Despite some success using this deterrent, Thailand's remaining forests are still disappearing. For this reason, Phra Prachak agreed last February to lead a group of westerners on a "Deep Ecology and Buddhism Jungle Trek" through Eastern Thailand, near the Cambodian border. The trek was sponsored by the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), an organization of religious activists.

Participants from Burma, Germany, New Zealand, Thailand, the UK and the US joined Phra Prachak, seven monks, three nun s and a dozen or so local villagers (many of whom were former loggers) in a week-long journey winding more than 30 miles through the Talpan National Park and the Dong Yai National Forest.

Twirling a green stem in his hand, Phra Prachak told the group, "I am the leaf. We are leaves. They neither possess, nor control, nor take more than they require. We must learn to be leaves." Participants agreed that the trek would proceed in silence-- the better to see, hear and experience the jungle. Throughout the trip we saw abundant signs of elephants-- giant footprints, huge droppings and uprooted saplings. Tigers and bears roam this forest region as well.

Each day began at 5:30 with silent meditation, followed by tea and porridge. Water was limited and no food was eaten after the noon hour (Thai monks and nuns eat no food between noon and sunrise). As the day heated up, the trek would stop for dharma talks by Phra Prachak. During these rest breaks, a New Zealand forest activist working on the Burmese border and an American working on Thai jungle ecology issues also discussed their efforts. After one discussion, Phra Prachak exclaimed, "This talk is delicious for the heart!"

Both Buddhism and Deep Ecology stress the need for change and personal responsibility. During the evening "Council of All Beings" sessions, we spoke for the silent ones-- the tiger, condor, ant, bee, redwood and teak. At one point, an elder village headman roared out of the darkness, "I am elephant!" A monk spoke for the beleaguered water buffalo. The group grew closer in the darkness, feeling our shared plight.

As the trip drew to a close, the lush tangle of trees, vines and birdsong gave way to areas slashed, burned and converted into eucalyptus plantations for the paper-pulp industry. Despite the fact that Thailand's 1988 logging ban is being ignored while local officials are bribed to look the other way, Phra Prachak remains committed to saving the forest. The monk's latest strategy involves creating a"weaving village" that will allow local villagers to weave silk doth as a means to reduce reliance on logging.

* What You Can Do: Ask that Thailand enforce its logging ban by writing to: His Majesty, King Bumiphol Adulyadej, Chitlada Palace, Bangkok 10500, Thailand and Honorable Chuan Leekpai, Prime Minister of Thailand, Government House, Nakhorn Pathom Pd., Bangkok 10300, Thailand. Donations may be directed to Phra Prachak c/o INEB, 127 Soi Santipap, Nares Rd., Bangkok 10500, Thailand.

PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): monks as their stress the need for change and personal responsibility.

Earth Island Journal, Vol. 8 No. 4 Fall, P12
Copyright by Earth Island Journal