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.

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.

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.