Crossroads In The Himalaya: Buddhist Communities Between Cultural Conservation & Neo-Liberalism. On this Adventure Learning Grant I traveled to Thailand for the 3rd Conference on Gross National Happiness and am traveling in Himalayan communities (Bhutan and India's Himachel Pradesh and Ladakh) to compile a multi-media narrative impression of the interaction of these unique cultural systems within a global economic political structure that provides new challenges to traditional cultural values. Through volunteerism with indigenous NGOs working on issues of development and sustainability, I will look at how Buddhist and indigenous belief systems - rooted and evolved in the Himalaya - interface with modern global ideas such as neo-liberalism, neo-conservatism, individualism, global trade, global tourism, freedom, democracy, human rights, gender equity, class consciousness, etc. I think I will be able to formulate some insights into how traditional beliefs and modern ideologies inform each other and the strategies these communities use for survival, not only in the harsh climates of the Himalaya, but also in the harsh climate of competitive global markets.

Further, I will explore a more realistic view of these communities by observing and participating in the daily experiences of the people I work with. One of the best ways to explore the dynamic interaction between culture and communities is working with people from various social backgrounds in their communities. I imagine volunteering with indigenous NGOs will unite me with people whose compassion leads them to use their position in their society to help others in their region, as well as allowing me the opportunity to have meaningful social interaction with people who have less access to social, political, and material resources than others in their region.

---