Kissimmee, FL-In the town of Kissimmee, there’s a hidden sanctuary for those looking for tranquility and spirituality.
It’s called the Wat Florida Dhammaram Temple.
As you enter the Buddhist monastery, you’re greeted by two giant sized guard statues. The 16-foot sculptures were created by artist Prayong Deeying back in the year 2000. “Love and kindness that is our philosophy. We love each other, we don’t hurt each other, we help each other, support each other.”
Prayong was born in Thailand and received a full scholarship from The Royal Thai Family to study Fine Arts in Bangkok. He later became a successful artist even displaying his work at the National Museum there. “I came here for my master’s degree. Master’s in fine art.” He attended LSU.
The U.S. Army hired Prayong to teach art in the United States it’s something he did for 10 years, until his portfolio caught the eye of Disney, as they were planning to open Hollywood Studios. “In 1987 Disney offered me the job, I start here.”
And for 20 years Prayong painted and carved the creation of sculptures. “I sculpt Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and bunny rabbit, beauty and the beast.” He says he sculpted a lot of public displays for Disney. “Swan and Dolphin hotel. Big statue at the top of the hotel. I did that with my big team.”
After 20 years, when it was time to retire, he retreated to the Thai Temple. A place he was already familiar with, one that was close to Disney. “My parents donated land to build a school for the public. And my uncle donated the land for the public. I needed to do something similar to that.” That’s why he volunteered at the Temple. “The founder he, came here for vacation, look for a place to establish, to find something that he can help the Thai people, to make the Thai people feel at home.”
Founder Lung-po Chaokhun Phra Tepvaraporn opened the monastery in the mid 1990’s. Around campus there are aging chambers of worship filled with lots of blessings.
It’s not just for Thai people, even visitors like Anna Julian say it’s enchanting. “It’s close to my house and I love the people here.” Saeng Bronoddes also volunteers, “I like to come to the temple and enjoy peace with everyone here.”
Members of the temple line the tables with delicious dishes of homemade Thai cuisine. Saeng says, “Today I made sticky rice with deep fried chicken.” Prayong tells us, “We bring the food here to offer the monks. I believe we help them in many different ways, at least food.”
For many the experience is enlightening. Anna says, “You come here, it’s like I charge the batteries for myself.” And that’s what Prayong wants, “We try to bring our community together. Not only Thai but get our American friends and some from other countries, different countries.” So, while he came to Central Florida to sculpt Disney characters, he continues to carve out a place where many find peace and unity. “Meet people, help people and try to learn from different culture.” And as he gets older, he hopes others will follow in his footsteps, in maintaining the Thai treasure. “We have to take turns.” The Thai Temple is located at 2421 Old Vineland Road in Kissimmee, FL. 34746.
