1. Back Row (Left to Right):Stacy Gonzalez, JoeSepulveda, Brenda Landeros, Jennifer Garant.Front Row (Left to Right): Guest, AzaleaAragundi, Vicky Guzman.

2. Dhammakaya means body of reality and one of the volunteers at the center said that this practice was discovered by Venerable Chao Khun Phra Mongkol-Thepmuni and rediscovered by Luang Pu Wat Paknam in the 1900s after this practice was not being taught for over 400 years after the death of Buddha. This practice is very popular in Thailand and has been passed on and now practiced globally. 3. From the moment a child is born, a monk begins his journeyfirst as a novice. A novice does not become a monk until theage of 20, and are refrained from interacting with any foul playactivities such as sexual intercourse, drugs, alcohol, and arealso not allowed to have a relationship, get married or eatdinner. Monks do not eat dinner for the purpose that makingmeals take too much time away from study, which they areadvised to do as much as possible throughout the day.Instead, monks go into their fellow neighborhoods and villagesto obtain food using a bowl. In respect to the individuals givingthe monks nourishment, they are required to eat all the foodgiven to them in the bowl. Not doing so is considered rude.Monks also wear the orange attire in the belief of doingso, they will scare away animals. Monks engage in the practiceof eating fresh whole foods and fruits, keeping their bodiespure and rich. 4. The Buddhist culture believe in engaging five of the most important precepts, whichmonks also practice as well. Some go as far as doing 200! 1. The first precept implies the rights of all living beings to protect and preserve theirlife. It also implies the impotence of love and compassion for all. 2. The second precept signifies an individuals rights for the possession as well as theprotection of wealth rightly acquired. It also stresses the importance of right livelihood. 3. The third precept, not to indulge in sexual misconduct, teaches one to respect onesown spouse as well as those of others, including by extension, all things that are nearand dear to them. It is, moreover intended to inculcate in man self restraint and asense of social propriety. 4. The fourth aims at preserving mans credibility, upon which rests hishonor, dignity, and trustworthiness. It makes man honest and healthy. 5. The last precept intends to keep man healthy physically, mentally, and morally. Ithelps him to maintain his sense of responsibility in thought and action something notpossible when one is under the spell of drinks or drugs. When we asked a monk which precept was most important, he replied, Number five. 5. Meditation is used to help the body, mind and soul relax. There is a certain form one must performin order to achieve maximum relaxation. You must shut your body off, focus on your center andremember all the seven bases of your body. 6. These are photos of the meditation rooms where followers of theBuddhist culture and monks gather to have service, ceremonies andembrace relaxation. We were privileged to be allowed to obtainphotos of such historical meaning and beauty. 7. The Following Sociological Terms will be used from our lecture notes, Martians Guide, and The Practical Skeptic Guide: Culture Shock: When people enter into a new cultural context, they sometimes become overwhelmed or confused. (TheMartians Guide, Chapter 3) Culture: The conditions and realities resulting from all aspects of human beliefs, creativity, thoughts, institutions, norms, andtraditions. These conditions are passed down from generation to generation. (The Martians Guide, Chapter 3) Values: Refer to the principles, standards, or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable by a culture or group. (TheMartians Guide, Chapter 3) Subculture: A smaller group within a culture that has its own values, beliefs, or shared goals that are distinct from those ofthe larger society. (The Martians Guide, Chapter 3) Socialization: Lifelong process by which people acquire cultural competency and through which society perpetuates thefundamental nature of existing social structures and institutions. (McIntyre, 2006, p. 144) Non-Material Culture: Refers to those aspects of culture we cannot accesss directly with our sense. (The MartiansGuide, Chapter 3) Social Norms: The rules that a group uses for appropriate and inappropriate values, beliefs, attituteds and behaviors.(www.dictionary.com) Beliefs: Mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something. (www.dictionary.com) 8. While visiting the Dhammaka International Meditation in Azusa with my group I was expecting to experienceCulture shock: Extreme discomfort experienced by individuals encountering a new culture that challenges theirworldviews (McIntyre, 2006, p. 106) however, Ms. Vee, a volunteer at the meditation center, was very welcomingand inviting. She explained the Dhammaka (Buddhism) Culture: The set of ideas and things handed down fromgeneration to generation in a particular group or society; culture is both a product of peoples actions and aconstraint on their actions (McIntyre, 2006, p. 95) to us, what we could expect while visiting. We were able toparticipate in the Mediation class, which was very relaxing, as well as the food offering ceremony to the monks.We were afforded the opportunity to join the monks, members and guest for lunch. Before the meditation class began we were greeted by Ms. Vee who explained to us to process of becoming amonk, the Values: Abstract ideas about what is good and what is bad; shared by people in a society(McIntyre, 2006, pp. 101-103) of the Buddhist religion, the beliefs behind meditation and the Subculture: A groupof people whos shared specialized values, norms, beliefs, or use of material culture sets them apart from otherpeople in society (McIntyre, 2006), within the Dhammaka society, the requirements or precepts in becoming amonk as well as the precepts of Buddhist. At the beginning of the mediation class we were educated about the 5 precepts of the Buddhist religion, instructedon how to focus our energy and clear our mind. I have never meditated or participated in a yoga class, I found thisexperience to be very relaxing, energizing and found a new respect for the power of serenity. We were allotted theopportunity to listen to regular attendees experiences and methods of meditation. I found the experience to beinformative as well as relaxing. I was offered the opportunity to participate in a food offering ceremony, to simulate the food offerings that themonks take place in throughout their village. This was a new experience for me. Following the food offering, wewere invited to join the monks and members for lunch. The Socialization: Lifelong process by which peopleacquire cultural competency and through which society perpetuates the fundamental nature of existing socialstructures and institutions (McIntyre, 2006, p. 144) that takes place among the monks was intriguing. My overall experience was very relaxing, informative, welcoming and eye opening. I was impressed by howwelcoming everybody was, instructing us of the dos and donts, allowing us to take apart of the sacredceremonies, informing us of the Dhammaka believes. I truly enjoyed every moment of the experience and I amthankful for the opportunity to broaden my beliefs (written by Brenda Landeros) 9. Being in Dhammakaya Int. Center was a place of positive vibes. I feltlike a stranger in a strange land in a non-material culture. Suchas why do Monks wear only orange? Was belief to protect them fromwild animals. As well as the color of choices in the building. Its howstrong the belief they have that over powers your senses and letsyou know its there. Such as the Meditation, a strong belief of innerpeace and being one with the self. I had brought my daughter with me to this field trip and they treatedus so respectfully and even took care of her. I felt so blessed andthey do have kindness and inner peace in them. Made me realizehow strong their belief was and it showed in the outside as well. Meand my daughter had an amazing experience and even participatedin their traditions. (written by Azalea Aragundi) 10. When I attended the Dhammakaya International Mediation Center (DIMC) it was quite an experience. As Iarrived I saw some doors that looked like hotel rooms; next to one another. There were three peoplearound and they were wearing all white. As other peers arrived they quickly came and greeted them. Onething I mainly noticed was that they were friendly. While I was walking up to the entrance there was agardener; he immediately greeted me. He said hello with a big smile. I walked up to the main entranceand seen a rack specified for shoes. I thought to myself I hope I dont have to take my shoes off. Sureenough when the lady came out; she said please take off your shoes. I did not have any socks on, so Iwas extremely embarrassed. When I walked in the carpet was nice and fluffy with a lot of padding.Everything was white because it was a calm relaxing color. That was the main representation of theroom, was to claim peace and joy. My overall feeling of this culture was not as culture shock as I thought I would be. I honestly had so manyother ethnocentrism feelings about it. But, it was nothing as I expected it to be. It reminded me of my semireligion beliefs. As a Catholic a priest cannot be married, have a girlfriend, or kids. Monks roles in life area little more restricted in socialization. They are more isolated than others. They are not allowed to watchmovies, play video games, and basically have an average persons life. Although they are not in Thailandanymore they still follow their cultures beliefs. Their main focus is to meditate. I really enjoyed themeditation session. At the beginning I had an urge of anxiety. Than as he was leading us I started to feelrelaxed and sleepy. I wasnt sure if it was because I was over exhausted, but I felt like I was going to falloff of my chair. As it progressed it felt smoothing I couldnt get my thoughts to the center which they claimis the stomach. But I did feel relaxed my body was heavy. When we were finished he asked if we felt themediation long or short. If we felt it short we did it right; if it was long we had more practice to do. I reallyenjoyed the visitation and participation I played in their system. I would strongly recommend friends andfamily to visit. (written by Vicky Guzman) 11. When I first arrived to the Dhammakaya Meditation Center, I was completely lost and confused. Iwasnt sure where the entrance was located or who to speak too. My best friend was kind enough toaccompany me along the trip. We were both in shock but at the same time amazed by how beautifulthe scenery was. The location looked just like a mini village on top of a mountain. There were cloudsembedded at the top, a cold breeze coming in and buildings surrounded the perimeter. My best friendhad made a comment saying it looked a lot like a rehabilitation center, and come to find out it use tobe. When we entered inside one of the main corridors, we were greeted by a very friendly woman,whose name I was unfortunate not to obtain. She offered us coffee, snacks and free DVDs andpamphlets to help ourselves. We were then greeted by Ms. Vee who was going to be our tour guidefor the day. As we waited for the rest of the group, we were asked to take our shoes off since it isconsidered rude and dirty to walk around such a professional and pure sanction where monks live in.We were more than happy to do so but I kept telling my friend I feel rude and naked walking aroundwithout shoes. I grew up in a household where my mother made us wear shoes inside our home andothers, so already I was experiencing some culture shock; When people enter into a new culturalcontext, they sometimes become overwhelmed or confused. (The Martians Guide, Chapter 3) .Ms. Vee went on to escort us around the premises and sat us around to explain the story of theDhammakaya. She also answered many questions we had about the culture like "Why do monkswear orange?" or "How does one become a monk?" She was very polite and informative and becauseof her, we had a very enjoyable trip. My favorite part of the trip was the meditation class. We weretaken into a small room where a monk was seated in front of us guiding us along the meditation. Heexplained the importance of meditation and the correct way of doing it. The meditation lasted about45 minutes but felt much shorter than that. This is an experience I will never forget because for thefirst time in a very long time I felt a sense of peace and relaxation. I would recommend anyone who isinterested to go to this location. It was by far the best choice in my personal opinion and I plan onreturning some time again. (written by Stacy Gonzalez) 12. As I was in the room for the meditation, they provided a clear crystal ball tohelp bring an image for the meditation process. The monk said that itsymbolizes clarity and pureness to bring upon your inner self. The purposeof this meditation practice is to meditate to bring inner peace to oneself andby doing this it will bring world peace and it is also believed that it was theoriginal Buddha teachings. If you are just starting to meditate, you could alsovisualize this crystal ball going up into your nose and into your mind and intoyour inner being which is located at the top of your stomach, which is twofinger widths above your naval. Their body language is positioned with theirback straight, sitting Indian style or in a chair with legs apart and handsapart. One method of the meditation is to imagine 7 different positions inyour body of where you are to have this invisible sphere or crystal ballenter and position itself in position 7 which is considered to be your innerbeing (two inches above the naval) and meditation stage. As they arefinished meditating they chant a mantra, soha or padme while havingtheir hands together in what Christian and Catholic religions call prayerhands. This is a type of body language also used while offering food to themonks. (written by Jennifer Garant) 13. During my visit to the Meditation center, I witnessed aceremony of worship. A large group of people werepraising there lord Buddha by chanting variousmantras, in there native language Thai. There wasover 40 people chanting and clapping, and lifting therehands. This was there social norm & beliefs as a group ofpeople by doing such acts of worship, they werebringing peace to there surrounding and honoringthere lord. As me being a outsider, I didnt understand therelanguage our culture and choose not to participate inthere lifting hands. (written by Joe Sepulveda) 14. Each member was responsible for writing down their own personalexperience about the trip, as well as integrating the sociological terms withinour experience. We all shared photos and video of what we believed woulddepict the best images of our trip. Brenda Landeros, Azalea Aragundi andStacy Gonzalez were responsible for setting meeting locations, choosing thelocation, times and dates for weekly group updates, and group projectdeadlines. Vicky Guzman, Joe Sepulveda and Jennifer Garant wereresponsible for obtaining information about the center, obtaining photos andvideo. All the group members were responsible for networking with othersaround the mediation center to give each other feedback and a betterunderstanding about the cultural background. Overall, every group memberdid a great job in keeping up with each other via email, text messaging andwriting forums in order to make sure that every member was up to date onwhat was going on. Brenda Landeros, Jennifer Garant and Azalea Aragundiparticipated in the food offering ceremony at the Dhammakaya MeditationCenter, and Stacy Gonzalez was responsible for putting the Power Pointtogether. No one did more or less work than the others and we all spread outthe work evenly. 15. Food we got to enjoy For FREE!We werent ready 16. As many of us entered the center, we were welcomed by a wonderfulwomen, who took the day out to give us a tour around the meditation center.She gave us lecture and information guides, as well as booklets and cds sothat we could better understand the Buddhist culture. Meet Ms. Vee! Shewas extremely helpful and we all felt very lucky to have her by our sidethroughout this cultural journey. (written by Stacy Gonzalez) 17. The monks believe that if you save an animal from being killed and releasing it back tonature, that the Kama will reward you with health and prosperity. The Kama is best knownas karma, what goes around comes around. Every second Sunday of the month, thetemple buys catfish and releases it into a pond or lake and this symbolizes saving a lifeand you are given a life or positive energy. They also believed that this would relieve yourloved ones from suffering. (written by group member Jennifer Grant) 18. A food offering was held after meditation class. The food offering is an offering to themonks. We replicated an example of what monks do when they are offered food fromthe people in the village. We were blessed enough to be asked if any of us wanted tobe a part of the ceremony. A special thanks to our group members JenniferGarant, Brenda Landeros and Azalea Aragundi for participating. (written by StacyGonzalez) 19. As I participated in the food offering for the monks, they were recreating an old ritual as used in theBuddhist practices. What they do is sit around and the monks go around this circle and collect thefood from those around. Each food item that is given to the monk has to be blessed by the persongiving it and the gesture is the prayer hands for each item that is given. All the food that is given tothem has to be eaten all so they dont eat dinner because they eat all that food that is given tothem in the offering and they also cannot eat if the food is not given to them. So the monks fullydepend on the people to feed them. Although this was what the offering used to be, the offeringnow is the people only giving the dry food which symbolized the cooked food that used to beoffered to the monks years ago. After the food items are given to the monks by the people, thechant the mantra again, soha or padme. (written by group member Jennifer Garant) 20. There was 3 different symbols that were of significance to theBuddhism religion, their master Luang Phor, the crystal balland the gold statue. Luang Phor was a man who was born in the 1800s and at theage of 22 became a monk, and went on to teach Buddhism tothe masses and the art of meditation. The crystal ball is a symbol used as a focal point when tryingto reach the depths of meditation. As we were explained thatwe must train the mind to gain more conciseness. The gold statue stands for the core mediation stance, theheart of the lower stomach. (Slide written by Joe Sepulveda) 21. DearProfessor Lynn Navarette, we all just want to say thank you for embedding this opportunity for us to learn something new. As a group we all enjoyed this amazing opportunity and we hope you enjoyed our work! In conclusion, this was an adventure none of us will soon forget.