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.