Sayadaw Nyanapurnik Mahathera

Ven. Sayadaw  Nyanapurnik Mahathera, a Pali scholar and Vipassanacariya has been working actively for the progress and development of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal. He was born on 21st November, 1939 in Tansen, Palpa which is about 90 kilometers north of Lumbini, the birth-place of Lord Buddha. Ordained as a novice at the early age of 16, he spent a year in Buddhist studies in Nepal and went to Myanmar for further study.

In 1963, he was awarded the prestigious ‘Sāsanadhaja Dhammāchariya’ title, a highly-respected honour in Burmese Buddhist monastic education. Besides this Dhamma education, he has also completed various levels of formal education which includes School Leaving Certificate (SLC) in 1971, IA (1974), BA (1977) and MA (Culture and History) from Tribhuvan University, Nepal along with Diploma in Sanskrit from Banaras Sanskrit University, India. He is an author and translator of about 50 books on Buddhism, both in Nepali and Nepal Bhasha languages. He was also one of the members of the publication team of the Pali Burmese World Dictionary, Burma (1964-66). He has travelled extensively around the world as a Meditation instructor. 

In 1984, Sayadaw founded the Vishwa Shanti Vihāra in Kathmandu, and became its spiritual director.  The vihāra was expanded in 1997 to house the ‘World Peace Buddhist School’ for the education of Buddhist monks and nuns, in order to further propagate Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal.

He was bestowed the ‘Agga Mahā Saddhammajotikadhaja’ title in 2001 from the Government of Myanmar for his outstanding service to the propagation of Buddha-Sāsana around the world.

Sayadaw Nyanapurnik visited and delivered many teachings in Malaysia, which included this Dhamma teaching given in BUBS during his visit in 2015.

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.

Dhamma School Puja Assembly

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.