Chinese New Year 2026 Light Offering - 17 Feb 2026

1 Blessing For Health, Happiness and Prosperity

2 Chan Lai Peng

3 Chey Wan Tow and Family

4 Chiew Soi Ying and Family

5 Chin Chon Yen

6 Chin Kuen Wu (Albert)

7 Chin Si Jia (Ashley)

8 Chin Si Pei (Anna)

9 Chin Yee Hong (Alexandar)

10 Chiu Thun Keat and Family

11 Chiu Yen Chi

12 Chiu Yen Theng and Family

13 Chong Yoong Khang

14 Chong Yoong Xin

15 Chung Chee Leong

16 Chung Yong Cheng Daniel

17 James Cheong Yew Ng

18 Khaw Poh Ting and Family

19 Lau Mei Leng and Chong Say Woon

20 Lee Khai Yean

21 Liew Ah San

22 Liew Chee Vooi, Saw Bee Keng and Lew Xin Yi

23 Liew Yoke Kiam (Aniqca)

24 Lim Swee Kim

25 Lum Jin Sun

26 Lum Wing and Family

27 Michael Ck Sum

28 Ng Hong Meng, Yap Pui Sun, Ng Kar Mun and Ng Kar Yi

29 Ng Hong Tiong And Goh Boon Kwi

30 Ng Joo Yoong

31 Ng Kuan Lin Ken and Family

32 Ooi Siew Swan

33 Phua Low Lian

34 Quah Beng Leong and Family

35 Say Kim Kuan and Family

36 Steven Yuen, Ng Li-Shen and Baby Yuen

37 Tan Zhen Yuan, Zhen Feng and Zhen Sheng

38 Teh Ah Boon

39 Teoh Tiang Kwang and Chong Lee Yen

40 Teoh Yue Ling, Nicholas Key and Family

41 Teoh Yung Ling, Melvin Wong and Family

42 Toh Siew Weng, Siew Hwa, Kok Wai and Family

43 Wong Chek Foong

44 Wong Lee Yoon (Carolin)

45 Yong Chin Fatt

46 Zhao Zhan Peng and Family

47 IMO Chan Yoon Yew and Leong Chan

48 IMO Cheah Kwai Mei @ Cheah Kwai May

49 IMO Chen Yee Kow @ Chan Yee Khow

50 IMO Chin Kon Chu

51 IMO Chiu Fui Ting

52 IMO Chung Ah Chak and Liew Swee Kuen

53 IMO Heah Chew Joo and Low Ah Cheng

54 IMO Lian Ah Hwa

55 IMO Lian Ah Kow and Lee Ah Lee

56 IMO Lian Kooi Meng

57 IMO Lim Kok Cheong And Yap Ban Eng

58 IMO Lim Tan Cheng and Lian Kooi Yeah

59 IMO Lum Kei Yuk, Tham Lam Lui and Wong Sow Chan

60 IMO Mr and Mrs Chiu Swee Ching

61 IMO Mr and Mrs Phua Hock Joo

62 IMO Ng Eu Hui

63 IMO Of My Parents-In-Law: Yap Keow and Chow Yin

64 IMO Of My Parents: Ng Yew Lok and Eng Giak Soon

65 IMO Saw Han Lim and Liaw Buan Siew

66 IMO Yeo Kim Eng and Koe Chiew Ling

SPONSORS FOR FULL MOON PUJA as at 2 Feb 2026

1 Andrew Lim & Family

2 Boon Suan Khim

3 Chai Shwu Pyng

4 Chan Chooi Yee

5 Cheah Yuet Lee & Family

6 Chew Wanzhen Amanda & Family

7 Chin Zu Yao and Family

8 Chuah Seong Phaik & Family

9 Chuah Su Seng & Family

10 Chung Chee Leong & Family

11 Chung Yong Cheng & Family

12 Dedicate to Beh Lay See

13 Dedicate to Chew Wee Lin

14 Dedicate to Desmond Ee Kim Seong 

15 Dedicate to Lim Aun Siong 

16 Dedicate to Lim Jan Sean

17 Dedicate to Lim Jan Sean 

18 Dedicate to Lim Yee Jean

19 Dedicate to Siaw Lee Yen

20 Dedicate to The Pang Family

21 Dino Lim

22 Foo Kam Mee and family

23 Foo Shin Chuarn & Family

24 Foo Yoke Wah & Family

25 Gan Shao Heng

26 Gan Ting Rui

27 Hoe Swee Thong & Lau Yew Heng

28 Hoe Tuck Soon, Hoe Tuck Onn & Hor Siew May

29 Kang Family 

30 Kevin Lim & Family

31 Khaw Poh Ting & Family

32 Khoo Kim Meng & family

33 Kingsley Low Shee Mun & Family

34 Kwang Poon Lek & Teoh Chai Nyik

35 Leekhaiyean & family

36 Leong Wai Tak & Family

37 Liew Swee San & Family

38 Lim Chong Hiong

39 Lim Siew Kim & Family

40 Lim Tiong Kiat & Family

41 Low Family

42 Low Shan Shan

43 May your aspirations bear fruit Andy Tan

44 Ng Jing Xin & Family

45 Ng Kuan Lin Ken & Family

46 Ng Sin Tean & Family

47 Ngeow Family and All Departed Relatives

48 Ooi Kian Beng & Family 

49 Pierre Chuah & Family

50 Say Kim Kuan & Family

51 Tan Ban Leng & Family 

52 Tan Buck Soon and family

53 Tan Kok Seng

54 Tan Ming Xuan

55 Tan Yew Heng & Family 

56 Tan Zhen Yuan &  family , Tan Zhen Feng & Yeoh Su Kheng

57 Tang Yen Shen

58 Tee Chin Tiam & Family 

59 Teoh Chie Lean & Family

60 Teoh Yue Ling, Nicolas Kee & Family

61 Teoh Yung Ling, Melvin Wong & Family 

62 Tong Sheau Wann

63 Woo Beng Kuen & Family

64 Yee Fah Yong

65 Yeo Chee Kian & family

66 IMO Ang Eng Chuan

67 IMO Chan Kam Mui

68 IMO Cheah Kwai Mei

69 IMO Chen Yee Kow

70 IMO Chew Soon Dik

71 IMO Choon Khian Chai

72 IMO Chung Ah Chak & Liew Swee Kuen

73 IMO Goh Hwa Ching

74 IMO Heah Chew Joo & Low Ah Cheng

75 IMO Khaw Siew Kee, Tan Guat Yong, Khaw Ooi Seng, Tey Chin Soon, Liau King Hong

76 IMO Lai Ah Kow & Lee Ah Lee

77 IMO Lam Ying Peng

78 IMO Lim Kim Sun 

79 IMO Lim Kok Cheong & Yap Ban Eng

80 IMO Lim Tan Cheng & Lian Kooi Yean

81 IMO Mr & Mrs Teoh Chiap Seng

82 IMO Tang Yee Han

83 IMO Wong Wai Man

84 IMO Yap Aok

85 IMO Ee Cheng Hee

Ven. Ajahn Cattamalo

Introduction

Ajahn Cattamalo is a senior monastic in the Thai Forest Tradition with over 35 years of experience in the robes. Having trained extensively in Thailand and Australia, he eventually returned to his native Germany to help establish a sanctuary for monastic practice. He is highly regarded for his deep understanding of the Vinaya (monastic discipline) and his ability to present the Dhamma with clarity and calm precision.

Early Training in Thailand

Born in Germany, Ajahn Cattamalo's spiritual quest led him to Thailand in the late 1980s. He was ordained as a Bhikkhu in 1988 at Wat Nong Pah Pong, the mother monastery of the lineage founded by the late meditation master Ajahn Chah.

He spent his first seven years as a monk immersed in the rigorous lifestyle of the Thai Forest Tradition. During this time, he practiced and studied in various branch monasteries across Northeast Thailand, learning from several of the most esteemed disciples of Ajahn Chah. This period provided him with a solid foundation in both the meditative arts and the traditional monastic standards of conduct.

The Australian Years: Bodhinyana Monastery

Following his years in Thailand, Ajahn Cattamalo moved to Australia, where he joined Bodhinyana Monastery in Perth. He spent a total of 13 years at Bodhinyana, becoming a central figure in the development of the community.

For the final five years of his stay in Australia, he served as the Deputy Abbot, assisting Ajahn Brahmavamso (Ajahn Brahm). In this role, he was responsible for the day-to-day guidance of the monastic community and the administration of the monastery, while also offering Dhamma teachings to the growing lay community in Perth.

Founding Muttodaya Forest Monastery

In 2008, Ajahn Cattamalo returned to Germany with the vision of establishing a forest monastery that strictly adhered to the original standards of the Ajahn Chah lineage. This led to the founding of Muttodaya Forest Monastery in Stammbach, located in the Franconian Forest of Bavaria.

SPONSORS FOR NEW MOON PUJA as at 19/01/2026

1 Andrew Lim & Family

2 Bee Kiu and Family

3 Boon Suan Khim

4 Chai Shwu Pyng

5 Chan Chooi Yee

6 Cheah Yuet Lee & Family

7 Chin Zu Yao and Family

8 Chuah Seong Phaik & Family

9 Chuah Su Seng & Family

10 Chung Chee Leong & Family

11 Chung Yong Cheng & Family

12 Dedicate to Beh Lay See

13 Dedicate to Chew Wee Lin

14 Dedicate to Desmond Ee Kim Seong 

15 Dedicate to Lim Aun Siong 

16 Dedicate to Lim Jan Sean

17 Dedicate to Lim Jan Sean 

18 Dedicate to Lim Yee Jean

19 Dedicate to Siaw Lee Yen

20 Dino Lim

21 Foo Kam Mee and family

22 Foo Shin Chuarn & Family

23 Foo Yoke Wah & Family

24 Gan Shao Heng

25 Gan Ting Rui

26 Hoe Swee Thong & Lau Yew Heng

27 Hoe Tuck Soon, Hoe Tuck Onn & Hor Siew May

28 Kang Family 

29 Kevin Lim & Family

30 Khaw Poh Ting & Family

31 Khoo Kim Meng & family

32 Kingsley Low Shee Mun & Family

33 Kwang Poon Lek & Teoh Chai Nyik

34 Leekhaiyean & family

35 Leong Wai Tak & Family

36 Liew Swee San & Family

37 Lim Chong Hiong

38 Lim Siew Kim & Family

39 Lim Tiong Kiat & Family

40 Low Family

41 Low Shan Shan

42 May your aspirations bear fruit Andy Tan

43 Ng Jing Xin & Family

44 Ng Kuan Lin Ken & Family

45 Ng Sin Tean & Family

46 Ngeow Family and All Departed Relatives

47 Ooi Kian Beng & Family 

48 Pierre Chuah & Family

49 Tan Ban Leng & Family 

50 Tan Buck Soon & Family

51 Tan Kok Seng

52 Tan Ming Xuan

53 Tan Yew Heng & Family 

54 Tan Zhen Yuan &  family , Tan Zhen Feng & Yeoh Su Kheng

55 Tang Yen Shen

56 Teoh Chie Lean & Family

57 Teoh Yue Ling, Nicolas Kee & Family

58 Teoh Yung Ling, Melvin Wong & Family 

59 Tong Sheau Wann

60 Woo Beng Kuen & Family

61 Yee Fah Yong

62 IMO Ang Eng Chuan

63 IMO Chan Kam Mui

64 IMO Cheah Kwai Mei

65 IMO Chen Yee Kow

66 IMO Chew Soon Dik

67 IMO Choon Khian Chai

68 IMO Chung Ah Chak & Liew Swee Kuen

69 IMO Goh Hwa Ching

70 IMO Heah Chew Joo & Low Ah Cheng

71 IMO Khaw Siew Kee, Tan Guat Yong, Khaw Ooi Seng, Tey Chin Soon, Liau King Hong

72 IMO Lai Ah Kow & Lee Ah Lee

73 IMO Lam Ying Peng

74 IMO Lim Kim Sun 

75 IMO Lim Kok Cheong & Yap Ban Eng

76 IMO Lim Tan Cheng & Lian Kooi Yean

77 IMO Mr & Mrs Teoh Chiap Seng

78 IMO Tang Yee Han

79 IMO Wong Wai Man

80 IMO Yap Aok

81 IMO Ee Cheng Hee

Ven. Ajahn Martin

Introduction

Ajahn Martin Piyadhammo is a senior monastic in the Thai Forest Tradition, widely recognized for his uncompromising commitment to the practice of meditation and the preservation of the forest way of life. Having trained for decades under one of the 20th century’s most renowned meditation masters, he is known for his direct, powerful teaching style that focuses on the eradication of mental defilements through intensive mindfulness and wisdom.

Professional Background to Monastic Life

Born in Germany in 1957, Ajahn Martin’s early life was dedicated to the sciences. He worked as a Computer Engineer, a background that often informs his logical and systematic approach to explaining the mechanics of the mind. Despite his professional success, a deep spiritual search led him to Thailand, where he discovered the rigorous "Kammatthana" (meditation) tradition of the Northeast.

Apprenticeship under Luang Ta Mahā Bua

In 1995, he received ordination at Wat Pa Baan Taad under the guidance of the legendary Luang Ta Mahā Bua Ñāṇasampanno. Luang Ta Mahā Bua was the chief disciple of Ajahn Mun and was revered throughout Thailand as a fully enlightened master.

Ajahn Martin spent the next 16 years training directly under Luang Ta, immersing himself in an environment of strict discipline and intensive effort. During this period, he became a close student of Ajahn Paññavaddho, the senior-most Western disciple at the monastery, from whom he learned the intricacies of translating the Dhamma for the Western mind.

Life in the Jungle: The Path of Effort

Ajahn Martin’s practice is defined by extraordinary endurance and solitude. For over 20 years, he lived in the remote jungles of Thailand, embodying the quintessential forest monk lifestyle:

  • Intensive Meditation: He is known for frequently meditating up to 14 hours a day, testing the limits of both body and mind to achieve deep stillness.

  • Tudong (Wandering): He undertook annual tudong pilgrimages, wandering through uninhabited forests and mountains for months at a time, living in the open and relying on the Dhamma as his sole refuge.

Teacher to the International Community

Following the passing of Ajahn Paññavaddho in 2004, Ajahn Martin took on the vital responsibility of instructing the international visitors who flocked to Wat Pa Baan Taad. For many years, he served as the primary Dhamma teacher for foreign practitioners, translating the profound and often pithy instructions of Luang Ta Mahā Bua into clear, practical guidance for Westerners.

Current Leadership at Wat Phu Khong Tong

Today, Ajahn Martin is the Abbot of Wat Phu Khong Tong in Nong Bua Lamphu province. The monastery remains a sanctuary for those seeking a quiet, traditional environment for serious practice. He continues to share the Dhamma through retreats and talks, emphasizing the same "straight-talk" and intensive effort he learned from his teachers.

Ven. Ajahn Kittisobhāņo

Introduction

Ajahn Kittisobhāņo, widely known as Bhante Huat Poh, is a Malaysian-born monastic in the Thai Forest Tradition. A former engineer who chose the path of renunciation, he is respected for his ability to translate the profound, ascetic wisdom of the forest tradition into practical guidance for the lay community. Proficient in both English and Hokkien, he serves as a vital bridge for practitioners in Malaysia seeking an authentic connection to the Dhamma.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

Born and raised in Penang, Bhante Huat Poh’s spiritual journey began in his teenage years when he was first introduced to Theravada Buddhism. While many young adults move away from spiritual pursuits as they enter the workforce, his interest in the Dhamma only deepened as he matured.

He initially pursued a career in the secular world, working as a professional engineer. However, the drive to understand the nature of suffering and liberation eventually led him to realize that his true calling lay in the monastic life. Following the example of the Buddha, he chose to "go forth" from the home life into homelessness.

Training in the Dhammayut Tradition

Bhante Huat Poh was ordained in the Dhammayut Nikāya, a branch of the Thai Forest Tradition known for its strict adherence to the Vinaya (monastic discipline) and its emphasis on intensive meditation.

He has spent the past 15 years of his monkhood practising in the remote regions of Thailand. This "forest training" involves living in solitude, enduring the elements, and cultivating a mind that is steady and alert. His practice is rooted in the lineage of the great forest masters, focusing on the development of Sati (mindfulness) and Samadhi (concentration) as the foundations for wisdom.

Mission in Thailand and Malaysia

Currently, Bhante Huat Poh divides his time between the rugged mountains of the North and his home state of Penang:

  • Omkoi, North Thailand: He continues his practice in a remote monastery in Omkoi, a region known for its high-altitude forests and hill-tribe communities. This environment provides the silence and seclusion necessary for deep contemplative work.

  • Vihara Boon Raksa, Penang: When in Malaysia, he resides at Vihara Boon Raksa, where he is instrumental in sharing the Dhamma with the local community.

SPONSORS FOR FULL MOON PUJA as at 03/01/2026

1 Andrew Lim & Family

2 Boon Suan Khim

3 Chai Shwu Pyng

4 Chan Chooi Yee

5 Cheah Yuet Lee & Family

6 Chew Wanzhen Amanda & Family

7 Chin Zu Yao and Family

8 Chuah Seong Phaik & Family

9 Chuah Su Seng & Family

10 Chung Chee Leong & Family

11 Chung Yong Cheng & Family

12 Dedicate to Beh Lay See

13 Dedicate to Desmond Ee Kim Seong 

14 Dedicate to Lim Aun Siong 

15 Dedicate to Lim Jan Sean

16 Dedicate to Siaw Lee Yen

17 Dino Lim

18 Foo Kam Mee and family

19 Foo Shin Chuarn & Family

20 Foo Yoke Wah & Family

21 Gan Shao Heng

22 Gan Ting Rui

23 Hoe Swee Thong & Lau Yew Heng

24 Hoe Tuck Soon, Hoe Tuck Onn & Hor Siew May

25 Kang Family 

26 Kevin Lim & Family

27 Khaw Poh Ting & Family

28 Khoo Kim Meng & family

29 Kingsley Low Shee Mun & Family

30 Kwang Poon Lek & Teoh Chai Nyik

31 Leekhaiyean & family

32 Leong Wai Tak & Family

33 Liew Swee San & Family

34 Lim Chong Hiong

35 Lim Siew Kim & Family

36 Lim Tiong Kiat & Family

37 Low Family

38 Low Shan Shan

39 May your aspirations bear fruit Andy Tan

40 Ng Jing Xin & Family

41 Ng Kuan Lin Ken & Family

42 Ng Sin Tean & Family

43 Ngeow Family and All Departed Relatives

44 Ooi Kian Beng & Family 

45 Pierre Chuah & Family

46 Tan Ban Leng & Family 

47 Tan Kok Seng

48 Tan Ming Xuan

49 Tan Yew Heng & Family 

50 Tang Yen Shen

51 Tee Chin Tiam & Family 

52 Teoh Chie Lean & Family

53 Teoh Yue Ling, Nicolas Kee & Family

54 Teoh Yung Ling, Melvin Wong & Family 

55 Tong Sheau Wann

56 Woo Beng Kuen & Family

57 Yee Fah Yong

58 IMO Ang Eng Chuan

59 IMO Chan Kam Mui

60 IMO Cheah Kwai Mei

61 IMO Chen Yee Kow

62 IMO Chew Soon Dik

63 IMO Chung Ah Chak & Liew Swee Kuen

64 IMO Goh Hwa Ching

65 IMO Heah Chew Joo & Low Ah Cheng

66 IMO Khaw Siew Kee, Tan Guat Yong, Khaw Ooi Seng, Tey Chin Soon, Liau King Hong

67 IMO Lai Ah Kow & Lee Ah Lee

68 IMO Lam Ying Peng

69 IMO Lim Kim Sun 

70 IMO Lim Kok Cheong & Yap Ban Eng

71 IMO Lim Tan Cheng & Lian Kooi Yean

72 IMO Mr & Mrs Teoh Chiap Seng

73 IMO Tang Yee Han

74 IMO Wong Wai Man

75 IMO Yap Aok

Luang Por Vajiro

Introduction

Luang Por Vajiro is a senior Western-trained monastic in the lineage of Ajahn Chah. Born in Malaysia, he was one of the early pioneers who helped establish the Thai Forest Tradition in Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. With over four decades of monastic life, he is highly regarded for his gentle nature, deep patience, and his dedication to the "Vinaya" (monastic discipline) as a foundation for mental liberation.

Early Life and Meeting the Masters

Born in Malaysia in 1953, Luang Por Vajiro's spiritual journey took a definitive turn while he was living in England in the late 1970s. In 1977, at the Hampstead Vihara in London, he encountered two legendary figures: Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho.

Inspired by their presence and the clarity of their teachings, he joined the fledgling monastic community in London in 1978, during the very early days of the Forest Sangha's establishment in the West.

Ordination and Training in Thailand

In 1979, Luang Por Vajiro traveled to Thailand to immerse himself in the traditional forest lifestyle at Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery). In 1980, he received full Upasampadā (Bhikkhu ordination) directly from Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong.

Training under Ajahn Chah during the master's final active years provided Luang Por with a profound grounding in the "Kammaṭṭhāna" (meditation) tradition, emphasizing mindfulness in all activities and the development of a resilient, peaceful heart.

Building the Global Sangha

Luang Por Vajiro has been a key figure in the "Monastery-building" phase of the Forest Tradition across several continents:

  • United Kingdom (1984–1990s): He returned to England to assist with the foundational years of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, helping to transform the site into the major training center it is today.

  • New Zealand & Australia: He spent significant periods supporting the growth of the Sangha in the Southern Hemisphere, contributing to the stability of the communities at Bodhinyanarama (NZ) and various Australian branch monasteries.

  • The Return to Amaravati (2001): He returned to the UK and remained a pillar of the Amaravati community for nearly two decades, serving as a mentor to many junior monastics.

Establishing Sumedharama in Portugal

In more recent years, Luang Por Vajiro accepted the challenge of establishing a monastic presence in Southern Europe. He was invited to lead a group of practitioners in Portugal, which led to the birth of Sumedharama Buddhist Monastery (named in honour of Ajahn Sumedho).

As the senior monk and spiritual guide of Sumedharama, he has overseen the growth of this first forest monastery in Portugal, creating a space where the Dhamma can flourish in a new cultural context.

Ven. Ajahn Nyaniko

Introduction

Ajahn Nyaniko is a senior American monastic and the current Abbot of Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery. Having entered the monastic life at a young age, he represents a generation of Western monastics who have fully integrated the rigorous discipline of the Thai Forest Tradition with a modern Western upbringing. He is known for his calm, steady presence and his ability to convey the Dhamma with simplicity and directness.

Early Path and Ordination

Born and raised in California, Ajahn Nyaniko’s spiritual journey began in his late teens. In 2001, at the age of 20, he visited Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in Redwood Valley, California. Deeply moved by the lifestyle and teachings, he decided to commit to the path of renunciation almost immediately.

His monastic progression followed the traditional stages of the Forest Tradition:

  • 2001: Ordained as an Anagarika (eight-precept postulant).

  • 2002: Took Samanera (novice) ordination.

  • July 2003: Received full Bhikkhu ordination, with Luang Por Pasanno as his preceptor.

Training and International Experience

Ajahn Nyaniko received his foundational training under the direct guidance of two of the most senior Western disciples of Ajahn Chah: Luang Por Pasanno and Luang Por Amaro. Their mentorship provided him with a deep understanding of the Vinaya (monastic code) and the meditative heart of the tradition.

To further refine his practice and immerse himself in the roots of the lineage, Ajahn Nyaniko spent over six years training in Thailand. This period allowed him to practice in the rugged forest monasteries of Northeast Thailand, experience the culture that birthed the tradition, and learn from various Thai masters within the Ajahn Chah circle.

Leadership at Abhayagiri

Upon returning to the United States, Ajahn Nyaniko took on increasing responsibilities within the Abhayagiri community.

  • 2018 – 2020: Following Luang Por Pasanno’s decision to step back from administrative leadership, Ajahn Nyaniko served as Co-Abbot alongside Ajahn Karuṇadhammo. Together, they guided the community through a period of transition and growth.

  • June 2020 – Present: Ajahn Nyaniko assumed the role of sole Abbot of Abhayagiri. In this capacity, he oversees the spiritual and administrative life of the monastery, supporting a community of monastics and lay practitioners on the "Fearless Mountain" (the English translation of Abhayagiri).

Ven. Ajahn Jayanto

Introduction

Ajahn Jayanto is a senior American monastic in the lineage of Ajahn Chah. With decades of training across Europe, Asia, and North America, he has played a central role in bringing the Thai Forest Tradition back to his roots in New England. He is known for his calm, thoughtful presence and his dedication to establishing monastic communities that serve as spiritual sanctuaries for the modern world.

Early Spiritual Search

Born in Boston in 1967, Ajahn Jayanto grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. His path to the Dhamma began during his time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where a period of international travel sparked a deep interest in the spiritual life.

Upon returning to the U.S., he began attending meditation classes at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, which eventually led him to the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. It was there that he felt the call to the monastic life, making plans to join the community of Luang Por Sumedho in England.

Monastic Training in Europe and Thailand

In 1989, Ajahn Jayanto traveled to the UK to begin his life as a postulant at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. He took full Bhikkhu (monk) ordination in 1991 at Cittaviveka (Chithurst Buddhist Monastery), with Ajahn Sumedho as his preceptor.

For the next several years, he trained rigorously in the UK at both Chithurst and Aruna Ratanagiri (Harnham Buddhist Monastery). Seeking to deepen his practice in the source of his tradition, he embarked on a formative period of practice in Thailand and other Asian Buddhist countries from 1997 to 2006. This decade of "forest training" allowed him to immerse himself in the lifestyle and meditation techniques of the Thai masters.

Establishing Temple Forest Monastery (Jetavana)

After returning to the UK in 2006 and serving the community at Amaravati for several years, Ajahn Jayanto felt the call to help establish a monastic presence in his home region of New England.

Since 2009, he has been a leading figure in the efforts to found a branch monastery in the United States. This culminated in the establishment of Temple Forest Monastery (Jetavana) in Temple, New Hampshire, in 2014. As the Abbot, he has overseen the transformation of a historic property into a thriving forest monastery, providing a space for both monastic training and lay practice in the northeastern United States.

Ven. Ajahn Kusalo

Introduction

Ajahn Kusalo is a senior monk in the Thai Forest Tradition, widely respected for his practical, "down-to-earth" approach to the Dhamma. With a background in the construction industry and a former life as a householder, he brings a unique, relatable perspective to spiritual practice, emphasising that the path to peace is found within the ordinary activities of daily life.

Early Life: From Builder to Seeker

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1952, Ajahn Kusalo lived a full householder life before entering the monastery. He worked for many years in the building industry as a carpenter and builder, eventually qualifying as a Quantity Surveyor. This professional background significantly informs his teaching style, which often uses structural metaphors and focuses on the "craft" of mental cultivation.

His spiritual journey began in earnest around 1980 when he met Ajahn Jāgaro in Perth, Australia, and attended retreats led by Ajahn Sumedho. Despite his deep interest in the Dhamma, he continued to fulfil his responsibilities as a husband and father to his son for another decade before transitioning to monastic life.

Monastic Path and Ordination

In 1990, he joined Ajahn Viradhammo at Bodhinyanarama Monastery in Wellington to begin his formal training. He took full Bhikkhu ordination in 1992 with Ajahn Sumedho as his preceptor.

His monastic training has been international in scope:

  • New Zealand (1992–1994): Initial years of training at Bodhinyanarama.

  • United Kingdom (1994–2000): Six years at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, training under the direct guidance of Ajahn Sumedho.

  • Europe (2000–2004): Spent time in Wales and several years wandering (tudong) through various parts of Europe, further refining his practice in solitude and diverse environments.

Establishing Tisarana (Canada)

In 2004, Ajahn Kusalo moved to Canada to assist Ajahn Viradhammo in establishing a new forest monastery. For eight years, he played a central role in the growth of Tisarana Buddhist Monastery in Ontario, serving as its co-abbot. True to his roots, he was deeply involved in the physical manifestation of the monastery, literally "hooking on his tool belt" to help renovate the original farm buildings into a sanctuary for practitioners.

Return to Bodhinyanarama

In 2012, Ajahn Kusalo returned to his "home" monastery, Bodhinyanarama, in New Zealand to succeed Ajahn Tiradhammo as Abbot. Under his leadership, the monastery continues to be a thriving focal point for the Thai Forest Tradition in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a space for both rigorous monastic training and lay community engagement.


Ven. Ajahn Dhammasiha

Introduction

Ajahn Dhammasiha is a senior monk within the Thai Forest Tradition, known for his deep scholarly knowledge of the Suttas (the Buddha’s original discourses) and his commitment to the rigorous meditative life of the forest lineage. With a background that spans European academia, Sri Lankan forest training, and the Thai-Australian monastic community, he offers a teaching style that is intellectually rigorous yet profoundly practical.

From Corporate Culture to the Dhammapada

Born in West Germany in 1966, Ajahn Dhammasiha’s early life was centered on academic and professional pursuits. After serving in the German armed forces and completing his studies in Business Administration in West Berlin, he embarked on a PhD project focused on "Indian Corporate Culture."

It was during his field research in India in 1994 that he encountered the Dhammapada. This ancient collection of the Buddha's sayings resonated so deeply with him that he described it as a "true revelation," prompting him to pivot from a corporate career toward the path of renunciation.

Monastic Foundations: Sri Lanka and the Vinaya

In 1995, he took ordination in Sri Lanka under the guidance of Most Ven. Pandita K. Sri Jinavarisa. He spent three formative years at Nissarana Vana (Meetisigala), one of Sri Lanka’s most respected forest monasteries. This period was dedicated to:

  • Solitary Practice: Developing deep concentration and mindfulness in a secluded forest environment.

  • Meticulous Vinaya: Mastering the traditional monastic code of discipline, which remains a cornerstone of his practice today.

Integration into the Thai Forest Tradition

In 1998, Ajahn Dhammasiha moved to Australia to train within the lineage of Ajahn Chah. He spent significant time at Bodhinyana Monastery in Perth and Vimokkharam Forest Hermitage in Melbourne.

During his training in Australia, he had the rare opportunity to receive direct teachings from some of the most revered meditation masters of the Thai Forest Tradition, including Luang Por Tui and Luang Por Plien. These influences helped him synthesize the strict discipline of the Sri Lankan tradition with the profound meditative insights of the Thai masters.

Establishing Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage

In 2007, Ajahn Dhammasiha accepted an invitation to Brisbane to help establish a forest monastery for the local community. Under his guidance, Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage was established as a sanctuary for those seeking silence and spiritual growth.

As the Abbot, he has worked tirelessly to create a "forest" environment in the Brisbane hinterlands where monastics and laypeople alike can practice the Dhamma in its traditional form.

Ven. Ajahn Achalo

Introduction

Ajahn Achalo is a senior Western disciple in the lineage of the late Ajahn Chah. Known for his deep devotion and extensive training under some of the greatest living masters of the Forest Tradition, he brings a wealth of experience in meditation, monastic discipline, and the art of spiritual pilgrimage. His teachings are characterized by a profound gratitude for the Dhamma and a practical emphasis on finding "peace beyond suffering."

Early Life and Path to Ordination

Born in Brisbane, Australia, in 1972, Ajahn Achalo’s spiritual journey began in his early twenties. His keen interest in meditation led him to Thailand at the age of 21, where he spent two years exploring various meditation centers and monasteries.

In 1996, he took full ordination as a Bhikkhu (monk) at Wat Nong Pah Pong, with Luang Por Liem serving as his preceptor. This began a decades-long immersion in the strict, disciplined lifestyle of the Thai Forest Tradition.

A Lineage of Wisdom: Teachers and Mentors

Ajahn Achalo’s training is distinguished by the time he spent learning directly from several of the most influential teachers in the Western and Thai Forest Sangha. His path has been shaped by the guidance of:

  • Tan Ajahn Anan: The Abbot of Wat Marp Jan, whom Ajahn Achalo considers his principal mentor and guide for the majority of his monastic life.

  • Senior Western Elders: He has received personal guidance from Ajahn Sumedho, Ajahn Pasanno, Ajahn Jayasaro, and Ajahn Kalyano.

Beyond the Thai Forest Tradition, Ajahn Achalo has also expressed deep appreciation for the instructions and compassionate example of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, whose teachings he integrates as a valuable complement to his core Theravada practice.

Diverse Training and Pilgrimage

A hallmark of Ajahn Achalo’s monastic life is his varied experience across different contemplative settings. He has practiced in:

  • International Forest Monasteries: Training in several monasteries within the Ajahn Chah lineage globally.

  • Remote Forest Retreats: Spending significant periods in the solitude of nature to deepen his meditation.

  • Traditional Pilgrimage: Traveling to sacred sites to cultivate faith and reflection, a practice that informs his teaching on the "living" nature of the Dhamma.

Anandagiri Forest Monastery

Today, Ajahn Achalo is the Abbot of Anandagiri Forest Monastery in Petchabun, Thailand. Under his leadership, the monastery has become a sanctuary for both monastics and laypeople seeking to cultivate mindfulness and wisdom. He has also been instrumental in various charitable projects, including the development of local infrastructure and support for Buddhist education.

Ven. Ajahn Jayasaro

Introduction

Ajahn Jayasaro is one of the most respected senior Western disciples of the legendary meditation master Ajahn Chah. Known for his profound clarity, gentle wit, and ability to translate deep Dhamma into practical wisdom for modern life, he has spent over four decades as a monastic in the Thai Forest Tradition.

Early Life and Path to the Robe

Born Shaun Michael Chiverton on the Isle of Wight, England, in 1958, Ajahn Jayasaro’s spiritual search began in his teenage years. At the age of 16, he embarked on a journey through India, seeking a way of life aligned with his personal principles. After returning to England, he discovered the teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition through Ajahn Sumedho.

In 1978, he joined Ajahn Sumedho's community as an anagarika (monastic trainee) before travelling to Thailand later that year. He took full ordination as a Bhikkhu at Wat Nong Pah Pong in 1980, with Ajahn Chah serving as his preceptor.

Leadership at Wat Pah Nanachat

After years of rigorous training and solitary retreat, Ajahn Jayasaro served as the Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery) from 1997 to 2002. During his tenure, he guided monastics from across the globe, upholding the strict standards of discipline and meditation established by Ajahn Chah.

Stillness Flowing: Preserving the Legacy

Ajahn Jayasaro is widely recognized as the official biographer of Ajahn Chah. He spent over twenty years researching and writing "Stillness Flowing," the definitive 800-page biography that captures the life, teachings, and spirit of his teacher. This work is considered a masterpiece of contemporary Buddhist literature, offering a rare, intimate window into the Thai Forest Tradition.

Contributions to Buddhist Education

A passionate advocate for "Buddhism as an education system," Ajahn Jayasaro has been a key figure in integrating Buddhist developmental principles into the Thai school system. He serves as the spiritual advisor for the Panyaprateep Foundation and several schools, emphasising the cultivation of Sila (virtue), Samadhi (inner stillness), and Panna (wisdom) as the foundation for a meaningful life.

Royal Recognition and Citizenship

In recognition of his significant contributions to Thai society and the propagation of the Dhamma, Ajahn Jayasaro was granted Thai citizenship by royal decree in 2020. He has received several high-ranking royal monastic titles from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, most recently being honoured with the title Phra Phrompacharayanmuni in 2024.

Current Life

Today, Ajahn Jayasaro resides in a solitary hermitage at the foot of Khao Yai National Park. While he maintains a life of quiet practice, he continues to offer Dhamma teachings to both monastics and laypeople through retreats, books, and digital media, bridging the gap between ancient forest wisdom and the challenges of the 21st century.

A Monk’s Guide to a Wiser Life: 5 Buddhist Lessons That Will Surprise You

Buddhism is often framed by what we leave behind—suffering, desire, and ego. But what if the path is actually about what we gain? In this guide, we dive into five surprising lessons from Ven. Ajahn Jayasaro that reframe the Buddhist journey as a creative, positive pursuit. Learn why "dreariness" is the true opponent of joy, how to use your tongue to quiet your mind, and why true mindfulness is inseparable from integrity. Discover a wiser way to live that goes far beyond the meditation cushion.

Luang Por Sucitto

Born in London in 1949, Luang Por Sucitto entered monastic life in Thailand in 1975. He took bhikku ordination there in 1976 and returned to Britain in 1978 to train under Luang Por Sumedho in the lineage of the Thai Forest master, Luang Por Chah.In 1979, Luang Por Sucitto was part of the group of monks that established Cittaviveka, Chithurst Buddhist Monastery in West Sussex, UK.  Luang Por was abbot of Cittaviveka from 1992 till 2014.  Presently, LP travels on teaching engagements throughout the world.

Beyond Bliss: 5 Counter-Intuitive Truths About Buddhist Meditation

"If there were a foolproof method, every fool would be awakened." Buddhist meditation is often marketed as a passive escape from stress, but the authentic path is a rigorous, pragmatic discipline. Drawing from the "Four Bases for Success," this article examines five counter-intuitive lessons that reframe meditation as a skillful effort. We explore the necessity of cultivating a strong, functional sense of self and the tactical use of "lesser evils" to navigate intense emotions. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, these insights offer a strategic roadmap for anyone looking to move beyond simple bliss and toward genuine, lasting wisdom.

Ven. Ajahn Ṭhānissaro

Introduction

Ajahn Ṭhānissaro (Geoffrey DeGraff) is a highly respected senior monk and one of the most prolific English translators of the Buddha’s original discourses. A student of the great Thai masters, he is widely known for his ability to synthesize rigorous scholarship with the practical, "heart-centered" meditation instructions of the Forest Tradition. His life's work has been dedicated to making the Pali Canon and the teachings of the Thai Forest masters accessible to a global audience.

The Journey to the Forest

Born in 1949 and raised in the United States, Ajahn Ṭhānissaro’s interest in Buddhism was sparked during his college years. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1971 with a degree in European Intellectual History, he traveled to Thailand on a fellowship.

In Thailand, he met Ajahn Fuang Jotiko, a direct disciple of the legendary Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo. Finding in Ajahn Fuang a teacher of immense skill and down-to-earth wisdom, he eventually decided to dedicate his life to the monastic path. He was ordained in 1976 and spent the next decade as Ajahn Fuang's close student and attendant at Wat Dhammasathit.

Bridging East and West

Following the passing of Ajahn Fuang in 1986, Ajahn Ṭhānissaro remained in Thailand for several years. In 1991, at the invitation of Ajahn Suwat Suvaco, he moved to the hills of San Diego County, California, to help establish Metta Forest Monastery (Wat Mettavanaram).

Since 1993, he has served as the Abbot of Metta Forest Monastery, where he has cultivated a sanctuary that preserves the strict discipline and intensive meditation focus of the Thai Forest Tradition on American soil. In 1995, he became the first American-born monk to be given the authority of a Preceptor (Upajjhaya) in the Dhammayut Order.

A Legacy of Translation and Teaching

Ajahn Ṭhānissaro is perhaps best known for his immense contribution to Buddhist literature. His work is characterized by "Dhamma Dana"—the principle that the Dhamma should be shared freely. His major achievements include:

  • The Pali Canon: Translating over 1,000 suttas from the original Pali into clear, modern English. His translations form a significant portion of the Access to Insight and Dhammatalks.org archives.

  • The Thai Forest Masters: Translating the teachings of masters like Ajahn Lee, Ajahn Fuang, and Ajahn Dune, preserving their unique "oral tradition" for English speakers.

  • Authoritative Treatises: Writing influential books such as The Wings to Awakening, The Buddhist Monastic Code, and With Each & Every Breath (a comprehensive meditation manual).