Elder

Āyasmā Rāhula

Introduction

Āyasmā Rāhula is a dedicated practitioner and teacher who bridges the profound meditative traditions of Myanmar with a modern, scholarly understanding of the mind. Having lived and practised in Asia for over two decades, he brings a global perspective to the Dhamma. He is particularly recognized for his ability to translate the complex maps of the Abhidhamma (Buddhist Psychology) into practical "anatomy of the mind" courses that resonate with students across the world.

Monastic Training in Myanmar

Āyasmā Rāhula’s monastic foundation was forged in the heart of Myanmar, where he was ordained by the Most Venerable Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālābhivaṃsa, one of the world's leading authorities on Abhidhamma and Pali scholarship.

His training has been defined by two distinct yet complementary pillars:

  • Awareness Meditation: Since 2004, he has received personal meditation guidance from Sayadaw U Tejaniya at Shwe Oo Min Forest Center, focusing on the cultivation of continuous, relaxed awareness in daily life.

  • Scriptural Mastery: He studied the Suttas and Abhidhamma intensively under Sayadaw Dr. Ukkamsacara, gaining a deep technical understanding of the Buddha’s psychological framework.

Academic Excellence and Global Teaching

In 2019, Āyasmā Rāhula further deepened his intellectual grasp of the tradition by completing a course on Buddhist Scriptures at Harvard University. This combination of traditional forest practice and Western academic rigor allows him to present the Dhamma in a way that is both authentic and intellectually accessible.

He is well-known for his weekly online courses, "Anatomy of the Mind," which apply Abhidhamma principles to modern life. These sessions are conducted in both English and Spanish, reaching students in more than 15 countries and fostering a global community of practitioners.

Humanitarian Work and SBS Malaysia

Currently, Āyasmā Rāhula resides at the Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) in Taiping, Malaysia, where he continues his training under the guidance of Ven. Ariyadhammika.

Despite his focus on practice, he maintains a strong commitment to social service in South America, where he:

  • Addiction Recovery: Assists in programs helping society members gain freedom from drug and alcohol addiction.

  • Educational Campaigns: Supports preventative education to empower the youth against substance abuse.

  • Propagating Dhamma: Continues to introduce the Buddha’s teachings to the Spanish-speaking world, where the Dhamma is still emerging.

Ven. U Buddharakkhita

Introduction

Venerable U Buddharakkhita is a respected meditation teacher and a significant figure within the Tusita Hermitage community. Born in Penang, he transitioned into the monastic life after a successful lay career, driven by a profound experience in intensive meditation. Known for his clarity in teaching and his bilingual fluency in English and Mandarin, he serves as a vital bridge for practitioners seeking to master the intricate Samatha and Vipassana techniques of the Pa-Auk tradition.

The Call to Renunciation

The spiritual turning point for Venerable U Buddharakkhita occurred in 2008. While attending a short meditation retreat at Tusita Hermitage in Kuching, he was deeply moved by the teachings of Venerable U Maṅgala and the inspiring examples of the young, dedicated monastics there. This encounter sparked a decisive shift in his life’s direction, leading him to renounce the householder life.

In 2009, he received full ordination from the Most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw, one of the world's foremost masters of meditation. Under the rigorous guidance of his mentor, Ven. U Maṅgala, he began his training in the "forest style" of the Pa-Auk lineage, which emphasizes deep concentration (Jhana) as a foundation for insight.

Service at Tusita Hermitage

Venerable U Buddharakkhita’s dedication and aptitude for the Dhamma led him to assume significant responsibilities within the Sangha. He currently serves as the Assistant Teacher to Venerable U Kañcana at Tusita Hermitage in Kuching.


Below is the recording of  1st session guided meditation by Ven. U Buddharakkhita on Thursday, 10 Aug 2017:

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