Monks lead vigil for tsunami victims

Candles burned and the smell of incense floated through the air as the monks lead an hour of prayers, chants and meditations.

"Our prayers and our hearts go out to the millions of people suffering from this disaster," said the Rev. Steve Brown of the San Bruno Church of the Nazarene. Brown was asked by Temple Abott Phramaha Sittliporn Mengkaro Monday to facilitate the event and help collect donations. Brown's church is eight blocks away.

"This tsunami did not discriminate on the basis of race, color or religion," Brown said. "May we each do what we can to pray, give money and supply clothing to those in need."

Sunday's tsunami killed 1,800 in Thailand and the temple is collecting money and clothing for survivors.

It collected $2,000 Wednesday and at least $6,000 Thursday, organizers said, as well as shopping bags full of clothes. The donations will be routed to the Thai consulate in Los Angeles and on to the relief fund of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the king of Thailand.

Srinin Srisaen, one of the monks at the temple, said his brother was in the coastal city of Phuket, Thailand when the tsunami arrived Sunday. He escaped to the mountains.

"Everything is broken in Phuket," Srisaen said. "I heard the news and called that day. He's OK, he's fine — I'm very happy," he said.

When the ceremony ended worshipers spilled outside and ate Thai vegetables and noodles.

Ladda Choosanand had not been to the temple lately but returned for the service.

"We just came to help," she said, adding that she donated money.

Donations will be accepted at a booth outside the temple during daylight hours and there will be another vigil for tsunami victims from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The temple is at 310 Poplar Ave. in San Bruno.

Stephen Baxter can be reached by e-mail at stephen@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.