Meditation Retreat, Resources
John Lee
One Day Meditation Retreat with Ven Ajahn ...

One Day Meditation Retreat with Ven Ajahn Thanissaro at Uttama Bodhi Vihara (UBV) on 13 December 2023, Wednesday

BUBS Activities, Event Report
John Lee
Kathina Trip organised by BUBS Fellowship

BUBS would like to thank all participants of the 2022 Fellowship cum Kathina Trip to Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary, Taiping - BUBS very first trip since the pandemic. It was a memorable spiritual and educational bonding session for everyone.

Event Report, BUBS Activities
John Lee
BUBS Kathina Donation Disbursement

We are pleased to inform you that through your generosity, we have collected RM 29413.00 in our recent call for Kathina 2021 Donation.

BUBS will top up the donation to RM30,000.00 from our Sangha Dayaka Fund.

With this we are pleased to share that we will be disbursing RM10,000.00 to each of the 3 monasteries/temples listed below:

  1. Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary, Taiping Perak

  2. Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple, Sentul KL

  3. Santi Forest Monastery, Ulu Tiram Johor

Anumodana to all our donors for your generous donation to support the Buddha Sasana. We could not have done it without your support.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

May the goodness arising from your kindness and generosity be the cause for the arising of favourable conditions that will support your practice.

BUBS Activities, Event Report
John Lee
Save-a-life at TTDI Lembah Kiara Park on ...

The event started with chanting followed by liberation of the live fish into the creek. Dedication and sharing of merits was done with all who participated for the benefit for all beings. Followed by a breakfast picnic.

Dhamma School
John Lee
Students Safety

For the continuous peace, safety and security of our students, we seek your cooperation to observe the following.

a.    Running is strictly not allowed within the premise.

b.    Parents are NOT allowed on the Mezzanine and 1st floor from 8.50 am to 10.30 am during Dhamma School session.

c.    Parents who need to be around on these floors must seek permission from the class teacher or the Principal.

d.    Please note that the official Dhamma School operation hours is from 8.45 am to 10.30 am for Pre-School to DS7 and from 8.45 am to 10.45 am for Teen Quest.

e.     Parents are to meet their child/children on the Lower Ground (LG) Floor upon Dhamma School Session ends and not later than 11.15 am.

f.     For your information, the Library on LG Floor is open until 12 noon and students are encouraged to stay in the Library while waiting for their parents.

g.    For students who are attending SIG classes, please meet them on the Ground Floor lobby, outside Buddhacetiya Hall by 12.15 pm

h.    Students are adviced not to wait outside the premise and compound.

i.      Please inform your child/children NOT to walk out of UBV premise without your prior permission.

j.      Should you or your child require assistance, please contact the respective class teacher or call Sis Poh Liew at 016-201 9268 or the Librarian in the Library.

Ajahn Kusalo

Ven. Ajahn Kusalo

Introduction

Ajahn Kusalo is a senior monk in the Thai Forest Tradition, widely respected for his practical, "down-to-earth" approach to the Dhamma. With a background in the construction industry and a former life as a householder, he brings a unique, relatable perspective to spiritual practice, emphasising that the path to peace is found within the ordinary activities of daily life.

Early Life: From Builder to Seeker

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1952, Ajahn Kusalo lived a full householder life before entering the monastery. He worked for many years in the building industry as a carpenter and builder, eventually qualifying as a Quantity Surveyor. This professional background significantly informs his teaching style, which often uses structural metaphors and focuses on the "craft" of mental cultivation.

His spiritual journey began in earnest around 1980 when he met Ajahn Jāgaro in Perth, Australia, and attended retreats led by Ajahn Sumedho. Despite his deep interest in the Dhamma, he continued to fulfil his responsibilities as a husband and father to his son for another decade before transitioning to monastic life.

Monastic Path and Ordination

In 1990, he joined Ajahn Viradhammo at Bodhinyanarama Monastery in Wellington to begin his formal training. He took full Bhikkhu ordination in 1992 with Ajahn Sumedho as his preceptor.

His monastic training has been international in scope:

  • New Zealand (1992–1994): Initial years of training at Bodhinyanarama.

  • United Kingdom (1994–2000): Six years at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, training under the direct guidance of Ajahn Sumedho.

  • Europe (2000–2004): Spent time in Wales and several years wandering (tudong) through various parts of Europe, further refining his practice in solitude and diverse environments.

Establishing Tisarana (Canada)

In 2004, Ajahn Kusalo moved to Canada to assist Ajahn Viradhammo in establishing a new forest monastery. For eight years, he played a central role in the growth of Tisarana Buddhist Monastery in Ontario, serving as its co-abbot. True to his roots, he was deeply involved in the physical manifestation of the monastery, literally "hooking on his tool belt" to help renovate the original farm buildings into a sanctuary for practitioners.

Return to Bodhinyanarama

In 2012, Ajahn Kusalo returned to his "home" monastery, Bodhinyanarama, in New Zealand to succeed Ajahn Tiradhammo as Abbot. Under his leadership, the monastery continues to be a thriving focal point for the Thai Forest Tradition in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a space for both rigorous monastic training and lay community engagement.

Religious activities and announcements posted are strictly for non-Muslims only.