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.