Imagine monks clad in saffron robes. They walk mindfully through a serene garden. This is Wat Sanghathan Buddhistisches Kloster. It is not just a building. It is a sanctuary of peace near Berlin.
Wat Sanghathan started in 2010. It began in a former after-school building in Schöneiche. This branch links back to the main Wat Sanghathan monastery. That monastery is in Bang Phai near Bangkok. In its early days, five monks lived here. One was German.
These monks follow Theravada Buddhism’s strict rules. They only eat food that is donated. Early on, they worked to repair the burned-out building. Now, the building is fully functional.
Wat Sanghathan serves as a temporary home. Monks from the main Thai monastery stay here. They live in Germany for a time. In 2015, Abbot Phra Rachata donated to Schöneiche. The donation aided local refugees.
LuangPor Sanong Katapunyo founded Wat Sanghathan. He is the Abbot of the main monastery in Thailand. The German branch is called Wat Sanghathan Deutschland. It sits on an old spa and school site. It is in the Waldgartenkulturgemeinde Schöneiche near Berlin. The sprawling Berlin forest lies just 150 meters away. The property covers about 5500 square meters. It includes a four-story main building, a former sports hall, and a large orchard.
In 2010, Phra Leif lived in the house. He represented the monk community. Volunteers helped prepare the house. They readied it for the coming Vassa which is the rainy season. LuangPor Sanong came to spend this time at the monastery. Three other monks joined him. They created a group of five monks for three months.
Initially, their work focused on cleaning. The house had been empty for about four years. Donations from Thailand helped purchase the house. People in Germany also donated. They gave money, items, and labor. Andi’s family donated generously from an estate cleanout. David contributed useful items. The Berlin Thai community was very supportive. They helped create a functional kitchen and workshop.
Wat Sanghathan is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies community. It exemplifies dedication. It represents the journey to inner peace. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Buddhism. It offers solace and wisdom to all who seek it.