Venerable Ajahn Pavaro is a Canadian-born bhikkhu within the Thai Forest Tradition, bringing a rich blend of deep contemplative experience and unique scholarly insight to the Sangha. Before entering monastic life, he had a distinguished academic career as a university lecturer in comparative religion in Calgary, Alberta—a field that perfectly reflected his lifelong inclination toward understanding the diverse spiritual paths of humanity. Having spent over two decades in the robes across Canada, the United States, and Thailand, Ajahn Pavaro beautifully bridges Eastern monastic practice with Western cultural frameworks.
Formative Training in the West
Ajahn Pavaro’s path of renunciation began in earnest after retiring from his academic career. In 2001, he embarked on his early, formative monastic training under the guidance of Ajahn Sona at Sitavana Forest Monastery (Birken Forest Monastery) in British Columbia, Canada. Immersed in the quiet isolation of the Canadian wilderness, he built a solid foundation in mindfulness and strict Vinaya discipline, leading to his full higher ordination (Upasampada) as a Bhikkhu in 2003.
As his practice matured, he spent his 7th year as a Bhikkhu at Abhayagiri Forest Monastery in Northern California. There, he trained directly under his preceptor, the highly revered elder master Luang Por Pasanno, alongside the Abhayagiri Sangha, cementing his connection to the international lineage of Ajahn Chah.
Deep Roots in Thailand
Seeking to experience the spiritual heartland of the forest tradition, Ajahn Pavaro relocated to Thailand in late 2010. The next nine years marked a monumental chapter in his monastic journey, the majority of which was spent residing with Ajahn Achalo at Anandagiri Forest Monastery in the scenic mountain province of Phetchabun.
During his near-decade in Asia, Ajahn Pavaro was deeply integrated into the wider Wat Nong Pah Pong community. He spent valuable periods of intensive practice at Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery) and was blessed with opportunities to receive direct, profound guidance from some of the lineage's most revered pillars, including Luang Por Liem and Tan Ajahn Anan. This extensive exposure allowed him to fully absorb the classic forest standards of endurance, simplicity, and community harmony.
Returning to Canada
In June 2020, carrying a wealth of wisdom from his time in Thailand, Ajahn Pavaro returned to his native country. He was warmly welcomed by Luang Por Viradhammo to Tisarana Buddhist Monastery in Perth, Ontario, where he now resides. Today, he serves as a valuable senior member of the Tisarana community, supporting the growth of the Dhamma in the West through his steady practice, guidance to younger monastics, and clear Dhamma talks for lay practitioners.