In this interview, filmed at Songdhammakalyani, near Bangkok, Dhammananda Bhikkhuni reflects on the environmental crisis and our responsibility in it. She was the first fully ordained Thai Theravada Bikkhuni. Before to ordain she was known as Chatsumarn Kabilsingh, internationally recognized for her work on women in Buddhism and environmental conservation. She grounds her reflections in a central idea: the crisis we are facing is not a natural one, but a “man-made crisis”, born from centuries of human excess. In recent weeks, more and more places around the world have found themselves caught in the effects of the climate crisis. Entire forests are burning, record-breaking heatwaves are sweeping across the globe, and dangerously high temperatures are affecting us all. Millions of living beings are suffering the consequences. This climate emergency is deeply connected to today's spiritual crisis. By losing our connection with ourselves, we have also lost our connection with nature. As we continue to seek happiness in external, material things, the Earth bears the full weight of our daily overconsumption. "As the bee collects nectar and departs without injuring the flower, or its colour or scent, so should the sage wander in the village." The Dhammapada, Verse 49 Dhammananda Bikkhuni has written 3 books on the subject:

Buddhism and Nature Conservation (1998)
Green Buddhism: Buddhist Ethical Concern for Forests (1999)
A Cry from the Forest (1987)

Directed by Elisa Cucinelli
Original score by Sunju Hargun
Paragami Production

What are the three characteristics of existence (tilakkhaṇa)? In this interview, Ajahn Ben explains the concepts of Anicca (impermanence), Dukkha (suffering), and Anattā (non-self).

Ajahn Ben just released a new Book : a collection of transcripts from talks she delivered during a retreat at Wat Pha Nong Phai where this interview was taken in 2023.

The Book is called “Buddhist meditation _ Boundless Spiritual Journey” and you can find it on Amazon.

Ajahn Benjawan Wongshookaew is a reknown Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) meditation instructor. She was born and raised in Bangkok, graduated from Sripatum University with MBA for executives and also holds a phD in Buddhist studies from Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University. She ordained in 2017. Presently she conducts meditation retreats in Suan Mokkh International Damma Hermitage and Samui Dipabhavan Meditation Center.

What does it mean to be enlightened? For Ajahn Benjawan, enlightenment can be seen as emerging from the darkness and dullness of the mind thanks to the light of wisdom.

Ajahn Benjawan Wongshookaew is a reknown Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) meditation instructor. She was born and raised in Bangkok, graduated from Sripatum University with MBA for executives and also holds a phD in Buddhist studies from Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University. She ordained in 2017. Presently she conducts meditation retreats in Suan Mokkh International Damma Hermitage and Samui Dipabhavan Meditation Center. Ajahn Ben just released a new Book : a collection of transcripts from talks she delivered during a retreat at Wat Pha Nong Phai where this interview was taken in 2023.
The Book is called “Buddhist meditation _ Boundless Spiritual Journey” You can find it on Amazon