Luang Por Pasanno

Introduction

Luang Por Pasanno is a highly revered senior monastic in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah. With over 50 years of monastic experience, he is a primary figure in the establishment of the Forest Sangha in both Thailand and the West. Known for his profound calm and clear, practical Dhamma reflections, Luang Por Pasanno served as the Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat for 15 years and later founded Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in California. In 2019, he was conferred the royal title of Chao Khun Phra Rajabodhivides by the King of Thailand in recognition of his significant contributions to the Dhamma.

Early Life and Training in Thailand

Born in Manitoba, Canada, Luang Por Pasanno’s spiritual search led him to Thailand in the early 1970s. He took full ordination as a Bhikkhu in 1974 at Wat Sahadhamma Katika in Phetchaburi.

During his first year as a monk, his preceptor took him to meet Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong. Deeply inspired by the master's presence, Luang Por Pasanno requested permission to stay and train within the community. He became one of the early residents of Wat Pah Nanachat (The International Forest Monastery), which was established specifically to accommodate the growing number of Westerners seeking monastic training in the forest tradition.

Leadership at Wat Pah Nanachat

In his ninth year of monastic life, Luang Por Pasanno was appointed the Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat. Under his leadership, the monastery flourished and its reputation grew internationally as a center for authentic forest practice. During his 15-year incumbency, he oversaw the training of countless monastics and became a widely respected Dhamma teacher throughout Thailand, known for his fluency in the Thai language and his deep understanding of the forest lifestyle.

Establishing Abhayagiri in the West

After 24 years of living and practicing in Thailand, Luang Por Pasanno moved to California on New Year’s Eve of 1997. He joined Ajahn Amaro as Co-Abbot to establish Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in Redwood Valley. This was the first monastery in the United States to be established in the direct lineage of Ajahn Chah.

When Ajahn Amaro was invited to lead Amaravati Monastery in the UK in 2010, Luang Por Pasanno served as the sole Abbot of Abhayagiri for the next eight years, guiding the community through significant physical and spiritual growth.

Guiding Elder and Sabbaticals

In the spring of 2018, after more than four decades of continuous administrative and leadership duties, Luang Por Pasanno stepped back from the role of Abbot. He entered a year-long sabbatical, practicing in various forest monasteries abroad to deepen his own meditation.

Upon his return, he transitioned into the role of Guiding Elder (or Anchor of Wisdom). While the administrative leadership of Abhayagiri is now held by Ajahn Ñāṇiko, Luang Por Pasanno continues to reside at the monastery as a source of guidance, providing invaluable mentorship to the Sangha and the lay community.

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