For a peaceful society

I. A non-violent approach to transform self and society

The ashram advocates a non-violent approach to transform self and society. Inspired by the Ghandian ashrams with a strong Buddhist influence the ashram is open to people of all faiths. It is a place for spiritual healing, a place to experiment for a simple and alternative life, a place to work as an activist on social change projects. The ashram runs many workshops concerned with questioning the pressure to modernise and globalise and the new religion of consumerism and suggesting more sustainable and spiritual options.

The idea for Wongsanit Ashram was first discussed in 1975 where Vietnam monk in exile Thicht Nat Han, Sulak Sivaraksa and others prepared the groundwork for engaged Buddhism. They believed that people of deep, religious faith should be engaged in the well-being of their society. At that time there was a strong Marxist student movement in Thailand and the Vietnam war was ending with the victory of the communist movement in Vietnam Laos and Cambodia. Aspiration for violent social change prevailed. However, a small group of activists with non-violent inclination were more cautious and skeptical of the enthusiasm. They identified a need for a spiritual home away from the hectic life where activists could be mindful, rest and meet. The seed was planted and in 1984 thirteen acres of barren land was donated eighty kilometers north of Bangkok with a purpose to facilitate spiritual activities that serve society.

The ashramites live in simple straw houses and in the first few years planted hundreds of trees gradually revitalising the soil. Many people looking for alternatives visited and in the early 1990’s the ashram became more concerned with social activism and facilitated many social projects and training courses. The ashram has facilities for seventy guests and there are presently around twenty long term residents. Many more from the Thai and the international community are occasional visitors and consider themselves affiliates although not physically present.

The ashram is not a dogmatic religious centre although visitors and residents aspire to live a simple and balanced life spending some time each day on manual work, spiritual practice, social action and intellectual work. Simple living without too many modern conveniences give a wonderful opportunity to adjust mindsets and bodies to an alternative to the consumer driven main stream society. Cooking, building and living is traditional Thai style without fridges, televisions or air conditioning. The community owns one pick up truck for the use of all. Residents and visitors eat vegetarian, organic food mostly fresh from the ashram gardens.

The community use a democratic decision making process and are working towards self reliance. This is a challenge as the ashram aspires to be open to all regardless of race, religion and economic circumstances. In the past there has been outside funds to help with the infrastructure although now funds are generally raised for specific training courses and scholarships. Daily life includes meditation and yoga practice for those who choose. On full moon day each month the ashram staff and visitors work together on communal jobs and in the evening have a meditation and inter-cultural activity.

The ashram is involved with several projects and networks concerned with alternatives to consumerism, engaged spirituality, non-violence and peacemaking, conflict resolution and community building. Sabbatical leave and exchanges for activists are encouraged and there are regular healing and meditation retreats.

II. Wongsanit Ashram is a place to work for reflection and transformation in both individual and society

Most residents and visitors drawn to the ashram have a deep concern to live in a more peaceful and sustainable society and many devote their lives to this. Simple and balanced living gives a wonderful opportunity to experience what this means at the most basic levels. For those used to cooler climes and air conditioning personal comforts are challenged. The simple houses are wonderful eco-systems and give a real experience of living closely to nature in all its glory including insects, flowers and dramatic weather. The democratic and idealist ethos can be equally challenging for those from a hierarchical and male dominated culture and those from individualist consumer cultures. For many activists living a wholesome, healthy and balanced life is almost impossible when addicted to the excitement of activism. As is usual in a place of spiritual growth some people come with wrong expectations, get involved in conflict and leave disillusioned. Others react the same way and start to go through a transformation process. It is not unusual to hear from old residents who remember their ashram days with fondness and some who learn to appreciate them in the fullness of time. Ashram life facilitates a real challenge to transform ingrained habits, values and attitudes that are obstacles in the quests for personal peace and a sustainable society and attempts to create a harmonious surrounding for a diverse range of people with good intentions.