The Life School Foundation creates a phenomenon of being the World’s Wellness and Mindfulness Destination for Saraburi province, which is one of the travel routes in the New Chapter of Wellness Journey by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) under the Thailand Meaningful Wellness project. This initiative aims to elevate the image of Thailand's faith-based tourism to an international level, opening a new chapter in intellectual tourism and reinforcing Thailand's significance as a land of Buddhism.

Recently, Techo Vipassana Center in Kaeng Khoi, Saraburi, welcomed World Elite from the fields of Martial Arts, Hollywood actors, and global business leaders from 15 countries. They gathered to practice advanced meditation and Vipassana under the guidance of Master Ajcharawadee Wongsakol, the president of the Life School Foundation and the Knowing Buddha Foundation, who has been recognized and awarded on various global platforms. They participated in a special foreign language training course from January 7-14, 2024.

The World Elite group included notable figures such as Dr. Robert Goldman, president of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and holder of multiple Guinness World Records, Silvio Simac, a Hollywood actor known for films like Transporter 3 and Man of Tai Chi, Ernie Reyes Sr., a martial arts actor and choreographer, Samuel Kwok, a legendary martial arts master and student of Ip Man, Cynthia Rothrock, a martial arts master with over 60 film credits, Simon Kook, a Thai actor who gained fame in Hollywood for his role in Ip Man 3, Mark Simon Wexler, a leading documentary filmmaker and news photographer, Abutbul Meir from W Hotel-Ibiza, Spain, and Ciro Orsini, a celebrity businessman and philanthropist. In total, 40 participants, including doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and wellness entrepreneurs, were interested in practicing advanced meditation and sought to study the principles that reveal the truth of life.

During the 8-day, 7-night retreat, participants had to disconnect from communication devices, remain silent, sleep in mosquito nets, eat vegetarian meals, and engage in self-training, practicing meditation for 9 hours a day to reach a subconscious level of truth. The remaining time was spent walking meditation, listening to Dharma talks, and resting as desired. Such serious practice requires immense perseverance and patience.

From interviews with participants, the World Elite found the greatest challenge in the practice was sitting in the lotus position for extended periods, as Western culture is not accustomed to this posture, leading to discomfort and pain. However, with the determination of the practitioners and guidance from Master Ajcharawadee Wongsakol, participants were able to differentiate and manage their feelings, allowing for a smooth practice experience.

Antonio Chiana, who has experience training various military units, shared that this retreat provided him with new perspectives, enabling him to make more thoughtful decisions in both work and life. He emphasized that if he had learned about advanced meditation 20 years ago, he could have made better decisions and navigated life more effectively. He noted that maintaining mindfulness in challenging situations helps one overcome difficulties.

Silvio Simac shared his intention to apply the experiences gained from the retreat to his life, planning to wake up an hour earlier to meditate in the morning. He believes that meditation not only aids in his martial arts training but also helps create a balance between mind, body, and spirit, which he values greatly. He added that the challenges faced during practice lead to transformation and empower individuals to overcome obstacles and live more thoughtfully.

Dr. Robert Goldman, president of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), who has participated in the retreat three times, shared that the challenge lies in patience, which is a struggle against one's inner feelings. Keeping the mind focused during meditation is a significant challenge for the World Elite participants. However, everyone is a fighter, demonstrating perseverance, determination, and commitment, never giving up or losing hope in life. This mindset is crucial for their global recognition and success, which is why they are dedicated to participating in advanced meditation and Vipassana.

The board of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), led by Dr. Robert Goldman, presented the “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” to Master Ajcharawadee Wongsakol, honoring her contributions to the medical field. Additionally, Prince Gharios El Chemor Al-Numan VIII, from the Royal House of Ghassan, recognized by the United Nations, awarded the “Grand Collar Rank,” the highest honor given by the Ghassan royal family to leaders who have made significant contributions. This entire event brought immense recognition and prestige to Thailand, clearly reflected in the awareness of the Elite who traveled for this purpose. It marks a significant phenomenon in the world occurring in Thailand and helps elevate the image of Thailand's faith-based tourism to a level of intellectual awakening, declaring its status as the World’s Wellness and Mindfulness Destination and reaffirming its importance as a true land of Buddhism.