Date of Establishment

Led by Venerable Warachart Phutamnong, a group of Buddhists of Sumter established Wat Rattanavanaram on February 15, 2001 in order to build the new, alternative spiritual advancement center for Sumter neighborhood in the State of South Carolina.

Propose of Establishment

The organization is organized and operated exclusively for religious purpose with its primary objective of presenting the Buddha's teaching in accordance with Theravada School in American community.

First Office

The temple was termporalty located at 2226 Beckwood Rd., Sumter. This office was the mobile home offered by Mrs. Thongta Austin, a generous Buddhist lady who wanted to help promote Buddhism. The office was used for religious activities for 2 years and 10 days. During staying at this place, the committee of the temple raised funds sufficient to buy the temple’s own property of 1.5 acre at 2275 Thomas Sumter Highway, Sumter.

New Office

Then the committee hired the architect to draw a blue print of the new building and the blue print was filed to Sumter County for approval when drawing was completed. After the plan’s approval, the committee signed the construction contract with the professional contractor on December 9, 2002. At the completion of construction, moving to the new location proceeded. The grand opening of the new office was held on May 25, 2003.

We follow Theravada

Wat Rattanavanaram is the Buddhist temple that follows the religious tradition of Theravada, which is the original school of Buddhism. Theravada means the "Doctrine of the Elders." This school of Buddhism draws its scriptural inspiration from the Tipitaka, or Pali canon, which scholars generally agree contains the earliest surviving record of the Buddha's teachings.

Financial Support

Although the temple bears the big burden, its financial status was supported continuously from its members in terms of monthly donation and occasional fundraising. The temple receives monetary support from its members in average of $2,000 a month and its monthly expense is $2,600 in average. Since Buddhists have firm faith in Buddhism, the temple never worry about its finance and firmly concentrates on its goal of disseminating Buddhism.

Religious Services

Wat Rattanavanaram provides religious services in accordance with Theravada Buddhism upon requests of its members. To join in its services, membership fee is never charged; devotees are authorized to join in all activities with their own satisfaction and convenience. The temple welcome donation from those who are generous to support the temple, as it has no policies of forcing people to donate. The temple is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The temple’s official services are regularly held on Sunday on major Buddhist holidays (i.e. Magha Puja, Visakha Puja, Asalha Puja, etc.).

Moreover, the temple organizes Buddhist Studies Course and Meditation Course to those who are interested in studying Buddhism and practicing Buddhist meditation from Friday to Sunday between 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and between 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Please feel free to join the temple’s services at your own convenience.

Methods of Fundraising

The temple usually raises funds by three methods: phone call, mailing, and personal notice. Devotees who are familiar with the temple will be notified by calling. Those who live in other states will be notified by mailing. Those who visit the temple frequently will be notified personally.

Buddhist Monks/Ministers

According Buddhist tradition, Buddhist monks play a great role in leading Buddhists to perform religious activities, for monks study Buddhism; understand the Buddha’s teaching; and specialize in religious rites more than lay people.

At Wat Rattanavanaram, Buddhist monks are imported from Thailand because they are continuously trained well in Buddhism throughout their Buddhist vocation. Currently, there are four monks residing at the temple and leading people in religious services.

Business Management

The temple is managed by the board directors, led by Venerable Chinnaphat Khotwong, the 31-year old Buddhist monk. Rev. Chinnaphat Khotwong passed the highest level of Dhamma Studies; passed the highest degree of Pali Studies; and graduated Bachelor Degree of Arts and Bachelor Degree of Science in Business Administration, concentration in Information Technology. Additionally, Rev. Khotwong was trained and received Certificate of Preaching and Certificate of Overseas Buddhist Missionary Monks Training Course. Rev. Khotwong has served as oversees Buddhist missionary monk in the United State for over 5 years and specialized in teaching Buddhism both in Thai and English.

Projects

Wat Rattanavanaram has defined several projects of dissemination of Buddhism. The urgent project is to raise fund to pay off the Moorgate of $90,000 to reduce the burden and anxiety of the temple’s residing monks and supporting members. The continuous project is to produce a wide variety of Buddhist media such as Audio CDs, DVD movies, booklets, and newsletters. The short-term project is to encourage Buddhists to study Buddhism, maintain high level of moral conduct, apply Buddhist teaching practicable into daily life, join in meditation practice, and participate in the charitable activities for public welfare.

How to Support Our Temple

You can support our temple by joining our service and donating funds to the temple. Plus, you can come to offer foods to Buddhist monks every day at 11:00 a.m., because Buddhist monks are prohibited from cooking and must depend on offerings from householders for their simple living. The monks at Wat Rattanavanaram eat two meals a day, breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and lunch at 11:00 a.m. You can donate food supplies and other requisites as you want.