Dhamma Talk by Luang Por Sumedho - Sun 6 May 2018

LP Sumedho

Ven. Ajahn Sumedho was born in the USA, became a bhikkhu in 1967 and trained nine years under LP Chah at Wat Pah Pong, a forest monastery in Ubon province, Thailand. In 1976 he was invited to Britain; he established Cittaviveka (Chithurst Buddhist Monastery) in West Sussex in 1979, and Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in Hertfordshire in 1984. During his thirty-four years of being based in Britain, he taught extensively throughout the world, has inducted more than a hundred aspirants of many nationalities into the samaṇa life, and also authorised the establishment of six other monasteries. Many of his talks are available in audio versions, and some have been transcribed and edited into a collection of books.

In November 2010, LP Sumedho put aside his duties as abbot and teacher and is practising in more secluded environments.

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).

Dhamma Talk by Luangpor Dhammavuddho on 24 June 2018 : How To Cultivate The Ariyan Eightfold Path

Venerable Dhammavuddho Mahathera is 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.

Ven. Ajahn Mettiko

Introduction

Ajahn Mettiko is a German-born monk who embodies the international spirit of the Thai Forest Tradition. Having spent many years training under highly realized masters in Thailand, he eventually returned to his home country to help establish its first traditional forest monastery. Known for his gentle demeanour and his dedication to the Tudong (wandering) lifestyle, Ajahn Mettiko brings a wealth of experience in practising the Dhamma across diverse cultures and landscapes.

Training in the "Cradle of the Forest"

Ajahn Mettiko’s monastic life began in the mountains of Northern Thailand. He received full Bhikkhu ordination in 2004 at Wat Pa Nam Rin in Chiang Mai. For the first four formative years of his monkhood, he practised under the close guidance of Luang Por Thong Daeng Varapañño at Wat Phra Jao Tun Luang—a teacher renowned for his strict adherence to the standards of the forest masters.

His training was characterized by:

• Seclusion and Simplicity: Living in the remote mountain forests of the North.

• Lineage Integration: Spending time at Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery) to deepen his connection with the global community of Ajahn Chah's disciples.

• Tudong Wanderings: Embarking on solitary walking pilgrimages throughout Thailand to test his endurance and sharpen his mindfulness.

A Global Dhammafarer

Ajahn Mettiko is a true "citizen of the Dhamma," having practised in various environmental and cultural contexts. His spiritual journey has taken him far beyond the borders of Thailand. He was among the pioneers who brought the traditional Tudong practice to the forests of Germany, demonstrating the timeless relevance of the Buddha’s path in a Western landscape.

Establishing the Dhamma in Germany

Today, Ajahn Mettiko resides at Muttodaya Forest Monastery in Stammbach, Germany. As the first monastery of its kind in the country, Muttodaya (meaning "Liberated Heart") serves as a sanctuary for those wishing to practice according to the original Dhamma-Vinaya. Alongside Ajahn Cattamalo, Ajahn Mettiko helps provide a training ground for a new generation of European monastics while offering a place of refuge and meditation for the lay community.

Ven. Ajahn Cagino

Introduction

Ajahn Cagino is a Malaysian-born monk whose spiritual journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Formerly an internationally acclaimed professional photographer, he traded his camera for the monastic robes to seek a deeper truth. Today, he is widely respected for his arduous 4,000km "Tudong" walking journeys and his compassionate work with hilltribe orphans in Northern Thailand through the Dhammagiri Foundation.

From Award-Winning Photographer to Monk

Before his ordination, Ajahn Cagino (born 1967 in Seremban) was a rising star in the world of photography. Between the ages of 22 and 27, he won over 40 prestigious awards, including first place in the Asia Photography Competition. However, professional success did not quell his inner search for meaning.

His quest for Dhamma led him through the forests of Thailand and New Zealand. He initially ordained as a Samanera (novice) at Ang Hock Si Temple in Penang for a year and a half before receiving full Bhikkhu ordination in 1996 at the age of 29. He spent his first five years under the guidance of Luang Por Gungha in Thailand.

Re-ordination and the 4,000km Journey

In 2001, seeking to deepen his practice in the lineage of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Cagino re-ordained at Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery). It was during this period that he undertook a legendary Tudong—a solitary walking pilgrimage—covering no less than 4,000km on foot through the rugged wilderness of North and Northeast Thailand.

During these years of wandering, he picked up his camera once more, not for personal fame, but to document the daily lives and quiet dignity of forest monks. These images were later compiled into the renowned photographic essay, "Dhammafarers," which has touched the hearts of many worldwide.

The Birth of Dhammagiri Foundation

While practicing in the remote caves of Mae Hong Son province, Ajahn Cagino’s path took a turn toward social compassion. He encountered children from minority hilltribes who were orphaned or living in extreme poverty. Seeing their vulnerability to drug trafficking and exploitation, he felt a profound calling to help.

In 2010, he established the Dhammagiri Foundation, a Buddhist children's home that provides:

• Education & Guidance: Scholarships and a safe environment for disadvantaged children.

• Dhamma Foundation: Teaching moral values, compassion, and self-sufficiency.

• Cultural Preservation: Helping children maintain their heritage while adapting to modern society.

Current Leadership

In 2014, Ajahn Cagino established Wat Hongson Wanaram, which was officially recognized as the 302nd branch monastery of Wat Nong Pah Pong. He continues to balance his intensive personal meditation practice with the management of the Dhammagiri Foundation, serving as a bridge between the solitary life of the forest and the compassionate service of society.

"The most beautiful photograph is not captured by a lens, but by a heart that is still and kind." — Ajahn Cagino

BUBS Activities Update from 12 June 2018

 1. Introduction to Meditation Course- 2nd lesson-14 June 2018

The second session of the  “Introduction to Meditation Course"  at UBV will be on  this Thursday, 14th  June 2018.  

This course is especially suitable for beginners but experienced yogis are also encouraged to attend as  Bro Dassana is a very experienced meditation teacher.

Please contact Bro. Danny Liew at 012-2073925 for further information.

2. Dhamma Talk by Ven. Ajahn Anan - Live from Wat Marp Jan.

Please be informed that this Friday  session on 15 June 2018 is cancelled.

Our regular Friday evening session with Ven. Ajahn Anan will resume  on  22, June  2018. 

For further info, please contact Bro. Bryan Kok: 012-2295583.  

3. Sunday Puja and Recorded Reading by Ven. Ajahn Amaro from “The Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah” on  17 June 2018 at 9am

This Sunday’s  Puja will be facilitated by Bro.Peck Hwa, followed by a recorded reading from “The Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah” by  Tan Ajahn Amaro on “Why Are We Here?”.For further info, please contact Danny Liew at 012-2073925

4. Dhamma School

Dhamma School will be closed for next three (3) Sundays ie 10th, 17th and 24th  June  2018 in conjunction with School term break. Classes will resume on 1st July 2018.

We wish everyone a Happy and Safe holiday.

 5. New Moon Puja on Thursday, 14th June 2018

The coming New Moon Puja falls on Thursday 14th June 2018.

As there is a Meditation course, the  the new moon chanting will commence at 8.00 pm to enable more to join the meditation course at 8:30pm. All are welcome to join this event.

You may bring flower and fruits for offering.

For further clarification, please contact Bro Danny Liew (016-3133628) or Bro Peck Hwa (012-3739107).

6. Evening Dhamma Talk by Venerable Dhammavuddho Mahathera on Sunday 24 June 2018.

Members and friends  are encouraged to participate in the Evening Dhamma talk by Ven. Dhammavuddho Mahathera at  8 pm in our Buddhacetiya Hall.

The topic of the talk is " How To Cultivate The Ariyan  Eightfold Path".  Kindly refer to attached.

Please park at the Community Hall.  

For details, please contact Bro. Bryan Kok: 0122295583.

Ven. Dhammavuddho Mahathera 

Ven. Dhammavuddho MahatheraVenerable Dhammavuddho Mahathera is the abbot of Vihara Buddha Gotama. As a layman he graduated from the University Malaya in 1971 and worked as an Electrical Engineer with the Public Works Department for 12 years before renouncing the home life. His interest in religion led him to study the world's major religions for a few years before meeting the Buddha's teachings in 1976.

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).

7. Breakfast Dana for Ven. Dhammavuddho Mahathera on  Monday,  25 June 2018.

Members and friends are encouraged to offer breakfast Dana to  Ven. Dhammavuddho who will be staying at UBV.Breakfast  Dana is at 7 am.Please bring your cooked food(non-vegetarian), dessert and fruits, half an hour (30 Mins) before the designated meal time.  For food coordination, please contact Sis. Cheng Cheng: 012-2001823. 

8. Spiritual/Welfare cum Fellowship Trip to Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, Thailand: 26 Oct 2018 (Fri) – 1 Nov 2018 (Thurs)

Join us for a kathina trip in a forest monastery, Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang (abbot: Luang Por Thong Daeng) in Chiang Mai. Experience living in a beautiful and inspiring Children Home in the mountains at Dhammagiri Foundation, in one of the poorest and most beautiful parts of Thailand in Mae Hong Son. Children there are raised based on the good values of the Dhamma and guided by the forest monks. Visit hill tribes and present gifts to the impoverished villagers and school children. Take a glimpse into the cave where forest monks practise in, a bamboo-raft ride into a mysterious bat cave and enjoy the scenic views of nature along the way.

We will fly to Chiang Mai for a 2-night stay, take a domestic flight to Mae Hong Son for a 2-night stay at Dhammagiri Foundation, travel in tourist vans all the way back to Chiang Mai, stopping a night in Thamlod. Please note that there is a 3-hour winding road journey in the mountains of Mae Hong Son. Visits to certain places require trekking and is optional.

Cost of the Trip is estimated at RM1760.00 per pax which includes road transportation, accommodation, meals, dinner treats for the children of Dhammagiri Children home, gifts for the villagers and school children and bamboo raft ride/entrance fee to certain places of interest. The  Cost excludes international and domestic flights.

If you are interested, please fill up the attached application form and submit to the BUBS office or Sunday counter, together with a deposit CHEQUE payment of RM450.00 to be made payable to EL SOL TRAVEL AND TOURS SDN BHD.

Deposit is refundable only if application is not successful. In case of withdrawal, deposits are transferable upon finding successful replacements. Deposits are not refundable and transferable after 30 September 2018.

Further information will be provided upon confirmation of successful application.

For enquiries, please contact Sis Sharon (soongc99@gmail.com) or  Bro. Chiam:012-3290183 or BUBS office at 03-77106010.

Our additional regular activities

1.     Chanting class every Tuesday at 8.30 pm led by Bro. Dhammadassi  Kho.

2.     Birthday blessings on every first Tuesday of the month at 8.30 pm.

3.     Puja on every New Moon and Full Moon at 8.30 p.m.   Please bring flowers and fruits for offering.  For details, please contact  Bro. Peck Hwa: 012-3739107.

4.    Vipassana Meditation practise on every Thursday at 8.30 pm to 10.00 pm.. For details, please contact Bro. Danny Liew at 012-2073925 

5.     Metta (Loving- kindness) Meditation on every Sunday morning, 11 am  at Buddhacetiya Hall. For further details, please contact  Uncle Mudita Yew : 012-6275088 or Bro.Danny Liew: 012-2073925

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We look forward to your support and participation. Please bring your family and friends.

May the Blessings of the Triple Gem be with you and your family always

"A family that prays together stays together"

Metta

EXCO-BUBS

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.