Buddhism-based Intentional Communities Becoming Ecovillages: A Case of Sisa Asoke in Thailand

Abstract

The primary aim of spiritual or religious intentional communities is that their members live their lives based on spiritual or religious principles and precepts. This article presents a case study of Sisa Asoke in Thailand as a contemporary example of a Buddhism-based intentional community. The article tracks down how Sisa Asoke has evolved into an ecovillage, which was not its primary intention. This study employs ethnographic methods, including participant observations, to gain insights into the community’s day-to-day activities, and interviews to provide an understanding of the community from the community’s perspective. The study categorises observation and interview data into the cultural, ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainability, aligning with the definition of an ecovillage. The study finds that Sisa Asoke has collectively committed to organic agriculture, relying on local resources. Daily activities at Sisa Asoke are interrelated, showcasing the holistic integration of the four dimensions of sustainability. Furthermore, this study concludes that their shared belief in and practice of the Buddha’s teachings have catalysed the development of regenerative social and natural environments. Therefore, it can be inferred that Sisa Asoke has come very close to being classified as an ecovillage.