The International Buddhist Meditation Centre is organising an insight meditation retreat from Aug 11-17 at Dhamma Sathan Vongvanij, Samrong.

The retreat is open to all English-speaking adults ans is suitable both for newcomers to meditation and for experienced meditators. It's not necessary to be a Buddhist to join the retreat.

In Vipassana (or insight meditation) practice, which derives from the Buddhist system of mind development (Bhavana) the meditator focuses on the experience of the present moment and regains inner peace and happiness. Vegetarian food and simple dormitory-style accommodation will be provided.

The retreat is being led by meditation masters from the Vipassana institute, Wat Mahadhatu, including Ven Phra Maha Sawai Nanaveero and Ven Dr Theerapan Vajranano, together with Ajaan Helen Jandamit.

For details in English, please call 240 3700 ext 1480.

Short cuts to efficiency

''Video Conference: A Short Cut to Business and Life'' is the theme of a dinner talk being held at the Women Secretaries' Association of Thailand tomorrow, from 6 to 9 pm at The Regent Bangkok, Rajdamri Road.

Members and guests are welcome.

Tickets cost Bt150 for members and Bt300 for guests.

For further information, phone 651 4675-6.

Ikebana flower arranging

Rajabhat Institute Suan Dusit together with Imperial Bang Na is organising a course in Ikebana flower arranging on Aug 1 and Aug 8 on the fifth floor of the department store on Bang Na Trat Highway.

The course will be facilitated by Yasuko Katanyutanon.

For further inquiries, call 744 1309.

College reunion party

To celebrate the 146th anniversary, Bangkok Christian College is organising a reunion party for all alumni on Aug 8. There will be an exhibition highlighting the college's history, fun packed games and a concert.

For more information, call 637 9020-69.

Ordination of Buddhist nuns

In celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's birthday, the Dhammakaya Foundation of Thailand is organising a mass ordination for 100,000 practising Buddhist women on Aug 7.

Entitled ''Upasika-Kaew'' (literally ''pure ladies'') the event will be held from Aug 7 to 9, at Wat Phra Dhamakaya in Pathum Thani province.

Participants must be in good health both mentally and physically; non drinkers and not taking any illegal substances; should lead simple lifestyles and have sufficient time to take part in dharma sessions on each of the three days and accept, unconditionally, the rules and regulations laid down by the foundation.

Application deadline is Friday, July 31.

For further details contact the Buddhist Club of your nearest university or the International Buddhist Society at 901 0912 or 901 0930-38.

Zoo school project for kids

Dusit Zoo, in conjunction with Grammy Social Vision Co, has launched the ''Zoo School'' project and is inviting all Thai youngsters who are interested in learning about wildlife, nature and the eco-system.

The zoo school runs every Saturday and Sunday at the Dusit Zoo, and is a forum for children to get involved in fun activities such as story telling, acting, bird watching and much more.

Parents interested in sending their kids to the zoo school should contact Grammy Social Vision at 664 4000 ext 17779.

Aiming for top graduates

''How to Graduate Quality Students'' is the theme of a seminar being held by the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University on Aug 5 from 1.30 to 3.30 pm, Room 507, Witthayasart 25 Pi Building.

The keynote speaker will be Dr Prida Wibulsawasdi, director of the International Sirindhorn Institute of Technology.

Members of the public are welcome. Admittance is free.

For more information, phone 942 8181-3.

Karaoke Singing contest

If you're serious about singing, then you should enter the Power Buy Karaoke Singing Contest being organised by the Power Buy shop in conjunction with Panasonic, Pentax, and Central Department Store.

The contest is open to both sexes between the ages of eight and 15 and contestants are required to sing assigned tracks chosen from Grammy Entertainment label.

Prizes are worth in excess of Bt80,000 and include a Home Theatre stereo set, mini karaoke set, Panasonic VCRs and Pentax cameras.

Applications are being taken until the end of this month at the following branches of the Power Buy shop: Central Department Store (Chidlom, Lat Phrao), Robinson (Ratchaphisek), and Future Park Rangsit.

The contest will be held on Aug 8 at Central, Chidlom branch.

For more information, phone 655 1414 ext 2160 or 2152.

History's forgotten canal

Pathom Rasitanond will be the distinguished guest speaker at a lecture ''Lod Canal: A Glimpse of the Forgotten Rattanakosin Past'' to be held in room 413, the Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University (Wang Thaphra campus), on Friday, from 12.15 pm to 1.30 pm.

Everyone is welcome and admittance is free.

For details, call 880 7730.

Visit Thais in America

The Thai-American Technical Cooperation Association is inviting Thai youths aged 15 to 17 to participate in a special programme which will take them to observe the cultural life of US born Thai teenagers in the US.

Applications are being taken until Aug 26 at the HQ on Larn Luang Road.

For further details, please phone 282 9447.

Kick starting a new culture

''The New Constitution: How Will It Start a New Culture in Thailand?'' is the topic of a seminar to be held on Friday, July 31, from 8 am to 4.30 pm, in the small hall at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

Education Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa will deliver the opening address.

On the panel will be noted academics and government technocrats including Deputy Education Minister Arkom Engchuan, Dr Bavornsak U-wanno, Decho Sawananond, Assoc Prof Thongthong Chadarangsu, and Dr Kitti Prokati.

The Nation