Lesson 2 - Pronunciation
Basic conversation starters Part 2
Today we continue with more question and answers scenarios with visitors. Than we start developing a 3 minute tour guide story about the temple.
Introduction - Monk:
Hello! I am a monk at this temple. Can I answer some questions you might have?
Answer - Visitor:
Thank you! This is so kind! Yes I have many questions!
Question 1 - Visitor:
What is the meaning of the Buddha statue?
Answer 1 - Monk:
The Buddha statue represents the enlightened state of the Buddha and serves as a symbol of peace, wisdom, and compassion. It reminds us of the path to enlightenment through mindfulness and ethical living.
Question 2 - Visitor:
How do I meditate correctly?
Answer 2 - Monk:
To meditate, sit comfortably with a straight back, close your eyes, and focus on your breath, gently bringing your attention back whenever it wanders. The key is patience and practice without self-judgment.
Question 3 - Visitor:
Where can I learn more about meditation?
Answer 3 - Monk:
If you want to learn how to meditate you can join our free course at the Willpower Institute.
Question 4 - Visitor:
What is the purpose of chanting?
Answer 4 - Monk:
Chanting helps to focus the mind, cultivate mindfulness, and connect with the teachings of the Buddha. It is also a way to spread positive energy and bring inner peace.
Question 5 - Visitor
Can anyone become a monk?
Answer 5 - Monk:
Yes, anyone can become a monk, provided they are willing to follow the monastic rules and dedicate themselves to the Buddhist path. Both men and women can ordain.
Exercise
Today you start your new career as tour guide of the Wat Khao Tao. We will develop a guided tour for visitors who want to learn more about Wat Khao Tao temple. For our first version we limit the tour to 3 minutes. You will write notes on cards which help you to memorize the talking points.
What do you want to tell the visitors?
Maybe lets start with...
Introductions:
Good afternoon! My name is ..... Welcome to Wat Khao Tao!
Monk 1 - The Wat Kao Tao Temple Complex
Maybe talk about ... Chedi (เจดีย์) or Stupa, Ubosot (อุโบสถ) or Bot (โบสถ์), Viharn (วิหาร), Mondop (มณฑป), Sala (ศาลา), Ho Trai (หอไตร), Kuti (กุฏิ), etc
Example text:
The temple at Wat Khao Tao is one of 30,000 temples in Thailand. Currently we have 17 monks living here. There is a main building called the Ubosot, where important ceremonies happen. A tall structure called a Chedi holds sacred items, like relics of the Buddha. People can also visit a Viharn, where they can pray and see Buddha statues. The temple is a peaceful place for meditation and learning about Buddhism.
Monk 2 - The daily life of a monk
In the morning ... maybe talk about, wake up time, morning chanting and meditation, morning alms (Tak Bat), studying, community work, etc
Example text:
A Buddhist monk’s day begins early with meditation and chanting. In the morning, monks walk in the community to collect food as offerings from the people. After their meal, they spend time studying Buddhist teachings, meditating, or doing temple chores. Monks do not eat after noon and focus on their spiritual practice for the rest of the day. In the evening, they meditate and chant again before going to sleep.
Monk 3 - Explanation about Buddhism
Example text:
Buddhism is a religion that teaches people how to live a peaceful and happy life. It started with the Buddha, who found the way to end suffering through wisdom, kindness, and meditation. Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha to live mindfully and do good actions. We believe in karma, which means good actions bring happiness and bad actions bring suffering. The goal in Buddhism is to reach enlightenment, or Nirvana, which is a state of peace and freedom from suffering.
Once we finished our tour guide story we will invite real visitors and each of you will give them a brief tour.