New Mandala

The Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (Movement to Abolish the Internal Securities Act) UK chapter has a great campaign during this season of Advent to remind Malaysians of those detained under this draconian act. Dear friends, Each year ordinary citizens in Malaysia have a loved one dissapear as a result of arbitrary, indefinite detention without trial under Malaysia’s [...]

[Read more →]

On 28 November 2010, the release of U.S. diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks, the insurgent citizen watchdog group headed by the elusive Julian Assange sent shockwaves throughout the ranks of the U.S. government and its allies.  The released cables, which date from 1966 to the present, have suggested collusion between the ostensibly democratic U.S. regime and [...]

[Read more →]

Aung San Suu Kyi’s recent release from house arrest has already generated all shades of commentary and opinion. In a twist on the usual tributes, Lashio Thein Aung (also known as Jimmy Jack or the “Burmese Texan”) has produced a song in her honour. It is available here. Thanks to Dave for drawing it to [...]

[Read more →]

In the context of Buddhist travel in Thailand, currently there are two categories of offerings that surface among the many programs available for international travelers: Buddhist practice and cultural exchange. Programs that focus on meditation, the Buddhist practice par excellence, often downplay any cultural experience that might be involved. In these programs, serious practice involves [...]

[Read more →]