What we’re about
Hi - welcome to our Little Bangkok Sangha.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Dharma Circle at Baan Areeมูลนิธิบ้านอารีย์ (Baan Aree Foundation), Khet Phaya Thai
The Little Bangkok Sangha is happy to announce the next meeting of the Dharma Circle, a series of in-person meetings at Baan Aree, the beautiful location so generously made available to us by the Baan Aree foundation. The meeting will be held on Monday 14 July 2025 from 06:30 - 8.00 PM Bangkok time.
We will be reading together from the classic book 'What the Buddha Taught' by Ven. Rahula Walpola. For this meeting we will continue to read Chapter 6: “The Doctrine of No-Soul: Anatta”, starting from page 57. It may be helpful to read the text in advance. The book is easily purchased online (US$8.45 from Amazon), or at local English language bookstores in Bangkok. An electronic version of this book can be accessed via https://www.academia.edu/.../Dr_Walpola_Rahula_What_the...
Understanding how important good friends are in supporting the noble path, Buddha's disciple Ananda declared "This is half of the holy life: admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie." To which the Buddha replied: "Don't say that Ananda. Don't say that. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life."
The Dharma Circle is an open space to come together for an evening of reading, discussion, and meditation. The purpose of the Dharma Circle is to study and reflect on Buddha Dharma together. The idea is to maintain a community of friends to support our practice and application. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to scholars. Please note that the Dharma Circle is not a taught course but simply a reading group. It is not necessary to have attended previous sessions and you may drop in on individual sessions.
Venerable Walpola Rahula (1907–1997), was a Buddhist monk, scholar, writer and one of Sri Lanka's most eminent intellectuals. In 1964, he became the Professor of History and Religions at Northwestern University, thus becoming the first bhikkhu to hold a professorial chair in the Western world.
'What the Buddha Taught' was first published in 1959 and is still one of the most popular introductions to Buddhism in the West. Using translations directly from the Pali canon, Ven. Walpola presents the basic tenets of Buddhism from the Four Noble Truths to Anatta (The Doctrine of No-soul) in a relatively direct and unflinching manner.
Baan Aree is a Thai Buddhist Center, please wear something that is comfortable to sit in, and avoid tight-fitting clothes, shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts. There may not be sufficient drinking water on site, therefore you may bring your own water in a closed container. No other food/drinks are allowed in the main room.
There is no charge for this event, however, the Little Bangkok Sangha follows the Buddhist custom of Dana (generosity). The venue is offered as an act of generosity, and if participants wish, they may reciprocate by making donations towards the venue's costs. A box for Dana will be provided.
The Dharma Circle will be facilitated by Lucia Pietropaoli.
Programme
6:00 pm Baan Aree opens
6:30 pm Opening meditation
6:45 pm Reading and Discussion
7:35 pm Closing meditation
7:55 pm Session ends
8:00 pm Baan Aree closesBaan Aree is located conveniently close to the Ari BTS station. Please click on the Google map to find your way : https://goo.gl/maps/1FuCuvCtNdPMAL4F9
- dhamma talk/meditation with Phra Pandit: topic - MIND WITHOUT OBJECTมูลนิธิบ้านอารีย์ (Baan Aree Foundation), Khet Phaya Thai
'MIND WITHOUT OBJECT' is the Pali word 'anarammana', and is a specific attainment in meditation. In fact it is the central theme of all mystic traditions. Nonduality is another term for it.
Early Buddhism uses the terms 'citta' meaning mind/consciousness and 'arammana' meaning object of consciousness. 'Citta Anarammana' means the mind without object of conscious attention. What does that feel like though!?!Speaker:
Venerable Pandit has been an ordained Buddhist monk in Thailand since 1996. He has a degree in Psychology and a MA in Buddhist Studies. His focus is on early Buddhist teachings, enlightenment traditions, story and fairy tales, and psychology - all from the perspective of a real meditation practice. Expect clear and precise delivery, and a little humour!Inviting:
Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced meditators. We meet to support and encourage each other in our practice. If you are a beginner, some instructions will be given; experienced meditators can develop their own practice.Venue:
Baan Aree is a Thai Buddhist Center, please wear something that is comfortable and modest. It is very close to Ari BTS Station.
Map link : https://maps.app.goo.gl/gmVjmWt6mazuNXMt6
Enter through the passage between EXIM building and the gas station. (Baan Aree is also the home of Kid Mai Death Awareness Cafe - so you can also follow directions for that on G Maps)As is usual with Buddhist teachings, there is no charge for this event. However, the Little Bangkok Sangha follows the Buddhist custom of Dana (generosity). The teachings and the venue are offered as an act of generosity, and those receiving them can, if they wish, reciprocate by making donations. These go towards the teacher’s and venue's costs. Boxes for Dana will be provided.
Programme:
• 6:00 Baan Aree opens
• 6:30 pm group meditation
• 7:00 pm Dhamma talk
• 8:00 pm (ish) finish
