In an extension of our Fearless Like Sky initiative, Project Denjong representatives – Dechen and Pema – were thankful to be able to take part last week in Paccaya Foundation’s first ever 5-day Contemplative Retreat, led by the widely respected Ajahn Jayasaro, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In Thailand, as in the Himalaya, the essence of Buddhism and its wisdom is often overshadowed by the veneer of ritual, and clouded by cultural or societal practices. Paccaya Foundation aspires to engage Thai youth in the source of their culture using transformative communication methods that maintain the authenticity of the dharma, while emphasizing Buddhism’s continued compatibility with our modern world.

In our effort to revitalize our own wisdom heritage in Sikkim, we looked to Paccaya Foundation for inspiration and ideas on how to present the dharma in contemporary ways that engage our youth in a world that often seems archaic and traditional.

Over 40 participants – from eight countries – took part in a balanced curriculum of shamata meditation, study of the Noble Eightfold Path, mindful communication Q&A sessions, walking meditation, daily dharma advice by Ajahn Jayasaro, and morning Tai-Chi… needless to say, we feel revitalized and inspired.

We hope that Sikkim’s youth may also generate the interest and will to explore their own Buddhist heritage in new ways that captivate their hearts, minds, and activity. And we hope that Project Denjong will be able to create a platform to explore such interests when they arise.

In the meantime, we’ll keep testing out new formats to adapt as models in our future activities.

Photos credit: @Peduckk