Pali – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

UK: Visiting Buddhapadipa Temple on Kai-Lin’s 10th Birthday! (27.9.2026)

27/09/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

We travelled by car from Sutton to Wimbledon to visit what we know as the “Buddhapadia Temple” – a Thai Temple financed by the King of Thailand. This caters for the UK’s relatively small Thai population (and the Theravada School of Early Buddhism they follow) – and for other Asian and non-Asian populations that follow all types of different people. The Thais are fairly tolerant. Due to the lack of Buddhist Temples in the UK – Chinese people tend to visit this Thai Temple – as do we. Richard Hunn stayed in this temple studying meditation during the 1970s, and I think he returned their in the 1980s to make a documentary about the famous murals (I am not sure about the exact dates).

BMA-UK: Zhao Zhihao (赵志浩) – Promoting the Further Sinicization of Buddhism & Integration with Socialist Society! (3.8.2026)

03/08/2026 Adrian (釋大道)

As the Mahayana Sutras became more popular in China than the Pali Suttas – the idea of strict vegetarianism (which had spread from India via various Vinaya Discipline texts) took root (even though it was only meant initially for the monastic order). Buddhist vegetarianism was not invented in China (as the author of the below [translated] text seems to imply). It is true that at least two Emperors in China did ban meat-eating in their respective countries – and instigated an expansive vegetarianism amongst the general public (Buddhist and non-Buddhist). This meant that Buddhist monastic vegetarianism was spread throughout the Buddhist laity and beyond – and this was a transformation of Buddhist practice in general that has persisted into modern times. Much, if not all of the interfacing Chinese philosophy that at least gave structure to Chinese Ch’an (Dhyana) Buddhism arose from the “Change Classic”

Laos: Buddhist Temple – “Golden Ground of Ram” [ວັດໃໝ່ ສຸວັນນະພູມາຣາມ – Wat Mai Suvanna Bhumi Ram]

04/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Laos is a Socialist (Marxist-Leninist) State. Religious freedom is guaranteed as a private matter (through the separation of Temple and State) whilst Theravada Buddhism is the tradition religion of the people. Therefore, Laos may be considered a Buddhist-Socialist State – as the Buddhist Masters advocate Socialism and Dhamma in equal measure. In English, this old temple should be literally known as the “New Temple” – due to its relatively recent repair (just over 200-years) – by Royal Command. As to the Pali name – it translates as “Golden Ground of Ram” – “Ram” is an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, ancient Brahmanism spread far and wide from India – before the rise and spread of Buddhism. By the time Buddhism arrived in the region – Brahmanism was already in-place – with the Buddha being associated with Vishnu (even in modern India – many contemporary Hindus count the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu [Ram] sent to earth to encourage vegetarianism).

Plotinus: Experiments in “Lightness” Training! (13.7.2024)

13/07/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

The lightness of conscious awareness permeates the (heavy) material body. The (heavy) material body is then as “light” as the conscious awareness that permeates it. The objective, then, is to “break” the habit of gravity which anchors the body firmly to the ground. When this can be achieved, the body will “float” up from the ground to a height preferred by the meditator. This is the logic achieved through disciplining the body and refining the mind. The problem is that gravity is considered natural and unbreakable through the agency of human will. An individual can, if they so wish, step off a cliff entirely detached from a belief in the efficacy of gravity – and yet will still plunge to their death. These are the concerns that spiritual fliers must confront and overcome. The tyranny of matter is a shackle that spiritual seekers must firmly grasp and shatter!

Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic – Preservation of Theravada Culture! (21.3.2024)

21/03/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

Phra Sombath Somepanno, Abbot of Wat Longkhoun Srikhounnaram, expressed that Wat Longkhoun holds a significant place in the Buddhist heritage of Luang Prabang, and it fills the people of Laos from various regions with pride.

The temple has a deep historical connection with Laos, and the monastic community, along with the lay followers, is dedicated to developing Wat Longkhoun into a beautiful and culturally rich Buddhist heritage site.

Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic: First quarter of 2023 Saw Over 800,000 Tourists Visit! (11.5.2023)

11/05/2023 Adrian (釋大道)

There are various activities that are unique to the people of Luang Prabang, such as wearing traditional clothing, unique food and experiencing the lifestyle of the local people. In the past 2 years, there were 883,096 tourists who visited Luang Prabang. In this, 483,765 domestic tourists, 399,331 international tourists – with the average income from tourism amounting to more than 336 million US dollars. Along with this, Luang Prabang province has 97 hotels, many resorts, 400 guest houses, 311 restaurants, 97 travel companies, 19 entertainment stores, 36 massage and spa shops, 553 national tour guides (with at least 126 women performing this role) and 41 provincial tour guides (including 11 women). All of this development has continued to attract tourists to continuously visit Luang Prabang each year!

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