and supporting monastic life in the Thai Theravada tradition.
Within Buddhism there are 18 schools of which Theravada (doctrine of the elders) has been the most important for centuries with more than 100 million followers worldwide.
According to the foundation, the number of Thais in the Netherlands is increasing rapidly and the nature of Thai immigrants is rapidly changing. They are often better educated and more interested in meditation than in ceremonies.
Meditation
The former church has now been renamed 'ubosot' where meditation will have a central place. Being or becoming a supporter is not paramount. “The point is that people behave like Buddhists, not that they are Buddhists. Just like what matters is not what you are, but what you do. People can decide for themselves what they take with them.” Thus the words of Luang phi Sander. (Sander Oudenampsen – treasurer of the foundation)
Last week I met the couple again and was told the course in scents and colors. A few monks now live in the former presbytery, but no nuisance is experienced in Afferden. “Perhaps I will follow a meditation course there someday” I hear from the gentleman. Laughing, his wife adds: “What an ideal man I will get.”
You don't live too far from there, Jo, go check it out, 'cause I think so too
something for you.
To speak to that lady, maybe you will also become an ideal man!
Was at the opening last year. I think the whole village was out on the street to see what was happening.
There were many interested people. My wife still talks about my act on the spot but yes that's our secret.
Furthermore, many Germans and Italians on the spot. This one seems to have a connection with one near Milan and one near I think Iserloh or Hanover.
The purchase and funding of this temple was paid for by a Thai philanthropist. This man was also present at the opening.
We have been coming to Thailand every year for years, and live in the land of Maas and Waal. (this also includes Afferden) I think the headline of this article is exaggerated to say the least. The (small) Roman community wanted to keep the church. The diocese stated that this was too expensive, but the church was sold without a fight. But the Afferden had no problem whether Buddhists, Taoism or the local football club would move in. This according to our local weekly newspapers, the Maas and Walter and the Waalkanter.
oh just search for afferden and temple on you tube there are videos
Then those people you mean are exceptions, just take a look at the following article from the Gelderlander a few months ago
https://www.gelderlander.nl/druten/katholieke-kerk-afferden-krijgt-tweede-leven-als-boeddhistische-tempel~a591053f/
As long as those 18 different movements don't beat each other's brains and also leave dissenters free, I think it's fine.
May hope that this temple has nothing to do with Wat Dhammakaya (and Dhammachayo) in Pathumtani because the name does not bode well.
Yep, Chris, that's that awful (ironic) missionary Dhammakaya movement. Mr. Sander is also mentioned in the story below.
That church will not become 'ubosot' because that is the sacred space where monks are initiated and where women are not allowed to enter. It will probably be a 'wihaan', the communal hall where everyone is welcome, even women, gays and farangs.
https://www.thailandblog.nl/achtergrond/verdeelde-thaise-boeddhisme-band-staat/
This sect has been embroiled in so many scandals that I don't think it can be pure coffee.
I'm not much into temples.
Isn't that Dhammakaya movement from that Mercedes monk?
This is how the names: "mendicant monk" and "orange supporter" get a different meaning 🙂
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-29/head-thai-monk-to-be-summoned-by-police-over-1958-mercedes-benz/7272536
M.vr.gr.