Introduction
Luang Por Karuniko is a senior monastic in the Thai Forest Tradition with over 40 years of experience in the robes. A direct disciple of Ajahn Sumedho, he has been a foundational pillar in the establishment of the Forest Sangha in the West. Known for his technical precision, humility, and steady wisdom, he currently serves as the Abbot of Cittaviveka, the first forest monastery established in the UK.
From Engineering to Enlightenment
Born Christopher John Woodfine in 1953 near Manchester, England, Luang Por Karuniko’s early life was focused on the sciences. He graduated from Sheffield University in 1975 with an honours degree in Electronics Engineering.
His professional career as an engineer in North London was short-lived, however, as a chance encounter with a Buddhist book in 1976 sparked a profound shift in his perspective. Two years later, he met Ajahn Sumedho at the Hampstead Vihara. This meeting was a turning point; the clarity of the Forest Tradition’s teachings resonated with his logical mind and spiritual aspirations, leading him to move toward a life of renunciation.
Monastic Training and Ordination
Luang Por Karuniko began his formal training at the very beginning of the Forest Sangha's move to the English countryside:
1982: Entered the community at Cittaviveka (Chithurst Buddhist Monastery) as an Anagarika (eight-precept postulant).
July 1984: Received full Bhikkhu (monk) ordination from Ajahn Sumedho.
A Global Builder of Sangha
For much of his monastic life, Luang Por Karuniko has been an "architect" of the tradition, not just spiritually, but practically. His background in engineering proved invaluable as he helped establish and develop several monasteries:
The UK Monasteries: He was instrumental in the physical and communal development of the British branches, including Cittaviveka and Amaravati.
New Zealand: He spent significant time assisting the growth of Bodhinyanarama Monastery in Wellington, helping to solidify the tradition in the Southern Hemisphere.
Leadership at Cittaviveka
In a "full circle" journey, Luang Por Karuniko returned to where his training began to serve as the Abbot of Cittaviveka. Under his guidance, Chithurst continues to serve as a rigorous training ground for monastics and a sanctuary of silence for the thousands of laypeople who visit annually.
His leadership is characterized by a "lead-by-example" approach, upholding the high standards of discipline and simplicity that Ajahn Chah first transmitted to the West.