Education and Cultural Committee

The Education and Cultural Committee shall consist of four to six willing and interested individuals in the field of education/academics and who have the passion for promoting the rich Buddhist culture and traditions. This committee will oversee and manage the activities of the Thien Thai monastery education and cultural activity and shall have following functions:

Responsibilities

• The Education and Cultural Committee takes on significant responsibilities to support the monastery’s mission:
• Buddhist Teachings: Organizing and conducting classes on Buddhist teachings to deepen the spiritual understanding of our devotees.
• Cultural Enrichment: Managing the monastery library and educational resources, fostering a connection with Vietnamese culture through books, artifacts, and teachings.
• Cultural Celebrations: Arranging cultural events and celebrations that showcase the rich heritage of Vietnam and its Buddhist traditions.
• Cultural Exchange: Promoting cultural exchange and understanding among our diverse community, bridging gaps and fostering unity.

Facilities and Maintenance Committee

This committee comprises of members who are willing and are experienced in maintaining, repairing, and improving monastery facilities, including monastery grounds. This committee has the following responsibilities in addition to other duties that may from time to time fall within its jurisdiction as approved by the board of trustees.

Responsibilities

• The Facilities and Maintenance Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the monastery’s physical surroundings align with its spiritual mission:
• Safe and Serene Environment: Ensuring the monastery’s physical premises are not only clean and well-maintained but also safe and conducive to spiritual practice.
• Natural Beauty: Overseeing the landscaping and garden maintenance to create a natural setting that enhances the monastery’s serenity.
• Asset Management: Managing monastery equipment and furnishings to ensure they are in optimal condition for ceremonies and activities.
• Renovation and Repairs: Coordinating repairs and renovations as needed to preserve the monastery’s cultural and architectural integrity.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is a critical component of any organization’s governance structure, responsible for overseeing its financial affairs and ensuring fiscal responsibility Thien Thai Monastery. This committee typically consists of a group of knowledgeable and experienced individuals with a keen understanding of financial matters. Its primary role is to provide financial oversight, guidance, and strategic planning to ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability.

Responsibilities

The Finance Committee takes on the crucial role of ensuring the monastery’s financial stability and transparency:

• Financial Stewardship: Managing the monastery’s finances, including donations, expenses, and budgeting, with utmost care and responsibility.
• Transparency: Ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters, with regular financial reporting to the monastery’s trustees.
• Fundraising: Actively engaging in fundraising efforts and grant applications to support monastery projects and initiatives.

Religious Committee

The Religious Committee shall consist of seven to nine members who are willing and familiar with the Buddhist religious rituals and traditions. They should have a basic understanding of the monastery activities. At least one priest shall serve as a member of this committee.

Responsibilities

The Religious Committee is entrusted with preserving and promoting the spiritual essence of the monastery:

• Sacred Rituals: Organizing and conducting religious ceremonies and rituals that connect devotees with the divine.
• Spiritual Guidance: Offering spiritual counseling and guidance to devotees, helping them navigate the challenges of life through Buddhist teachings.
• Adherence to Principles: Ensuring that all monastery activities align with the core principles and teachings of Vietnamese Buddhism.
• Community Support: Providing a support system for devotees as they embark on their spiritual journey.

Web and Communications Committee

The Web and Communications Committee shall consist of individuals who are willing and have experience in the area of written communications and the interest and ability to produce/edit articles relating to various aspects of the Buddhist traditions. This committee has the following responsibilities in addition to any other duties that may from time to time fall within its jurisdiction after the approval of the board of trustees.

Responsibilities

The Web and Communications Committee serves as the monastery’s virtual bridge to the world:

• Online Presence: Managing the monastery’s website and vibrant social media presence, extending the reach of our teachings and events.
• Informative Content: Creating and distributing newsletters, event announcements, and informative materials that keep our community informed and engaged.
• Community Connection: Facilitating effective communication between monastery leadership and devotees, ensuring all voices are heard.
• Outreach and Inclusivity: Promoting the monastery’s activities to the wider community, fostering an environment of inclusivity and open dialogue.

Priest Roles 

Priest plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the monastery, and he/she shall properly receive the devotees, enquire about their well-being, and make them feel welcome.

Our esteemed priests embody the heart of the monastery, playing pivotal roles in nurturing the spiritual growth of our community:

• Ceremonial Leadership: Conducting religious ceremonies and rituals that allow devotees to connect with their spiritual selves and the divine.
• Spiritual Guides: Offering spiritual guidance, counseling, and teachings that help devotees navigate life’s challenges and find inner peace.
• Community Building: Leading meditation sessions and teachings that foster a sense of community and shared purpose among devotees.
• Ethical Guardians: Upholding the monastery’s spiritual and ethical standards, ensuring that our sacred space remains pure and harmonious.

Monastery Manager Role

The Monastery Manager shall be appointed by the board of trustees. He/ She shall be responsible for the smooth functioning of the monastery operations and scheduling of Priest services, and any other duties as may be assigned by the board of trustees from time to time.

Responsibilities

Our Monastery Manager stands as a pillar of support for the day-to-day operations of Thien Thai Monastery:

• Operational Oversight: Overseeing the monastery’s daily activities, ensuring the smooth operation of events, ceremonies, and community gatherings.
• Liaison and Coordination: Serving as a vital link between the various committees, priests, and the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Board of Trustees

Trustees are elected by the general body. He/She shall be responsible for the vision and mission of the monastery.

The Board of Trustees holds the sacred responsibility of steering the monastery towards its mission and vision:

• Governance: Exercising overall governance and strategic direction for the monastery, making decisions in consultation with monastery leadership and devotees.
• Mission Upholding: Ensuring that the monastery stays true to its mission and values, upholding its status as a sanctuary for spiritual growth.