02.08.2010
A new meditation and Buddhist studies centre has opened near the Chatuchak weekend market.
“Suan Mokkh Bangkok”, located in a corner of Suan Rodfai, opened its doors yesterday.
The centre, officially called the Buddhadasa Indapannyo Archive Centre, will encourage spiritual development by focusing on the life and work of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, the late founder of the Suan Mokkhabalarama forest monastery in Surat Thani’s Chaiya district.
Prawase Wasi was among the guests invited yesterday to share their thoughts on the new centre. The chairman of the Assembly for National Reform applauded the initiative, saying it “increased the merit space” in Bangkok.
Dr Prawase said the establishment of Suan Mokkh Bangkok won some ground against what he called “evil areas’, which must be reduced.
His call for a balance between worldly pursuits and the religious path was echoed by Phra Paisal Wisalo, abbot of the Sukhato forest temple in Chaiyaphum, who was also concerned about dwindling “merit space” in the city.
He said the space for religious development had become restricted to “morning alms offerings to monks and the occasional visit to the temple”.
Many even consider merit making as a type of investment that will magically profit them, he said.
Suan Mokkh Bangkok aims to awaken visitors to the core Buddhist teachings collected and explained thoroughly by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. Suan Mokkh Bangkok is in its final phase of construction and decoration work, but it is ready to serve Bangkokians, centre director Bancha Pongpanti said. The centre is open daily from 9am to 7pm.
Source: The Bangkok Post
