Luang Por Kalyano

Introduction

Luang Por Kalyano is a senior Western disciple in the lineage of the renowned meditation master Ajahn Chah. With over 40 years of monastic experience, he is a pivotal figure in the global expansion of the Thai Forest Tradition. As the founding abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Australia, he is widely respected for his unwavering commitment to the monastic code (Vinaya) and his ability to guide lay practitioners toward inner peace through the development of "Stillness and Wisdom."

Early Life and Path to the Robe

Born Daniel Jones in London in 1962, Luang Por Kalyano’s spiritual quest began during his youth. While a student at Bristol University, he encountered the Buddha’s teachings and felt a deep resonance with the Path of Dhamma.

Following the completion of his degree, his search led him to Thailand, where he sought a life dedicated entirely to meditation and renunciation. In 1985, he received full ordination as a Bhikkhu at Wat Nong Pah Pong, the mother monastery of Ajahn Chah’s lineage.

Deep Roots: Training with Ajahn Anan

A defining feature of Luang Por Kalyano’s monastic life is his long and close association with Venerable Ajahn Anan Akiñcano. Ajahn Anan is celebrated as one of Ajahn Chah’s most accomplished meditation disciples, known for his profound mastery of Samadhi (concentration).

Luang Por Kalyano spent many years training under Ajahn Anan at Wat Marp Jan in Thailand. This rigorous apprenticeship provided him with a direct transmission of the forest tradition's values: endurance, meticulousness in practice, and a heart grounded in deep meditative absorption.

Establishing the Forest Tradition in Australia

In the year 2000, Luang Por Kalyano was invited by the Buddhist community in Australia to help establish a forest monastery that would uphold the standards of the Ajahn Chah lineage. This led to the founding of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in East Warburton, a secluded forest area near Melbourne.

Under his leadership, Buddha Bodhivana has grown from a humble patch of forest into a flourishing center for monastic training. Today, it serves as a vital sanctuary for both local and international monastics, and as a spiritual hub for lay practitioners in the Melbourne region and beyond.

Luang Por Nyanadhammo

Introduction

Most Venerable Luang Por Nyanadhammo is a highly esteemed senior monk in the Thai Forest Tradition and a direct disciple of the legendary Ajahn Chah. With nearly 50 years in the robes, he is recognized for his profound mastery of the Dhamma, his skill in meditation, and his fluent command of the Thai language, which has allowed him to bridge the gap between Eastern forest wisdom and Western practitioners. He currently serves as the Abbot of Wat Ratanawan, a secluded forest monastery located at the edge of Khao Yai National Park.

From Biology to the Buddha's Path

Born in Adelaide, Australia, in 1955, Luang Por Nyanadhammo's spiritual journey began during his university years while studying biology. His scientific inquiry into the nature of life eventually led him to the Buddha’s teachings. Inspired by what he read, he traveled to Thailand in 1978 to seek a more authentic way of living.

He received his novice ordination at Wat Bowon Niwet Wiharn in Bangkok from Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara (the late Supreme Patriarch of Thailand). In 1979, at the age of 24, he received full Bhikkhu ordination from Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong, becoming part of the historic first generation of Westerners to train in the heart of the Northeast Thai jungles.

The Life of a Jungle Monk

Following his ordination, Luang Por spent many years as a wandering monk (Tudong). He traveled to the most remote corners of Thailand, staying in secluded caves and mountaintop monasteries to refine his meditation practice. During this period, he sought out and studied under many of the great living forest masters of the time, absorbing the "Standard" of the Forest Tradition—a lifestyle of relentless mindfulness, simplicity, and endurance.

Leadership and Service

Luang Por Nyanadhammo has held several significant leadership roles within the Ajahn Chah lineage:

• Australia (1994–2002): Served as the Deputy Abbot to Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery, where he was instrumental in supporting the growing Australian Sangha.

• Wat Pah Nanachat (2002–2007): He returned to Thailand to serve as the Abbot of the International Forest Monastery, guiding a diverse community of monks from all over the world.

• Wat Ratanawan (2007–Present): He was invited to lead Wat Ratanawan in Korat province. Under his guidance, the monastery has become a renowned sanctuary for serious practice, known for its strict adherence to the forest way and its deep natural silence.

Luang Por Dtun

Introduction

Luang Por Dtun is widely considered one of the most significant living meditation masters in Thailand today. A direct disciple of the legendary Ajahn Chah, he is revered for his impeccable conduct (Sila), his profound meditative insights, and a remarkably gentle demeanor that masks a powerful and unwavering dedication to the Dhamma. His life and teachings serve as a beacon for both monastics and laypeople seeking the path to inner liberation.

Early Life and Renunciation

Born in 1955 in the historic province of Ayutthaya, Luang Por Dtun was raised in the bustling environment of Bangkok. Despite his urban upbringing and his success in academia—completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics—he felt a powerful pull toward the spiritual life from a young age.

In his mid-twenties, he chose to leave behind a promising worldly career to seek the truth of the Buddha’s teachings. He traveled to Northeast Thailand to ordain at Wat Nong Pah Pong, where he was accepted as a disciple by Ajahn Chah, who served as his preceptor.

A Reputation for Excellence

Even during his early years as a junior monk, Luang Por Dtun’s practice was a subject of quiet awe among his peers. He was noted for his extraordinary diligence, often spending entire nights in walking and sitting meditation. His fellow monks frequently remarked on the distinct aura of calm and clarity that surrounded him, a testament to his deep concentration and purity of heart.

Under Ajahn Chah’s guidance, he mastered the fundamentals of the forest tradition, emphasizing the integration of strict monastic discipline with the constant investigation of the mind.

Establishing Wat Boonyawad

After years of intensive practice in the remote forests of Thailand, Luang Por Dtun was eventually invited to lead a small hermitage in Chonburi. Under his compassionate leadership, this humble site evolved into Wat Boonyawad, now one of the most prominent and respected training monasteries in the country.

Today, Wat Boonyawad is home to approximately fifty monks. Despite the monastery's size, Luang Por Dtun maintains a rigorous standard of practice, ensuring that the environment remains dedicated to silence, meditation, and the authentic forest lifestyle established by his teacher.

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.

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

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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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Ven. Kai Zhao

Introduction

Venerable Khai Zhao is a compassionate pillar of the Malaysian Buddhist community, widely recognized for his fearless and dedicated service to those in society’s darkest corners. Born in Ipoh, Perak, he has spent over three decades in the robes, primarily known for his pioneering Dhamma work within the prison system. His teachings emphasize the transformative power of forgiveness and the possibility of finding inner freedom even within the walls of a prison cell.

Monastic Training and Education

Venerable Khai Zhao’s spiritual journey began in 1987 when he received his ordination under the Most Venerable Boon Kian at the Ang Hock Si Temple in Penang—the same temple where other notable Malaysian monks, such as Ajahn Cagino, began their paths.

Seeking a solid foundation in Buddhist philosophy, he enrolled in the Malaysia Buddhist College in Penang. Following his graduation, he did not seek a comfortable life in a large monastery but instead chose a path of intense social and spiritual service.

The Prison Ministry: A Voice for the Forgotten

In 1998, Venerable Khai Zhao began a mission that would define his monastic career: teaching the Dhamma in local prisons. He became one of the few monastics willing to provide spiritual counseling and guidance to death penalty inmates.

His work in the prison system focuses on:

• The "Final Journey": Helping death row inmates find peace, repentance, and spiritual refuge in their final days.

• Transformative Counseling: Guiding prisoners to understand the karmic consequences of their actions while showing them the path to mental liberation.

• Expanding the Reach: Since 2006, he has expanded his mission beyond Malaysia, traveling abroad to share his experiences and establish prison Dhamma programs in other countries.

Luang Por Thoon

Introduction

Most Venerable Luang Por Thoon is one of the "Old Guard" disciples of the legendary Ajahn Chah. As one of the very first batch of monks to ordain and train at Wat Nong Pah Pong, he represents the root energy of the Forest Tradition. For over 55 years, he has lived a life of rigorous simplicity and deep meditative inquiry. He is particularly revered for his unwavering commitment to the original standards (Patipada) set by his teacher and for his role in establishing one of the earliest branch monasteries in the lineage.

Early Training: The First Generation

Luang Por Thoon’s monastic journey began at the very heart of the Ajahn Chah movement. He was among the pioneering group of disciples who helped build Wat Nong Pah Pong from a wild, malaria-ridden forest into a world-renowned center of practice.

He spent nine years in close proximity to Ajahn Chah, serving him personally and absorbing the Dhamma through the "osmosis" of daily life. This period was characterized by:

• Severe Austerity: Practising with minimal requisites to break the mind's attachment to comfort.

• Direct Instruction: Receiving personal guidance from Ajahn Chah during the formative years of the lineage.

• Communal Labour: Learning that "work is practice," a hallmark of the Wat Nong Pah Pong style.

Abbot of Wat Pah Tam Seng (The 5th Branch)

Recognizing Luang Por Thoon's spiritual maturity and leadership capacity, Ajahn Chah appointed him to lead Wat Pah Tam Seng. Established 45 years ago, it holds a place of high honour as the 5th branch monastery of Wat Nong Pah Pong.

Under Luang Por Thoon’s guidance, Wat Pah Tam Seng has remained a sanctuary for those seeking the traditional "Forest Way." He has presided over the monastery for four decades, maintaining a stable and peaceful environment for generations of monks and laypeople.

Luang Por Anek Yasadinno

Introduction

Luang Por Anek Yasadinno is one of the most senior and deeply respected elders within the global community of the Ajahn Chah lineage. Known for his humility, craftsmanship, and profound dedication to the Dhamma, he has served as a pillar of the Thai Forest Tradition for over five decades. He is the founding abbot of Wat Pah Sai Ngam, a monastery renowned for its natural beauty and its role as a sanctuary for both spiritual practice and social compassion.

Early Life and Path to the Forest

Born in 1946 in the Det Udom District of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, Luang Por Anek’s spiritual journey began in his youth. In 1967, at the age of 21, he received full ordination as a Bhikkhu at his local village monastery.

Seeking a deeper and more rigorous practice, he moved to Wat Nong Pah Pong in 1968 to train under the direct tutelage of the legendary meditation master Luang Por Chah. During these formative years, he immersed himself in the "Forest Way"—a lifestyle centered on simplicity, endurance, and the constant cultivation of mindfulness in all postures.

Building Wat Pah Sai Ngam: The Temple of Banyan Trees

In 1973, after several years of intensive training, Luang Por Anek was entrusted by Luang Por Chah to establish a new branch monastery. He became the first abbot of Wat Pah Sai Ngam, a role he has held for over 50 years.

Luang Por Anek is uniquely recognized for his artistic and architectural vision. He personally oversaw the design and construction of the monastery, which is famous for:

• The "Banyan Tree" Design: The monastery is integrated seamlessly with the surrounding forest, featuring unique structures built around giant banyan trees and natural rock formations.

• Handcrafted Artistry: Many of the monastery’s Buddha images and statues were handcrafted by Luang Por Anek himself, reflecting his belief that work and craftsmanship are forms of meditation.

• Open-Air Dhamma Hall: The monastery’s Sala (hall) is designed with an open-air concept, allowing the Sangha and laypeople to practice amidst the sounds and elements of nature.

Social Welfare and Compassion

Beyond his role as a meditation teacher, Luang Por Anek is a pioneer in integrating Buddhist principles with social welfare. Since 1991, he has established and led numerous community projects, including:

• The Buffalo and Cow Welfare Fund: Rescuing animals and supporting sustainable rural livelihoods.

• Sangha Medical Fund: Assisting with the healthcare needs of monastics in remote areas.

• Community Compassion Funds: Providing financial and spiritual support to the underprivileged in the Ubon province.

Luang Por Liem

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.

Ven. Dhammavuddho Mahathera

Ven. Dhammavuddho Mahathera was the abbot of Vihara Buhhha Gotama. As a layman, he graduated from the University Malaya in 1971 and worked as an Electrical Engineer with the Public Works Department. In 1983, he went forth into the homeless life in the Mahayana tradition. Three years later, he was reordained in the Theravada tradition in Thailand. Thereafter, he spent about 10 years living the solitary lifestyle in quiet places.

He has written numerous booklets on Buddhism, e.g. Return to the Original Buddha's Teachings, Message of the Buddha, Buddhist Monk's Precepts, Liberation: Relevance of Sutta-Vinaya, Only We Can Help Ourselves, etc. His talks in English, Hokkien/Fujian, Cantonese, span the years 1988 - 2013. The 5 Nikayas in English, Hokkien Angguttara Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya; as well as other talks have been recorded in audio and video. In 1998 he established the Vihara Buddha Gotama, a 15-acre piece of land outside Temoh, Perak. In 2012, he consented to be on the Monastic Advisory Panel of the Theravāda Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM).

Luang Por Anan Akiñcano

Introduction

Luang Por Anan Akiñcano is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished meditation masters in the contemporary Thai Forest Tradition. A close personal disciple of the legendary Ajahn Chah, Luang Por Anan is revered for his profound mastery of Samadhi (concentration) and his ability to explain deep meditative states with clarity and simplicity. As the founding Abbot of Wat Marp Jan, he provides spiritual guidance to hundreds of monastics and thousands of lay practitioners globally.

Early Training and Service to Ajahn Chah

Luang Por Anan entered the monastic life in 1975, ordaining at Wat Nong Pah Pong under the tutelage of Ajahn Chah. Recognizing his potential and sincere dedication, he was chosen to serve as Ajahn Chah’s personal attendant.

For four years, Luang Por Anan lived in close proximity to his teacher, learning not only through formal meditation but through the observation of Ajahn Chah’s daily conduct. This period of "training through service" allowed him to develop a deep, intuitive understanding of the Dhamma and a resilient heart.

The Path of a Forest Ascetic

Following his years of service, Luang Por Anan sought the solitude of the wilderness to deepen his insight. He spent years as a wandering monk (Tudong), seeking out remote and often hazardous locations to test his mental strength.

In 1984, his journey led him to a dense, uninhabited forest in Rayong Province. Here, he established what would become Wat Marp Jan (The Monastery of the Moon Mountain). The early years were defined by extreme hardship; Luang Por lived in a simple bamboo hut and survived multiple life-threatening bouts of malaria. These near-death experiences served only to sharpen his focus on the impermanence of life and the urgency of practice.

A Master of Stillness and Wisdom

As Luang Por Anan’s reputation for profound inner peace grew, so did the community around him. He is specifically noted for his mastery of the Jhanas (deep meditative absorptions) and his emphasis on using a stable, still mind to investigate the nature of reality.

Today, he oversees an extensive network of practitioners:

• Wat Marp Jan: A premier training center for both Thai and Western monastics.

• Branch Monasteries: He is responsible for over ten branch monasteries and the spiritual welfare of more than 100 monks.

• International Reach: He is a frequent guest teacher in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia, where his teachings on "developing the heart" resonate with urban practitioners.

Luang Por Sumedho

Introduction

Luang Por Sumedho is the most senior Western representative of the Thai Forest Tradition. A direct disciple of the legendary Ajahn Chah, he was the first Westerner to be trained by the master in the jungles of Northeast Thailand. For over four decades, Luang Por Sumedho has been the primary visionary behind the establishment of the Forest Sangha in the West, overseeing the founding of numerous monasteries across Europe, North America, and Australasia. He is revered worldwide for his profound wisdom, humor, and his "intuitive" approach to the Dhamma.

Early Life and Global Journey

Born Robert Karr Jackman in Seattle in 1934, Luang Por Sumedho’s early life was marked by service and academic pursuit. He served as a U.S. Navy medic during the Korean War before pursuing a BA in Far Eastern Studies and an MA in South Asian Studies at UC Berkeley.

His path to the robe was unexpected; while serving in the Peace Corps in Borneo and traveling through Singapore, the sight of a passing Buddhist monk sparked a deep, intuitive interest in the monastic life. In 1966, he traveled to Nong Khai, Thailand, to begin his life as a novice, taking full Bhikkhu ordination the following year.

Training with Ajahn Chah

In 1967, Luang Por Sumedho became the first Western disciple of Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong. He spent ten years in rigorous training, living a life of extreme simplicity and intensive meditation. His relationship with Ajahn Chah was foundational; the master’s emphasis on "being the practice" rather than just studying it became the hallmark of Luang Por's own teaching style.

In 1975, he helped establish and became the first abbot of Wat Pa Nanachat (The International Forest Monastery) in Thailand, a site dedicated specifically to training the growing number of non-Thai seekers.

Planting the Dhamma in the West

In 1977, Ajahn Chah brought Luang Por Sumedho to England. Recognizing the potential for the Dhamma to flourish in the West, Ajahn Chah instructed him to remain and establish a branch monastery. This led to the founding of:

• Cittaviveka (Chithurst Buddhist Monastery): The first Thai Forest monastery in the UK, established in 1979.

• The Siladhara Lineage: In a landmark move for the tradition, Luang Por established a ten-precept ordination lineage for women.

• Amaravati Buddhist Monastery: Founded in 1984, this became his primary residence and a major international center for Dhamma study and practice.

Global Impact and Retirement

Luang Por Sumedho’s influence extends far beyond the monasteries he founded. He has been a primary catalyst for a global network of monasteries that now spans the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, France, Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.

After serving as a spiritual beacon for the Western Sangha for decades, Luang Por Sumedho announced his retirement in 2010, handing the abbotship of Amaravati to Ajahn Amaro. After spending several years in Thailand, he returned to Amaravati in 2020, where he currently resides as the community's most senior elder.

Ven. Sujiva

Introduction

Venerable Sujiva is a globally recognized Malaysian Theravadin monk and a pioneer of Vipassana meditation in the region. With a teaching career spanning over four decades, he has been instrumental in making the rigorous meditation techniques of the Burmese forest tradition accessible to both Asian and Western practitioners. Known for his systematic approach and deep expertise in the Abhidhamma, Ven. Sujiva has guided thousands of meditators toward a deeper understanding of the mind-body process.

Academic Background and Ordination

Born in Malaysia, Ven. Sujiva’s early path was one of academic excellence. He graduated with honors from the University of Malaya in 1975, earning a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. However, his interest soon shifted from the cultivation of the land to the cultivation of the heart.

Shortly after his graduation, he felt the call of the monastic life and took full ordination in the Theravada tradition. He dedicated his early years to intensive study and practice, seeking to bridge the gap between ancient scriptural wisdom and practical experience.

Apprenticeship under the Masters

To refine his meditative insight, Ven. Sujiva traveled extensively, learning from various masters in Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar (Burma). His most influential training took place under the guidance of Venerable Sayadaw U Paṇḍitābhivaṃsa, the world-renowned successor to Mahasi Sayadaw at the Mahasi Buddhist Meditation Centre in Yangon.

Under Sayadaw U Paṇḍitā’s rigorous supervision, Ven. Sujiva mastered the meticulous "Mahasi" style of noting and insight, a practice characterized by continuous mindfulness of the present moment.

Establishing a Haven for Practice: Santisukharama

In 1984, Ven. Sujiva founded the Santisukharama Hermitage in Kota Tinggi, Johor. This center became a cornerstone for the Malaysian Buddhist community, serving as a dedicated space for long-term intensive meditation retreats. For over a decade, he conducted countless retreats at the hermitage and throughout Malaysia, fostering a generation of practitioners grounded in Sati (mindfulness).

A Global Teacher

Recognizing a growing thirst for the Dhamma in the West, Ven. Sujiva began teaching internationally in 1995. His clear English instructions and structured teaching style made him highly sought after. Since then, he has conducted retreats in:

• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

• Europe: Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

• The Americas: The United States and Brazil.

• Asia: Hong Kong and Singapore.

Luang Por Tiradhammo

Introduction

Luang Por Tiradhammo is among the most senior Western monastics in the lineage of Ajahn Chah. With a monastic career spanning over 50 years, he has played a foundational role in establishing the Forest Sangha across three continents: Europe, Australasia, and Asia. Known for his calm, steady presence and deep meditative insight, Luang Por is a "monk of the world," currently traveling globally to share the Dhamma with a focus on practical mindfulness and the wisdom of the forest masters.

Early Seeking and Ordination

Luang Por’s spiritual journey began in his student years during a period of travel through Sri Lanka, where he first encountered the Buddha's teachings. This spark led him to Thailand, where he began meditating at the historic Wat Umong in Chiang Mai.

In 1974, he took full ordination at Wat Meung Man with Venerable Tong. Shortly after, in 1975, he moved to Northeast Thailand to train under the legendary Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong and was among the early residents of Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery).

The Life of a Forest Wanderer

During his formative years in Thailand, Luang Por Tiradhammo embraced the Tudong life. He undertook several arduous journeys on foot through the rugged mountains of Chiang Mai and the plains of the Northeast. These travels allowed him to seek out and learn from many of the most famous forest meditation masters of the era, refining his practice in the crucible of nature and seclusion.

Pioneering the Dhamma in the West

In 1982, Luang Por was invited to the United Kingdom to assist Luang Por Sumedho with the burgeoning Western Sangha. His leadership was quickly recognized, leading to several key appointments:

• England (1982–1987): Served at Chithurst Monastery (Cittaviveka) and led Harnham Vihara in Northumberland.

• Switzerland (1988–2005): He was instrumental in establishing Dhammapala Monastery near Bern and later oversaw its move to the Alpine village of Kandersteg, serving as the senior monk for nearly two decades.

• New Zealand (2005–2012): He assumed the abbotship of Bodhinyanarama in Wellington, providing stability and guidance to the community in the Southern Hemisphere.

A Traveling Teacher

Since 2012, Luang Por Tiradhammo has lived as a "monk of no fixed abode," embodying the ancient tradition of the wandering teacher. He travels extensively throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, conducting meditation retreats and giving Dhamma talks.

His teachings are deeply influenced by his years of solitary practice and his interactions with the great masters of the 20th century. He is a frequent and beloved visitor to Malaysia and Singapore, where he is known for his ability to relate the profound truths of the Forest Tradition to the challenges of modern urban life.