Yoga in Thailand – A force for change
Strengthening the spirit of benevolence across the world
Yoga in Western Thailand
By Laura Hitchman
Having enjoyed dabbling in yoga at various locations across the globe, I was keen to maintain this theme when choosing a location at which to volunteer. I stumbled upon Baan Unrak Children’s Village; a Thai non-governemental organisation (NGO) that uses many yogic principles and practices in the running of its organisation.
Baan Unrak literally translates as House of Joy; a name surprisingly fitting for an organisation that deals with such strife on a day-to-day basis. Situated in Sangkhlaburi, West Thailand, this NGO-with-a-difference is committed to housing and educating abandoned children and single mothers on the border of Burma.
Most of the residents here are refugees fleeing from war, forced labour and poverty in Burma, a country controlled by a military government that changed the country’s name to Myanmar. In Asia, few even know what Myanmar is and continue to refer to the country as Burma.
Upon arrival in Thailand, the refugees are restricted to a small region around the border, where they experience discrimination and a lack of employment opportunities. Refugees also face great barriers to receiving social services without the required legal papers; rendering them ineligible for public education and medical provisions.
Boy in Thailand meditating
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Baan Unrak takes a refreshingly different approach to dealing with the trauma that is so commonly experienced among its impoverished inhabitants. The non-religious, non-profit, neo-humanist organisation believes simply in respecting all humanity – embodying a holistic, ecological philosophy. Baan Unrak serves meticulously-planned, nutritionally-balanced vegetarian meals, teaches children to express themselves through art, dance and music and, most importantly, incorporates yoga and meditation into a daily routine.
Founder of BU, Didi Ananda Devamala, tells me that meditation gives her the strength and balance of mind to keep strong and maintain her arduous work. It seems to do the job. Working seven days a week and with very little sleep Didi is still scrupulously switched on and in control. The children are also in great spirits; every one friendly, energised and hungry to learn.
Instead of joining the children, I choose the less hectic option of paying a little extra and taking classes at Simplicity Yoga – a new local business here in Sangkhlaburi. Because this yoga school is still somewhat undiscovered, I benefit from tiny class sizes and am often the sole pupil (especially at the 6.15 slot!). So definitely money well-spent, and at 600 THB ($20 US) for two weeks’ worth of quality classes (four options daily) it’s very little money at that.
We sometimes take classes on the banks of the river. It is certainly easier to feel at one with nature when it is as beautiful as it is here in Sanghklaburi; panoramic views teamed with clean air and utter tranquility render this the perfect yoga location. I genuinely do feel energised by the morning’s sun salutations. I think back to where my yoga journey began: a grotty gym in the heart of concrete jungle London, pop music pumping out in the neighbouring room and poisoning what little shanti the basic, over-sized classes may have achieved. Quite the contrast!
Children of Baan Unrak Village
Meditation is equally as invigorating. The volunteers and teachers gather on the roof of the school of an evening, where the session incorporates a stimulating concoction of melodic chanting, deep breathing and a breathtakingly pristine view of the starry night sky.
After being here a week, I do feel empowered by a sense of calm and well-being. Evidently more than just a form of exercise and a remedy for office tension, yoga is strengthening the spirit of benevolence across the world.
The latest addition to Baan Unrak Village is a weaving and sewing centre. This project provides much-needed economic development and job opportunities for women, and produces a fantastic array of beautiful yoga clothes. Because the materials and products are hand-woven and hand-made onsite they can be adjusted according to specific size, colour and style preferences.
100% of the proceeds go toward supporting the Baan Unrak mission; to provide a loving and stable home for disadvantaged women and children in the Sangkhlaburi community. To help Baan Unrak Children’s Village, and your wardrobe, visit:
http://www.border-weaving.org/
For more general information on Baan Unrak please see http://www.baanunrak.org/
