A new spiritual fitness and edutainment centre based on the Wat Suan Mokkh concept opens in Bangkok
"Everybody can be a Buddhadasa (slave of the Buddha), disseminating Buddhism by living a true Buddhist life and being happy as an example for others to follow," was one of his oft-repeated messages.
His wish has now come to fruition through a new centre called Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives that's also known as Suan Mokkh in Bangkok. Those interested in learning more about the monk's teaching style no longer need go to the southern province but can instead to the archives, which are nestled amidst the serene greenery of Suan Vachirabenjatat (Suan Rod Fai) next to Chatuchak weekend Market. Suan Mokkh in Bangkok was launched last Sunday as a "Spiritual Fitness & Edutainment Centre" for urbanites.
In addition to archiving original diaries and teachings of the late Bhikkhu, the Bt185-million centre focuses on joyful activities for body and mind, with an emphasis on enhancing the consciousness for peaceful and useful living.
Hundreds of Buddhists joined the early morning almsoffering ceremony at the Larn Hin Kong, a crescentshaped stone court, very similar to the one at Suan Mokkh in Surat Thani. The court is decorated with a replica of the Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattava of love and compassion at the Surat Thani temple, as well as bas-reliefs of the Buddha's life.
A three-storey building in the centre of a pond represents a tripitaka hall, comprising a library and media room on the ground floor, a "wheel of lifepaticcasamuppada" garden, meditation room and a nir¬vanatasting exhibition room on the second floor, and the archives on the third. The pond represents the Nalike pond, featuring an island on which an imposing coconut tree grows. The tree represents nirvana or enlightenment that liberates one from the cycle of life and death.
Phra Bhramakunabhorn (PA Payutto) says the essential duty of Suan Mokkh in liberating mankind from dukkha (suffering), in order for people to stay in the world, not attached to the world but to benefit the world, is utmost virtue.
Meanwhile Phra Paisal Visalo expresses the view that the new centre is a way to return dharma space to Thai society. "In the old days, boon or good deeds were not narrowly confined to offering alms to monks or going to temples but penetrated deep into people's lifestyle, into all spaces and all activities."
Social scholar Prawes Wasee, president of the Buddhadasa Archives Foundation, says it is not about moving Suan Mokkh to Bangkok.
"Rather, it has to do with expanding the space of boon in people's minds. Thai society has reached a fullblown state of materialism and it needs a spiritual revolution, to use His Holiness Dalai Lama's term or a consciousness revolution, to use Ervin Laszlo's term." He adds that the Suan Mokkh in Bangkok offers easy assess for people both in and outside the country to Buddhadasa's research of Tripitaka, which was compiled in his unique nonconventional style and explains Buddhism for new generations.
The present abbot of Suan Mokkh in Surat Thani, Ajarn Poh says the Suan Mokkh in Bangkok will not be meaning¬ful unless it encourages people to practice dharma. "Practice is the key," he stresses prior to leading a mindful breathing meditation (anapanasti) session in the room overlooking the pond. "If you have a chance, come and make most use of the facilities and make them worthwhile," he invites us all.
In addition to the archives, library, and exhibitions, activities at the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives include:
- Preaching by famous monks, from 9am on the first Sunday of each month
- Meditation sessions, every Sunday afternoon
- Ten chanting and mindful breathing meditation sessions (16 steps of anapanasati meditation) with Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's sound, 5.30 to 7pm Mondays to Fridays, on the first and third Monday of each month, by the Yu Yen Pen Sook Group. For reservations, call (02) 936 2800
- Yoga classes, from 10am to noon every second Saturday and fourth Sunday of the month, starting from August 14 by the Yoga Instructors Network, Yoga Vichakarn Institute.
- August 14 Yoga and relax¬ation
- September 11 Yoga and meditation
- October 9 Yoga and observation of body movements
- November 13 Yoga and body/mind healthcare
- December 11 Yoga and bhavana
- Taichi and mindful breathing classes from 10am to noon every fourth Sunday of September to December by Supol Lohachitkul and team
Admission is free but donations are welcome. Contact (02) 936 2800 or (081) 401 7744. For more information, visit www.BIA.or.th and www.Dhamma4u.com.
- Aree Chaisatien
The Nation on Sunday
