Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives - Suan Mokkh Bangkok

The Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives is named after the late founder of a famous meditation retreat in Southern Thailand, Wat Suan Mokkh. It seems that “Suan Mokkh Bangkok” is the official, unofficial, English name for the place, which otherwise goes by the abbreviation BIA.

The building sits are the far northern end of Suan Wachira Benchathat Park near Chatuchak weekend market. The park is a large portion of what used to be the private golf course for the State Railway employees, that was turned over to the city for a park a few years ago. Built partially over a large pond, the BIA building is one of the few truly successful post-modernist buildings I've seen in Bangkok.

The first floor of the center is mostly open air. There is a large bookstore selling books on Buddhism. Most of them are in Thai but there is an English section. In the middle there is a large semi-circular open courtyard with several stone carvings illustrating the path to dhamma (truth). The second floor has a large classroom as well as a large meditation room offering a “Taste of Nibanna”. There's also a rooftop garden on the second floor. The third floor is mostly offices.

All around the public halls are artworks illustrating Buddhist beliefs as well as reflecting some of the other world religions. The Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikku was a great believer in interfaith dialog and the validity of all religions. Next to the building is a large henge-like sculpture garden.

The center is open daily and offers a number of activities. Most of them are in Thai, but some are in English. You can check the Suan Mokkh web site for current information.