The Dhamma Park Foundation

Contact: Venetia Walkey (Vanida Wongsam) and Inson Wongsam 109/2 Banh Pasang Noi, Tambon Bahnpan Ampur Meung, Lumphun, THAILAND 51000 Phone/Fax: +66 (0) 35 521-609 E-Mail: [email protected] Open: Sat. & Sun. 9 am - 5 pm. Mon. to Fri. by appointment.

THE DHAMMA PARK GALLERY is a contemporary, ecumenical center for Socially Engaged Buddhism and the Arts. It offers an exciting third dimension ECO-SPIRITUAL TOURISM for those who wish to venture further on their travels.

ECO-TOURISM has developed because human nature and Mother Nature have come into direct conflict. Many tourists today are seeking more than consumerised culture. Eco-Spiritual Tourism is a new concept. It can offer opportunities to explorer a third dimension which will deepen our understanding of our interconnectedness with all that exists in out fragile Biosphere and the Universe.

EXPLORATION We invite you to accompany us on The Spiritual Journey from Ignorance to Enlightenment, via the humorous and satirical sculptures by British Artist and Peace Builder, Venetia Walkey, which mark the way stages and are on permanent exhibition at the Gallery.

RELAXATION Relax in the peaceful setting of a Lamyai orchard, beside the canal filled with water lilies, bordered by white Frangi Pani trees, which encircle the Gallery. Take time to reflect on the meaning and purpose of life.

LOCATION The Dhamma Park Gallery is situated close to the small market town of Pasang, 40km from the Northern Thai Capital, Chiangmai. It is easily accessible by road and rail.

ACCOMMODATION We can offer camping in the orchard, or dormitory in the Rice Barn for group tours and Retreats. Facilities for Seminars, Workshops, Performances, Exhibitions and activities which are FUN and nourishing for Body Mind and Spirit. We are exploring new ways to raise Environmental and Spiritual awareness via Buddhism and the Arts.

HERITAGE GARDENS National Thai Artist Inson Wongsam is Director of Heritage Gardens, President of the Dhamma Park Foundation and Co Director of Heritage Gardens.

LOCATION A Sculptured Bridge (symbolising "The Path of Right Livelihood") Links the Gallery to Heritage Gardens and the artist's workshops, studio, house and other buildings in the compound, which by contrast to the Gallery are a blend of traditional and contemporary rustic Thai architecture, embellished with Inson Wongsam’s unique woodcarvings. His extensive collection of wood and metal sculptures, woodcuts, paintings and drawings are also on view.

THE JOURNEY Khun Inson went round the world on a Lambretta after graduating from Silpakorn University in the 1962, in quest of inspiration for his art. He exhibited his work and created new works of art on his journey before settling in Paris and New York for several years.

Visitors can enjoy the story of the TWO JOURNEYS when they visit the Dhamma Park Gallery and Heritage Gardens. Khun Inson and Venetia (Vanida Wongsam) will be your personal guides.

Together they have created a center for Socially Engaged Buddhism and the Arts, where people of all ages, races and different faiths or none at all, can come together to find a Pathway to Inner Peace - World Peace.

SOME MORE INFORMATION THE DHAMMA PARK GALLERY is the headquarters of the DHAMMA PARK FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization and an official partner of UNESCO’s programme of Cultures of Peace and Peace Education. We have received an Appreciation award from "We the People’s Initiative" and "Pathways to Peace", (Peace Messenger to the U.N.) Dhamma means truth and it is also the name given to the teachings of The Buddha.

At THE DHAMMA PARK GALLERY and HERITAGE GARDENS we are experimenting with some of the ideas which we are planning to include in a futuristic Eco-Spiritual Theme Park, where the Arts, Sustainable Science, Nature and Humour will combine to raise Environmental and Spiritual awareness and reconnect us with goodness truth and beauty. It is a concept which can be adapted to any culture and region in the world.

It will offer a wide range of entertaining, interactive, educational opportunities for visitors to discover their innate creativity and develop their full positive potential from high technology, through to Nature Trails and Ecology Walks. Everything in the environment will be designed to nourish Body, Mind and Spirit.

We are seeking funds to develop out imaginative Educational Programme and Facilities at the Gallery and Gardens and for THE PROPOSED DHAMMA PARK, our exciting Future Project.

A proposal for the Dhamma Park has been published. The Dhamma Park Foundation is registered in Lumphun N. Thailand Reg no. T 285 2844.

Further information about the Dhamma Park Foundation is being prepared and should be available soon on this website.

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