Introduction
Most Venerable Luang Por Liem Ṭhitadhammo is the spiritual head of the worldwide Ajahn Chah lineage. As the chosen successor to Ajahn Chah, he carries the weight of maintaining the standards of the "Forest Tradition" for over 300 branch monasteries globally. He is a living embodiment of the Dhamma, revered for his profound simplicity, unwavering discipline (Vinaya), and a presence that radiates the "silent wisdom" characteristic of the great forest masters.
Early Life and The Call of the Forest
Born on November 5, 1941, in Sri Saket Province, Northeast Thailand, Luang Por Liem entered the monastic life at the age of twenty. While he spent his early years practising in village monasteries, his search for a deeper, more authentic practice led him to join the Forest Tradition in 1969.
It was during this time that he met Luang Pu Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong. Under Luang Pu’s guidance, he found the rigorous training he was seeking—a lifestyle centered on endurance, mindfulness, and the total integration of Dhamma into every physical action.
The Chosen Successor
Luang Por Liem quickly became one of Ajahn Chah’s closest and most trusted disciples. His dedication to the community and his steady, reliable nature were evident to all. In 1982, when Ajahn Chah became severely ill and lost his ability to speak, the heavy responsibility of leading the community fell upon Luang Por Liem.
Recognizing his wisdom and administrative capacity, the Sangha of Wat Nong Pah Pong formally appointed him as the Abbot. For over 40 years, he has fulfilled this duty, serving as the "Steady Anchor" for the lineage during its period of massive international expansion.
Guardian of the Heritage
Luang Por Liem’s primary mission has been the preservation of the "Heritage of Wat Nong Pah Pong." This involves:
The Standard of Sila: Maintaining the strict monastic discipline that Ajahn Chah insisted upon.
Communal Harmony: Guiding a diverse, international Sangha of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners with a "cool heart" (Jai Yen).
Simplicity: Despite his high rank and global influence, Luang Por remains incredibly accessible, often found engaged in manual labour or sitting quietly in the forest, demonstrating that the highest Dhamma is found in the simplest acts.