美国Pataskala市Licking镇即将建造一座泰国寺院

据《Newark Advocate》2009年6月4日报道，美国哥伦布佛教中心即将在布莱克斯公路（Blacks Road）以南，沃特肯斯公路（Watkins Road ）以西和城镇公路（Township Road）以东居民使用的农场上建筑一座占地5英亩的哥伦布泰国寺院。目前，哥伦布佛教中心的代表们正在与Pataskala市政府官员就此问题进行商讨，设计草稿也已被提交。

据悉，该寺院将会是美国第一个在空地上建起的泰国寺院，会是一个进行禅修和学习佛法的中心，以供这个地区不同国籍的佛教徒进行宗教活动。它将吸引远近众多信众前来参观学习。

除了建筑寺院外，佛教中心还计划为信众和普通游客并排修建购物中心、餐厅、旅店和温泉疗养馆等场所。

据悉，当地时间2009年6月5日上午9点，人们还在即将建立寺院的农场上举行了祈福仪式。（编译：子规）
Buddhist center may be coming to Licking County

Center talking with Pataskala officials about building project

PATASKALA -- A Buddhist temple, hotel and spa could be coming to Pataskala.

Representatives from the Columbus Buddhism Center have talked to city officials about building the Columbus Thai Temple on 5 acres south of Blacks Road, west of Watkins Road and east of Township Road.

A blessing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday on the site, which now is farm fields.

The organization has submitted a rough design concept to the city. The concept indicates the Buddhism center will be "the first Thai temple built in the United States to be developed on a vacant land parcel."

"The Columbus Buddhism Center expects to become a center for meditation practicing and teaching as well as a place to conduct religious rites for Buddhists of all nationalities living in the region," the proposal reads. "It definitely should become a destined attraction for many pilgrims from near and far."

'NOT JUST A TEMPLE'
Aside from the temple, the proposal also touts plans for a restaurant, hotel and wellness spa for pilgrims and general visitors. A large pond featuring a floating market also is featured.