Monks raise money for new temple

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Written on the pages of peace, you'll likely find the works of a monk. "They feel like they have a place of comfort or if you need some advice or just want to come by and relax, they want to be a respite from life or stress," said Kathy Manzella, representative of The Buddhist Education Center.

Stress has been hard to escape for one group of monks in Virginia Beach. "People may or may not know they were having some real estate difficulty with their current temple," Manzella added.

Last year the group fought to use their Pungo home as a religious house of worship. Now that same million dollar property faces foreclosure.

Foreclosure became a word that changed the group known for open arms into a group that's forced to open it's own hands.

"We're trying to do is raise funds for their relocation to a new temple and education center," Manzella said of the berth to the 1st Annual Lotus Cultural Fest.
We have lots of delicious Asian foods, a silent auction, two in fact

At the event inside the Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church of Christ on West Great Neck Road, there were craft tables with origami and instruction, personalized calligraphy by one of our Monks Chi Hoi, and prayer beads and even a silent auction.

"They feel like they'll be able to share what they know and help people."

The event is building more than a temple, it's forming a bond, one donation, one smile at a time. "They've worked very hard to establish themselves here and share this Buddhist philosophy and they have slowly have been growing and they're seeing more Americans involved.

In a time of need, they're still finding a way to give.

"I know for certain that it brings them so much joy."

If you would like to donate to The Buddhist Education Center, Inc., CLICK HERE.