We are delighted to welcome our friend Prem Jain on the evening of Monday 4 August 2025 at Baan Aree, the beautiful location so generously made available to us by the Baan Aree Foundation.
Buddha lived in a time of religious ferment. Almost certainly, he spent several years interacting with Jain ascetics before developing his own path. Both Jainism and Buddhism focus on overcoming dukkha (suffering) and attaining nirvana. Even today, their practices advance the ideal of arhathood, belief in karma, and the absence of a divine creator.
This talk explores the historical roots of Jainism, its core philosophy, and its points of intersection and divergence with Buddhism. It concludes by examining how these two traditions continue to shape spiritual practice in contemporary India.
Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced meditators. We meet to support and encourage each other in our practice.
Baan Aree is a Thai Buddhist Center, please wear something that is comfortable to sit in, and avoid tight-fitting clothes, shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts. There may not be sufficient drinking water on site, therefore you may bring your own water in a closed container. No other food/drinks are allowed in the main room.
As is usual with Buddhist teachings, there is no charge for this event. However, the Little Bangkok Sangha follows the Buddhist custom of Dana (generosity). The teachings and the venue are offered as an act of generosity, and those receiving them can, if they wish, reciprocate by making donations. These go towards the teacher’s and venue’s costs. Boxes for Dana will be provided.
Programme:
6:00 pm Baan Aree opens
6:30 pm Guided Meditation & Dhamma talk
7:30 pm Q&A
7:50 pm Session ends
8:00 pm Baan Aree closes
Prem Jain has lived two lives—one in traditional India, the other in modern America. He migrated to the United States in his early twenties, pursuing a 45-year academic career, and eventually retiring as a professor at Georgetown University. Throughout those years, he returned regularly to Jaipur to celebrate Jain festivals and remain engaged with his religious roots.
Now dividing his time between Bangkok and Jaipur, Prem continues to explore Jainism and Buddhism through study and meditation. He is also actively involved in charitable efforts, especially in supporting the education of underprivileged children.
We plan a live broadcast of this talk on our Facebook group and the Baanaree YouTube channel:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/littlebangkoksangha
https://www.youtube.com/@Baanaree2020/streams
It is also recorded for later viewing.
Please see this map for directions:
https://goo.gl/maps/1FuCuvCtNdPMAL4F9
Also check out other Festivals in Bangkok, Health & Wellness events in Bangkok, Nonprofit events in Bangkok.
