This was an affiliate event. Our affiliates are people with whom we have a previous working relationship, but who operate independently of Kleiwerks International. Therefore, Kleiwerks International does not assume responsibility for content or quality, but we wished this program and project the best of luck!

Thailand Archives
Santi Asoka Community;Chaiyaphum and Nong Bua Lampoo, near Mekong River, Northeast; December 14-28, 2002

'Santi Asoka,' which translates into 'Shanti Ashok' (Sanskrit), or 'Peace Happiness,' is a spiritual movement based in Buddhist principles of simple, natural living, service, and a gifting economy. The Santi Asoka community has a network of established communities throughout Northern Thailand which are similar to the old ways of Thai village life with monks, children, and lay people all living together. They grow almost all their own food, make their own medicine, soap, shampoo, paper, and some clothing. They wake early, meditate together, play music, and so on.

In 2003 Kleiwerks International worked with one Santi Asoka community, co-hosting a workshop to build a model community center for their network. Since then they have included earthen building in their curriculum of self-reliance trainings (permaculture) which is offered to thousands of villagers every month for free. During the 8-day workshop a small international group of participants worked with monks, teachers, and children from the community. We built a 2,100 square foot building, learned about self-reliant food systems, and participated in a harvest festival and other cultural events.



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