Bangkok, Thailand June 12-18, 2011
Download the Conference Program
Download the Presentation Abstracts
Download the Workshop Abstracts
Download the Presenter BiographiesDownload the 12th Sakyadhita Conference brochure.
?
?
CONFERENCE LOCATION
The 12th Sakyadhita Conference will be hosted at Sathira-Dhammasathan, a learning community founded in central Bangkok in 1987 by Maechee Sansanee Sthirasuta. The center?s programs for children, teenagers, parents, and abused women promote peace, harmony, compassion, and enlightenment among people of all ages, genders, and walks of life. The eco-friendly center is home to Savika Sikkahalaya Buddhist Institute, an educational project based on the experiences gained from over 20 years of Sathira Dhammasathan?s social services. The center is a delightful and inspiring venue for this historical gathering.
?
ABOUT THAILAND
In Thailand, the Land of Smiles, visitors encounter some of the most hospitable, kind, and friendly people in the world. A joyful spirit permeates this unique country, where vibrant traditions of theatre, dance, music, and art help retain traditional culture, as they embrace fresh contemporary forms. A cheerful ?sawasdee? (Good day!) is sure to elicit a glowing response from young and old.
The Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is located just north of the equator. Comprised of 76 provinces and bordered by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, Thailand is home to 65 million people. Its four geographically distinct regions offer breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, outstanding hospitality, and superb cuisine. Bangkok, with a population of 7 million, is the political, commercial, industrial, educational, and entertainment capital of the country. While the official language is Thai, English is spoken in major tourist locations. Ethnic Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, and other groups speak a wide variety of languages and dialects.
Many delights await the traveler. Thailand?s rich Buddhist legacy features the Grand Palace Temple and Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, the world heritage site in Ayutthaya, and Doi Suthep Temple outside Chiangmai. Attractions also include world-class beaches, river voyages, industrious elephants, botanical splendors, and trekking expeditions to tribal areas along the borders. World famous Thai cuisine tempts travelers with delicious tropical fruits, vegetarian delights, and an abundance of regional specialties.
Buddhism, the official religion, is evident everywhere in Thailand. Thousands of Buddhist images adorn innumerable temples (wats) that are home to a quarter of a million monks and nuns. Visitors are welcome to Thailand?s wats and encouraged to learn about Buddhism. The country?s religious diversity is evident among the animistic hill tribe populations and Muslim majority areas in the southern provinces that border Malaysia.
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Thailand during the Sukhothai period (13th century) and has enjoyed royal patronage ever since. In the 19th century, King Mongut, a Buddhist scholar who had been a monk for 37 years, undertook a bureaucratic reform of the Sangha that linked Buddhism closely to the state. Today, a relatively conservative form of Buddhism continues to enjoy widespread popularity throughout the country. The discourses of the Buddha (suttas) are chanted in Pali and the Vinaya (monastic discipline) is held in high esteem. Saffron-robed monks on their daily alms round can be seen everywhere.
?
TRAVEL TO THAILAND
The weather in Bangkok is equally warm and toasty year-round with temperatures from 24 to 33 C (75 to 91 F) in June. Light cottons are recommended. Visitors to the Kingdom of Thailand need passports (valid for at least six months from the date of entry). Citizens from many countries may get tourist visa exemptions or visas on arrival. Others may obtain visas from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Royal Thai Consulate General.
Visit the emailed announcement “12th Sakyadhita Conference Accommodations & Registration“
Visit the emailed announcement “12th Sakyadhita Bangkok Conference Registration“
?
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION
Registrations must be received by May 1. Space is limited, so register early. Email: sakyadhita@gmail.com
Download the 12th Sakyadhita Conference brochure. Register using the online form. After registering online, return to this website and pay your fees using the Donate button on the front page of Sakyadhita.org. This button is specifically for Conference Registrations.
Register using the printable form if you would like to mail in your registration and check. Download the Travel and Information sheet.
?
Panel Topics
Buddhist Women of the World
- Leading Buddhist Women
- The Many Forms of Compassion
- Lineage, Authority, Leadership
- Speaking of Other Religions…
- Mr. Dharma, Ms. Samsara: Challenging Stereotypes
- Warming Up: Buddhist Women & Global Sustainability
- New Directions for Buddhist Social Tranformation
- Ethics & Awareness
- Peaceful Mind, Peaceful World
- The Bhikkhuni Issue Revisited
- Women Transforming Buddhist Temples
- Practical Dharma: Linking Buddhism & Human Needs
- HOW CAN I HELP?
Sponsor someone to attend the conference! Only with your help will nuns and laywomen from developing countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Thailand, or Sri Lanka) be able to attend. Enlarge the circle of compassion ? support a life-changing experience for a future Buddhist woman leader!
TEMPLE TOUR
The temple tour will take us to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, an hour outside of Bangkok. Located at the confluence of three rivers, Ayutthaya was a grand center of trade and government from 1351 to 1767. By 1700, it was described as the largest and wealthiest city in the world. Sadly, the city was razed to the ground during the Burmese invasion of 1767, yet Ayutthaya is still the epitome of Thailand?s unique cultural heritage and lifestyle. This tour will be a rare opportunity to experience the richness and beauty of Thai art and culture through a personal lens.
?
story and photo from http://www.sakyadhita.org/home/events.html
?
