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| Introduction to the Dhamma Bike Project
Dhamma Bike Brochure (in Thai) 
The
Dhamma Bike Tour de Thailand - History
Project We have equipped 100 standard Mountain
Bikes with panels printed with the Buddhist Wheel of Right Conduct on the front
wheels & the UN Peace Wheel on the rear wheels. Both have 8 sections. The
colourful wheels are designed to attract attention to the value of moral ethics
& to make them fashionable & fun. Those who join the project become
Ambassadors for Peace & Goodwill & by setting an example, help to
attract people's attention to the desirability of integrating them into all the
activities & policies of the developing Civil Society. The Dhamma Bike
Project helps people to cultivate healthy bodies, minds & spirits
holistically.
By creating a network & related activities & events
locally, regionally & Nationally, we aim ultimately to initiate a Tour de
Thailand on Dhamma Bikes, similar to the Tour de France. This project was
launched on International Peace Day in September 2004.
Since the original
launching of this project we have toured
4 provinces. Lumphun, Pitsunaloke, Phrae, Chiang Rai ( where we first
staged an exhibition of the Dhamma Bike for a PR Conference at Big C Super
Market ) Taking 150 School children, Teachers and parents, on each occasion
,joining the members of local cycling clubs and groups, in each province.
Activities. Visiting important temples, paying respect to the Monks. Visiting places of historical and educational
interest, holding special related activities such as the Slow Bike races,
(mindfulness training).
poetry ands painting, competitions. The Dhamma Lamp treasure hunt. Presentations of the project,
Round table discussions with 8 Adults and 8 teenage representatives from the 8 sections of society The table is designed and painted to represent the UN
Peace Wheel.
The aim of the discussion is to elicit ideas and suggestions from the participants about finding new ways to integrate ethics into the activities and policies of all levels and sections of the Civil Society and encourage people to become good leaders , by first setting a good example yourself by following the wheel of right conduct.
Our Slogan.:
Get on your bike and help to make a difference. Peace depends on right
relationships. Right relationships depend on right education, right conduct in
the family, locally regionally nationally, Internationally. Cooperation not
competition. Too much competition leads to war.
In July 2007, The Ritinjali (
helping hands ) Foundation- an NGO specializing in providing holistic
educational opportunities and sustainable community development projects for the poor and disadvantaged in India,
generously donated 25 good quality mountain bikes to our project. Our local
Community Development Centre donated 100 T shirts, printed with the Peace Wheel
and the Wheel of Right Conduct. We provided Pennants printed with the
Rittinjali Logo.
Activities. 150 students and teachers from 11 local Primary
Schools took part in a Camp, a presentation, related games and activities and
an educational Tour of the locality, focusing on sustainable community
development projects. Visiting temples, paying respect to the Monks. Tests were
held afterwards to record their experiences. Some members of the local traffic
police also joined in the proceedings.
In October 2007. 25 of our members from Pasang Primary School,
joined a Dhamma Yaetra Tour, involving studying the causes and effect of the pollution
of the Mae Kuong River, attending the ordination of novices at a local temple, taking
part in games and competitions.
In December 2007, to honour HM The King's 80th Birthday, we held another follow up Camp & Tour, this time to the ancient city of Lumphun. General knowledge Tests followed afterwards. Also in December, before the Election of the new Government, 25 Dhamma Bikes were ridden round the sports stadium in Lumphun City, by the headmen & householders of 5 local districts & villages, during a pre election rally.
In May 2008 we will be holding another Camp & Tour for Secondary School children & Teachers, sponsored by the National Culture committee, Theme: Arts, Ethics & Culture.
Cross cultural relations. Our connection with the Rittinjali organisation has resulted in a joint project to arrange educational, cultural exchanges between level 3 Secondary school students & teachers, from India & Thailand, scholarships have since been awarded to seven disadvantaged children from local schools in Lumphun province, to enable them to complete their high school education & to go on to higher education as appropriate.
A further donation. The Rittinjali Organisation has very kindly presented us with 100 T shirts, with their Logo printed on the sleeves.
If you would like to join the project, please contact us at dpp.loxinfo.co.th and write Dhammabike project on the subject line.
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