Ajahn Chah
Luangpor Chah
Venerable Ajahn Chah Subhatto Bodhinyanathera (alternatively Achaan Chah, occasionally with honorific titles Luang Por and Phra) (1918, Thailand – 1992), was one of the greatest meditation masters of the twentieth century. Known for his informal and direct style, he was a major influence on Theravada Buddhism around the world.
As a young Bhikkhu, Ajahn Chah practiced meditation under a number of masters, among whom was Ajahn Mun, a highly respected and accomplished meditation teacher of the time. Ajahn Mun had an indelible influence on Ajahn Chah, giving his meditation the direction and clarity that it lacked. Ajahn Chah later became an accomplished meditation teacher in his own right, sharing his realization of the Dhamma with those who sought it. The essence of the teaching was rather simple: be mindful, don't hang on to anything, let go and surrender to the way things are.
Venerable Ajahn Chah was an influential and perhaps the most famous monk of the Thai Forest tradition of Theravada. The monks of this tradition use various ascetic practices, known as dhutanga, on an occasional or regular basis to deepen their devotional practice. They might, for example, eat only one meal a day, sleep outside under a tree, or visit fearsome forests or graveyards. They also use meditation, for calming (samatha) and for insight (vipassana).
Ajahn Chah established the monasteries of Wat Nong Pah Pong and Ajahn Khemadhammo : Abbot of , Warwickshire, England
- Venerable Ajahn Brahmavamso : Abbot of Bodhinyana Buddhist Monastery, Serpentine WA, Australia
- Venerable Ajahn Amaro : Co-abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery Redwood Valley, California, USA
- Venerable Ajahn Passano : Co-abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery Redwood Valley, California, USA
- Venerable Ajahn Sumedho : Abbot of Amaravati Buddhist centre, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire England
- Venerable Ajahn Sundara
- Joseph Kappel
- Jack Kornfield
References
- A Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah (Jack Kornfield ed.). Theosophical Publishing House (1985). ISBN 0835605973.
- Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha's Teachings. Shambahla Press (2001). ISBN 1570628084.
- Food for the Heart (Ajahn Amaro, ed.). Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2002. ISBN 0861713230.
