Conversely, in the opposite direction of Chua Phat Bo in North Philly, is Chua Bo De in South Philadelphia. Established in 1994 but Vietnamese immigrants, where they were able to raise $130,000 to buy the abandoned Clef Club of Jazz. I usually go here for Tet! #DrBuddhaClass

Here is a picture of a Chua Phat Bao's service in Philadelphia. I have actually been here a few times for service, Vietnamese classes, and dinners. The community and elders here are always so friendly and kind and full of life. #DrSethBuddhClass

Vietnamese buddhists widely follow Avalokitesvara, or "Quan Am". It was really interesting to be learning about such a prominent figure that I had not known before. My mom has buddha shrines of Quan Am in the house and I never knew much of her except from snippets from my mom. #DrSethBuddhClass

I know this was out of scope for the class but I do wish that we covered some of the other buddhism in countries like Vietnam. It was interesting to learn about Mahayana buddhism, which according to a google search is the prominent branch of Buddhism in the country. #DrSethBuddhClass

And while he is right that some branches and schools of Buddhism does not directly require the Buddha, the same concept does not apply to his dismantling, and destructive agency. #DrSethBuddhClass

After taking the exam, I looked up Elon Musk's comment on stepping down as DOGE's full time advisor where he compared this to buddhism by saying "is Buddha needed for Buddhism?". This comparison does not make sense for comparing his department to a religion and way of life. #DrSethBuddhClass

I really enjoy the premise of Zen Buddhism. Especially John Cage's 4'33 and 'ma'. Especially on the non-reliance of scriptures. #DrSethBuddhClass

Thanks for sharing Daniel, is this used as decor? Are your parents buddhist? #DrSethBuddhClass

May the zen be with us #DrSethBuddhClass

That's why I respect the monastic life style so much. I know that I would never be able to commit myself to such a life style.

It appears while anyone can practice buddhism, it depends on the individual how closely they want to achieve a bodhisattva type of commitment to the religion. I like that you don't have to fully devote yourself and get rid of everything to pursue a monastic life style. #DrSethBuddhClass

Interesting point Olivia, I remember Prof Ligo mentioned that there many Christians attempt to try and dissolve buddhism into a meditative practice rather than a religion in an attempt to make it more appealing to the Christian agenda. #DrSethBuddhClass

The Buddha Ai sounds like it doesnt have much of an opinion on the samsaric cycle.

Thank you for sharing, the impact of the silk roads are felt today as we can see how ideologies and religions were spread through the crucial role of the silk roads. Apparently the silk roads we in use for over 1,500 years

Thank you for sharing this picture of the caves. I read a little of the artifacts that were dispersed from the caves and I think the preservation of history is important, many museums seem to have stolen much of the history from these pilgrimages. #DrSethBuddhClass

Here are a collection of what appears to be buddha flower pot vases at Avant Garden. A steep contrast from the previous Buddha statue, however these also appear to have the elongated ears similar of that of the thai buddha. #DrSethBuddhClass

This a buddhist statue decor i found at the downtown Avant Garden flower shop here in State College. I believe that it may have drawn inspiration from the Sukothai buddhist periods. #DrSethBuddhClass

While not entirely related Joshua, It made me think about the association of Jade gemstones and Buddhism. I remember being in Toronto's Chinatown and seeing plenty of street vendors sell Jade Buddha necklaces and charms.

Tina thank you for sharing this picture of the temple, my parents are Vietnamese and I was born there but I haven't had the chance to visit much. I have something new on my bucket list when I go there this Summer

Thank you for sharing, I think this is an interesting example of how people from certain cultures aim to aestheticize the exotic-ness and "foreignity" of other cultures.