Tourism and Monastic Education in Mandalay Brooke Schedneck Lecturer in Buddhist Studies Institute of Southeast Asian Affairs Chiangmai University
Outline of Talk International Engagement with Buddhism Cultural Exchange Programs Buddhist Tourism Conclusion
International Engagement with Theravada Buddhism: Buddhist Practice Cultural Exchange Tourism and Buddhism in Chiangmai and Mandalay
Types of Buddhist Cultural Exchange Programs: Monk Chats Volunteering in Temple Schools Temple Stay Programs
Phaung Daw Oo (PDO) Monastery School Background of school and its education programs Volunteer engagement with Buddhism
International Buddhist Education Center (IBEC) Background of school and its approach to education Opportunities for foreign volunteers
Tourism can be good for Buddhism Why? English conversation Monks act as agents Display openness Provide opportunities for learning and spreading dhamma Humanize the monastic figure Curiosity about Buddhism satisfied Compare religions Allows Buddhism to adapt
Conclusion Comparison between the two sites Comparison with Chiangmai