Introduction
Ajahn Maha Dton Dhirapanno is a distinguished teacher in the Thai Forest Tradition whose life path uniquely bridges the worlds of modern medicine and ancient spiritual wisdom. A former pediatrician, Ajahn Dton brings a scientific mind and a deeply compassionate heart to his Dhamma teachings, making them highly accessible to professionals and laypeople seeking balance in a fast-paced world.
Medical Excellence and International Training
Born in Chonburi, Thailand, in 1967, Ajahn Dton (born Keyrati Srivuthana) initially pursued a career in medicine. After completing his foundational medical education in Thailand, he was awarded a prestigious Thai government scholarship to specialize in Paediatrics in the United States.
From 1994 to 1997, he served at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan (American Board of Pediatrics). During his residency, he was not only recognized for his clinical skill but also for his exceptional bedside manner, receiving the "Best of Hospitality" award—a testament to the innate kindness (Metta) that would later become a hallmark of his monastic life.
The Turning Point: Medicine for the Mind
While in the United States, despite his professional success, Ajahn Dton sought a deeper fulfillment. He attended a meditation retreat led by Ajahn Jayasaro (then the Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat). This experience proved transformative; he realized that while medicine could heal the body, the Dhamma offered a cure for the underlying suffering of the mind.
Upon completing his advanced medical commitments, he returned to Thailand to enter the monastic life, taking his vows at Wat Pah Nanachat (The International Forest Monastery) in the lineage of Ajahn Chah.
Scholarly Achievement: The Title of "Maha"
In the Thai monastic tradition, the title "Maha" is a distinguished honour reserved for those who demonstrate high proficiency in the study of the Pali language, the original language of the Theravada scriptures.
Ajahn Dton’s intellectual rigor led him to complete advanced Buddhist studies, earning him Grade 3 Pali studies proficiency. This academic foundation allows him to share the Buddha’s original discourses with deep accuracy and linguistic insight.
Integration of Dhamma and Healthcare
Given his medical background, Ajahn Dton occupies a unique role as a Buddhist adviser and meditation instructor for:
Hospitals and Medical Schools: Helping healthcare professionals manage burnout and cultivate compassion.
Government Departments: Integrating mindfulness into public service.
Schools: Teaching the next generation the foundations of mental well-being.
He currently serves as the Co-Abbot of Wat Pah Boon Lorm in Ubon Ratchathani, a monastery that emphasizes the traditional forest lifestyle while remaining deeply engaged with the local and international community.