More than ten years ago, I visited Buddha Kasetra School (佛陀园地: http://www.buddhakasetra.org). Based at Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, Buddha Kasetra School (Buddha’s Garden) was founded by Phra Chaiyot Chaiyayasso in 1987. Its aim is to shelter and educate children from unfortunate and impoverished families, to enable them to rediscover hope in life. The efforts of Phra Chaiyot and the school’s group of caring and dedicated teachers have obtained the recognition of the Thai Government. Together, they were awarded the prize for having ‘the best education policy’ in Chiang Mai, while faring second nationwide. This school was featured recently on TV in an episode of ‘The Activist’s Journey’ (仁心侠旅). You can still catch up on it at http://video.xin.msn.com/watch/video/the-activists-journey-仁心侠旅-episode-4/1gq8z6r33
A monk there shared that he used to doubt about the existence of Pure Land. But when he visited the place and became a disciple of the abbot in charge, he thought the school is already a Pure Land of sorts – for the 200+ kids there then. The school is situated in the countryside with many plants too, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city, which makes it a haven. Though nice, and I was touched by the abbot’s compassion, I frowned a little at the suggestion this is all Pure Land is – because an actual Buddha’s Pure Land is so much more. It is definitely relatively more of a Pure Land than not for the children though, and a terrific one too! Sadhu! Interestingly, just a few months ago, I spotted the same monk attending a Pure Land retreat. Amituofo!