..續本文上一頁 with the rapid changes in society, not merely to be modern, not to follow, but to lead. No one thinks it is easy to do so. We must be dedicated, sensitive, open, inspired, creative, and on-the-ball. No matter, we prefer this most difficult service work - teaching Dhamma and all the inner work it entails - to watching our friends rot in a spiritually meaningless world.

　　MUTUAL GOOD UNDERSTANDING

　　For many years Suan Mokkh has operated in line with "Three Resolutions." These are to try our best

　　 To help everyone penetrate to the heart of their own religion;

　　 To create mutual good understanding among all religions;

　　 To work together to drag the world out from materialism.

　　Muslims and Christians, the main religious minorities in Siam, all religious people, and even those who shun religion have always been welcome here. Out of curiosity, goodwill, and necessity, Suan Mokkh wishes to meet with all religions. The basic principle is to establish mutual good understanding. This means that each party expresses its spiritual understanding as clearly as it can, with all other parties listening open-mindedly. There is friendly give and take. Agreement is not expected but is found where possible. Differences are noted, but the emphasis is on what we have in common and what each can contribute to the battle against selfishness. There is no wish to form some One World Religion. People have different cultures, backgrounds, education levels, and mental abilities. Therefore, a variety of religions is necessary. The key is to prevent that variety from being a source of competition, argument, and conflict.

　　Suan Mokkh”s emphasis on nature helps the dialogue. Everyone can appreciate this most common denominator. No religion claims nature for its own; we can all respect, share, and learn from it together. Self-reliance and responsibility, no side setting itself up as teacher, openness and freedom of thought, dedication to hard work and service to humanity, simplicity, and directness: All these are qualities that will help each of us to get to the deepest spiritual core of our traditions. Then we can met without fears and schemes in true sisterhood and brotherhood. And for those who dare, the fresh look Suan Mokkh takes at Buddhism can explore all traditions.

　　Suan Mokkh”s latest project is the development of an International Dharma hermitage. One of its uses will be for holding meditation courses and group trainings. Ajarn Buddhadasa is most interested, however in using it to bring together spiritual people from all of Thailand”s religions to further mutual good understanding and cooperation against rampant materialism and moral decay. If such meeting are successful, and they will not be so difficult to arrange, he would hope to do the same on an international scale. For now, Suan Mokkh is waiting to see who is interested.

　　CONCLUSION

　　In describing some of Suan Mokkh”s more interesting aspects, I have explained the "why" as much as the "what," giving the reasons for things as I understand them. Further, the view is rosy. I have not discussed Suan Mokkh”s weaknesses and difficulties at all. Each member of the community lives up to these ideas as best as her or his understanding and ability enables. The writer”s enthusiasm is not meant to be partisan, nor does it imply that Suan Mokkh”s is the only way, or even "the best" way. Let”s say that it”s the best way for Suan Mokkh as it strives to keep Buddhism alive and relevant in this tormented modern world.

　　I hope this description of a Buddhist monastery in Thailand may help other monastics to perform the vital duty of creating oases of clarity, wisdom, and peace. May our oases, our Wats, and monasteries, shine the light of compassionate wisdom into the troubled and darkening world.

　　... peace ...

　　Author”s Note

　　Eight years have passed since the above was written, years in which some things have necessarily changed. For one, Ajarn Buddhadasa is no longer alive, although you can still catch hints of his way of life and teaching while wandering through Suan Mokkh. Some of the principles and ideals mentioned above may not be so clearly modeled by the current leadership. The writer has moved across the Asian Highway to Daun Kiam, which had not yet been conceived when this article was written. My understanding of things has changed here and there, but rewriting the article would be a waste of time. It expresses one person”s understanding of an impermanent phenomenon. The place and the person change, so do the perceptions and descriptions. Except in a few places, I have avoided the temptation to make revisions. The above will stand for now, even if a new one is written later.

　　Endnotes

　　14 If everyone agrees with what we say, either they don”t understand what we”re saying or what we are saying is meaningless mush.

《The Garden of Liberation - II》全文閱讀結束。