Engaged Buddhism and Sustainability in Rural Japan by Linus Dolfini Bangkok, November 10, 2025 Amrita Zen Life: 688-3 Nishino, Kimino-cho, Kaikusa-gun, Wakayama Prefecture As I meet with Chisa Yamashita over Zoom, she is sitting in her family temple in the Kinokawa city, a rural area of Wakayama Prefecture south of Osaka. Chisa is the founder…
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September
Buddhism for SDGs by Linus Dolfini Bangkok, September 23, 2025 The Institute of Buddhist Management for Happiness and Peace Foundation (IBHAP) is an organization which connects Buddhist teachings to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and uses these teachings to drive the implementation of the SDGs. IBHAP’s focus lies on collaborative action, and trying to…
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August
Pragya Kalyaan Sangha is an ongoing grassroots initiative, which is located in Jaipur, India. It is based on the principles of engaged Buddhism. Its founder, Mr. Pragaya Mittra, has worked with various communities throughout the past 30 years, to share Buddhist teachings and promote education, empowerment, and social change.
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May
Farming with Metta
by Linus Dolfini
Bangkok, May 12, 2025
Over fifteen years ago, the Bhutan Soul Farmers, under the leadership of their founder, Lhundup Dukpa, began their work as organic farmers. They have been developing and implementing ways of organic and sustainable farming, and throughout the years, they have shared their knowledge…
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April
Creating Gardens of Loving Kindness
by Linus Dolfini
Bangkok, April 11, 2025
The concept of Metta Gardens was established in 2013 in Sri Lanka. One of the eco-temple network members, Kanchana Weerakoon, was the one who came up with the idea. She was inspired by the community-gardens she saw in Australia. After her…
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March
4 Days in Auroville Eco-Temple Trip Report Dexter Cohen BohnDec 14, 2024 Hey there, heads up that this is a longer post than usual! Take your time with the photos, videos and links - let me know your thoughts and if these deeper dives tickle your fancy. I respect your attention so for the TLDR (Too Long…
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August
Cédric Boudry
June 2021
Phra Sangkom Thanapanyo Khunsiri, designer of the Kok Nong Na model
Kok Nong Na or “New Theory Agriculture”
Over the past year Thai monk Phra Sangkom Thanapanyo Khunsiri has made unprecedented progress in his holistic sustainable development initiative. For over 20 years now, he has been dedicating his time to social development…
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September
International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)
September 3, 2020
In recent decades, Thailand has been facing the consequences of mass deforestation caused by the expansion of industrial agriculture and commercial lumber. Today, Thailand’s forested areas account for 37% of land surface, ranking lowest in South East Asia. This percentage has been rising, however, since the…
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May
Bangladesh is an over populated country with few open spaces of land. Because of the huge pressure from over population, it’s natural environment, biodiversity, and ecosystem maintenance are at risk as consequently so is sustainable livelihood and environmental peace. It is important for building greater resilience and sustainable communities in Bangladesh to ensure a cleaner,…
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May
By Kanchana Weerakoon
Founding President Eco Friendly Volunteers (ECO-V) Sri Lanka. Co-Founder/President Journeys for Climate Justice (JCJ), Australia. Co-Founder Edible Routes Foundation (ERF), India
The first Metta Garden was established in Colombo Sri Lanka in 2015 as a contribution to the INEB Eco Temple network. Since I started living in New Delhi, India a few…
