The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) was founded by a group of internationally engaged Buddhists in Thailand in 1989. At that time, the Thai Development Monk movement was already in full form, especially through the pioneering work of Luang Pau Naan in the town of Surin in Thailand’s impoverished Northeast, known as Isaan.
In the early years of his work in the 1970s, he was labelled a “communist” for his development of community based organizations like “buffalo banks”. The support of INEB’s leading founder Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa was critical at this time in protecting Ajahn Naan from arrest. In fact, Sulak sent Ajahn Naan to Sri Lanka in this early period to learn of the Buddhist Holistic Development activities begun in the 1950s by Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne and his nephew, Harsha Navaratne, presently INEB’s chairperson. Ajahn Sulak’s own teacher, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, is known as the root of this movement in Thailand for his teachings of balancing inner and outer ecology as well as his controversial teaching of Dhammic Socialism during the height of the Vietnam War.
This tour will take participants through this region of Isaan to learn about the present day activities of the Thai Development Monk movement as well as the variety of alternative communities based around Buddhist teachings and practice. Participants will engage in a deep learning process about integrated Buddhist Development (kai-hotsu 開発) that involves ecological, economic, and community development in combination with personal development or cultivation (bhavana 修).
Day 1: Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport & Move to the Smart Pagoda (Mab Ueang Agrinature Center, Chonburi) (1 hour)
Day 2: Study tour of the Smart Pagoda & the Mab-Euang School of Sufficiency Economy with Abbot Phra Sangkom Khunsiri
Day 3: Move to Pu San Dao retreat center (4 hours) & afternoon study about wildlife corridor management with Phra Win Siriwatthano (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Day 4: Day of Mindfulness with macrobiotic food at Pu San Dao with Ms. Kru Pa
Day 5: Move to Surin & Agrinature Center (5 hours) with afternoon rest and introduction to New Agriculture Theory System (Kok Nong Naa) with Phra Sangkom
Day 6: Study Tour of sites of New Agriculture Theory System (Kok Nong Naa) & mid afternoon departure for Wongsanit Ashram (6 hours)
Day 7: Wongsanit Ashram: day of reflection and relaxation with meditation and herbal sauna (Nakhon Nayok)
Day 8: End of program with departure for Bangkok or direct to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (1.5 hours)
Accomodations & Lifestyle: Participants will be spending the nights in Buddhist temples or meditation retreat centers. There will be little chance for private rooms with either two person rooms or group rooms. Sleeping will be on the floor with comfortable mats or matresses. Food will mostly be vegetarian. As the group will be moving from town to town, there will be ample time to stop for picking up snacks or personal items.
Group number: 6 pax + 2 local staff
Cost per Person: US$600
Services Provided:
- Bangkok airport pickup and drop off
- All meals and refreshments
- 7 nights accommodation (dormitory or twin room)
- Herbal sauna
- Local transportation (10-seater van)
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fee, guide fee, and tax
- Honorarium for guest speakers
Not including:
- International airfare
- local Sim card and internet
- Laundry and other personal items