Ven. Ajahn Ṭhānissaro

Introduction

Ajahn Ṭhānissaro (Geoffrey DeGraff) is a highly respected senior monk and one of the most prolific English translators of the Buddha’s original discourses. A student of the great Thai masters, he is widely known for his ability to synthesize rigorous scholarship with the practical, "heart-centered" meditation instructions of the Forest Tradition. His life's work has been dedicated to making the Pali Canon and the teachings of the Thai Forest masters accessible to a global audience.

The Journey to the Forest

Born in 1949 and raised in the United States, Ajahn Ṭhānissaro’s interest in Buddhism was sparked during his college years. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1971 with a degree in European Intellectual History, he traveled to Thailand on a fellowship.

In Thailand, he met Ajahn Fuang Jotiko, a direct disciple of the legendary Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo. Finding in Ajahn Fuang a teacher of immense skill and down-to-earth wisdom, he eventually decided to dedicate his life to the monastic path. He was ordained in 1976 and spent the next decade as Ajahn Fuang's close student and attendant at Wat Dhammasathit.

Bridging East and West

Following the passing of Ajahn Fuang in 1986, Ajahn Ṭhānissaro remained in Thailand for several years. In 1991, at the invitation of Ajahn Suwat Suvaco, he moved to the hills of San Diego County, California, to help establish Metta Forest Monastery (Wat Mettavanaram).

Since 1993, he has served as the Abbot of Metta Forest Monastery, where he has cultivated a sanctuary that preserves the strict discipline and intensive meditation focus of the Thai Forest Tradition on American soil. In 1995, he became the first American-born monk to be given the authority of a Preceptor (Upajjhaya) in the Dhammayut Order.

A Legacy of Translation and Teaching

Ajahn Ṭhānissaro is perhaps best known for his immense contribution to Buddhist literature. His work is characterized by "Dhamma Dana"—the principle that the Dhamma should be shared freely. His major achievements include:

• The Pali Canon: Translating over 1,000 suttas from the original Pali into clear, modern English. His translations form a significant portion of the Access to Insight and Dhammatalks.org archives.

• The Thai Forest Masters: Translating the teachings of masters like Ajahn Lee, Ajahn Fuang, and Ajahn Dune, preserving their unique "oral tradition" for English speakers.

• Authoritative Treatises: Writing influential books such as The Wings to Awakening, The Buddhist Monastic Code, and With Each & Every Breath (a comprehensive meditation manual).

Ven. Ajahn Dton

Introduction

Ajahn Maha Dton Dhirapanno is a distinguished teacher in the Thai Forest Tradition whose life path uniquely bridges the worlds of modern medicine and ancient spiritual wisdom. A former pediatrician, Ajahn Dton brings a scientific mind and a deeply compassionate heart to his Dhamma teachings, making them highly accessible to professionals and laypeople seeking balance in a fast-paced world.

Medical Excellence and International Training

Born in Chonburi, Thailand, in 1967, Ajahn Dton (born Keyrati Srivuthana) initially pursued a career in medicine. After completing his foundational medical education in Thailand, he was awarded a prestigious Thai government scholarship to specialize in Paediatrics in the United States.

From 1994 to 1997, he served at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan (American Board of Pediatrics). During his residency, he was not only recognized for his clinical skill but also for his exceptional bedside manner, receiving the "Best of Hospitality" award—a testament to the innate kindness (Metta) that would later become a hallmark of his monastic life.

The Turning Point: Medicine for the Mind

While in the United States, despite his professional success, Ajahn Dton sought a deeper fulfillment. He attended a meditation retreat led by Ajahn Jayasaro (then the Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat). This experience proved transformative; he realized that while medicine could heal the body, the Dhamma offered a cure for the underlying suffering of the mind.

Upon completing his advanced medical commitments, he returned to Thailand to enter the monastic life, taking his vows at Wat Pah Nanachat (The International Forest Monastery) in the lineage of Ajahn Chah.

Scholarly Achievement: The Title of "Maha"

In the Thai monastic tradition, the title "Maha" is a distinguished honour reserved for those who demonstrate high proficiency in the study of the Pali language, the original language of the Theravada scriptures.

Ajahn Dton’s intellectual rigor led him to complete advanced Buddhist studies, earning him Grade 3 Pali studies proficiency. This academic foundation allows him to share the Buddha’s original discourses with deep accuracy and linguistic insight.

Integration of Dhamma and Healthcare

Given his medical background, Ajahn Dton occupies a unique role as a Buddhist adviser and meditation instructor for:

• Hospitals and Medical Schools: Helping healthcare professionals manage burnout and cultivate compassion.

• Government Departments: Integrating mindfulness into public service.

• Schools: Teaching the next generation the foundations of mental well-being.

He currently serves as the Co-Abbot of Wat Pah Boon Lorm in Ubon Ratchathani, a monastery that emphasizes the traditional forest lifestyle while remaining deeply engaged with the local and international community.

Ven. Ajahn Mettiko

Introduction

Venerable Ajahn Mettiko is a highly respected Malaysian senior monk within the Ajahn Chah lineage. Born in Muar, Johor, he has dedicated nearly three decades to the monastic life. After extensive training in the forest monasteries of Thailand and international centers in the West and Australia, he returned to Malaysia to establish a sanctuary for Dhamma in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.

Training in the Global Forest Sangha

Ajahn Mettiko’s monastic journey began at the heart of the international forest tradition. He was ordained in 1997 at Wat Pah Nanachat (The International Forest Monastery) in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

As a student within the Ajahn Chah tradition, he spent his formative years "monastery hopping" in the best sense—gathering wisdom from various masters and environments across the globe:

• Thailand: Practicing in the rugged forest monasteries of the Northeast, absorbing the original Patipada (mode of practice) established by Ajahn Chah.

• United Kingdom: Spending time at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, experiencing the Dhamma in a Western context.

• Australia: Practicing at Buddha Bodhivana Monastery under the guidance of Ajahn Kalyano.

Establishing Bodhi Vihara

After years of international wandering and practice, Ajahn Mettiko returned to his home country to serve the local community. He currently serves as the Abbot of Persatuan Meditasi Bodhi Vihara in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.

Ven. Chao Khun Keng

Introduction

Chao Khun Keng Khemako (commonly known by his students as Ajahn Keng) is a distinguished Singaporean monk within the Thai Forest Tradition. He is a prominent figure in the lineage of the legendary Ajahn Mun Bhuridatto, known for his rigorous adherence to forest monasticism and his compassionate leadership of communities across Southeast Asia. In recognition of his contributions to the Dhamma, he was conferred the ecclesiastical title of "Chao Khun" by the Thai Royal Family in 2012.

Early Path and Ordination

Chao Khun Keng’s journey into the monkhood was guided by some of the tradition's most respected Western and Thai masters. In 1987, acting on the recommendation of Ajahn Ṭhānissaro (Geoffrey DeGraff), he traveled to Thailand to begin his monastic training.

He received full ordination into the Dhammayut Order, a branch of Thai Buddhism known for its strict discipline and emphasis on meditation. His foundational years were shaped by the guidance of first-generation disciples of Ajahn Mun, ensuring that he received the "heart-wood" of the Forest Tradition's teachings.

Lineage and Mentorship

A defining aspect of Chao Khun Keng’s practice is his close relationship with his teacher, Luang Pu Jiak Cundo. Luang Pu Jiak was one of the most renowned first-generation disciples of Ajahn Mun, famous for his direct, "bone-deep" teaching style and his mastery of meditation.

Through this lineage, Chao Khun Keng serves as a vital link between the classic era of the Thai Forest masters and the modern Buddhist community in Malaysia and Singapore.

Regional Leadership and Service

Chao Khun Keng holds a unique and demanding set of responsibilities, overseeing monasteries in three different geographical and cultural contexts:

• Santi Forest Monastery (Johor Bahru, Malaysia): As Abbot, he provides a sanctuary for forest practice just across the border from Singapore, making the tradition accessible to many Malaysians.

• Om Koi Hill-Tribe Monastery (Chiang Mai, Thailand): He serves as Abbot of a remote forest monastery in the mountains of Northern Thailand, supporting the spiritual and social welfare of the hill-tribe communities.

• Palelai Buddhist Temple (Singapore): As President, he guides one of Singapore’s oldest and most established Buddhist temples, bridging the gap between traditional forest practice and urban Buddhist life.

The Title of "Chao Khun"

In 2012, His Majesty the King of Thailand bestowed upon him the title of Chao Khun, a high-ranking ecclesiastical honor rarely given to non-Thai monastics. This title recognizes his seniority, his mastery of the Dhamma, and his significant roles in both the administration of the Sangha and the propagation of the Buddha’s teachings internationally.

As a visiting monastic at BUBS, Chao Khun Keng offers a bridge between cultures—sharing the profound, ascetic wisdom of the Thai mountains in a way that resonates deeply with the Singaporean and Malaysian experience.

Ven. B. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Māhathero

Introduction

Most Venerable B. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Māhathero is a towering figure in the Malaysian Buddhist landscape. Since his arrival from Sri Lanka over 40 years ago, he has dedicated his life to spiritual guidance, social welfare, and the promotion of a compassionate Buddhist identity in Malaysia. Known for his "Dhamma in Action" approach, he has touched the lives of thousands through his extensive humanitarian projects and his role as a spiritual advisor to numerous societies.

Early Life and Mission to Malaysia

Born in Sri Lanka, Venerable Sri Saranankara embarked on his monastic journey with a deep commitment to the Buddha’s path of service. In the early 1980s, he arrived in Malaysia to serve the spiritual needs of the local community. What began as a mission to support a small temple in Sentul evolved into a nationwide movement of Dhamma propagation and social service.

Building a Spiritual Sanctuary: Sentul Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple

Under his visionary leadership as Abbot, the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul was transformed from a modest temple into a vibrant center for Buddhist practice. Today, it stands as a significant monastery with a resident Sangha, providing:

• Daily Religious Services: Catering to the spiritual needs of the diverse Buddhist community in Kuala Lumpur.

• Monastic Training: Serving as a hub for resident Bhikkhus to practice and study.

• Cultural Hub: Promoting the rich traditions of Sri Lankan and Malaysian Theravada Buddhism.

The Architect of Compassion: Maha Karuna

Venerable Sri Saranankara is perhaps most widely recognized for founding the Maha Karuna Buddhist Society. His philosophy centers on the idea that spiritual practice must be coupled with compassion for the less fortunate. Key milestones of his compassionate work include:

• Social Welfare: Establishing the Upekkha Compassionate Home for the elderly and underprivileged.

• Healthcare Initiatives: Spearheading mobile clinics and medical camps locally and internationally.

• Education: Providing scholarships and school supplies to children in rural areas through various "Back to School" programs.

Leadership and Spiritual Guidance

Beyond Sentul, Venerable has been instrumental in the birth and growth of several prominent Buddhist societies in Malaysia, including:

• Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS)

• Mudita Buddhist Society

• Sungai Long Buddhist Society

His wisdom is sought after by many; he serves as a Spiritual Advisor to dozens of Buddhist organizations across both Malaysia and Sri Lanka, fostering unity and collaboration within the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM).

Ecclesiastical Honors

In recognition of his tireless service and contributions to the "Sasana" (the Buddhist dispensation) in Malaysia, Venerable has received high-ranking honours from the Sangha in Sri Lanka:

• 2008: Conferred the prestigious ecclesiastical title of "Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka" (Chief Judiciary High Monk) of Malaysia by the Malwatte Chapter of the Syamupali Nikāya in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

• 2012: Appointed as a Monastic Advisor to the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia.