A Sri Lanka Japan Collaboration by Jonathan S. Watts September 28, 2025 A Holistic Buddhist Development Lineage For three days in early September 2025, the holistic Buddhist development world came full circle at a workshop entitled “Urban Dhamma in Action: Empowering Temples for Sustainable Community Development”, co-hosted by the Sri Lanka Network of Engaged Buddhists…
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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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July

Promoting Alternative Livelyhood Models by Spreading Sustainability by Linus Dolfini Bangkok, July 17, 2025 Dr. Geetha is a member of our Eco-Temple network, who is based Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, in South India. In 2025, she began developing her own initiative to support women by introducing them to alternative sources of income. The goal is to…
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June
Transforming Education through Unschooling by Linus Dolfini Bangkok, June 17, 2025 Rajesh Choudhary – commonly called Raj – is a member of the eco-temple network, and he is currently involved in two different ongoing projects, which try to offer alternative educational approaches. One of these projects is conducted in Thailand, with its main center in…
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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 and visions…
11
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 family bought…
05
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
Eco-Temple: Built small and ecologically from ancient Buddhist tradition of forest hermitages-->
Surrounding Environment: Regeneration of water table/watershed by building check dams--> Reforestation and rehabilitation of environment-->
Education for Ecology and Dharma: establishment of eco-school in which children learn about practical livelihood, environment, and sufficiency values-->
Sufficiency Economy: Planting and harvesting forest products for self-sufficiency and marketing ecological…