Achan Sobin S. Namto
Achan Sobin S. Namto is a Thai Buddhist monk renowned for his extensive teaching of Vipassanā meditation and Buddhist psychology across Southeast Asia and North America for over five decades. He played a significant role in establishing Buddhist temples and meditation centers in the United States, notably in Los Angeles and Denver.
Key Facts
- ›Taught Vipassanā meditation and Buddhist psychology for over 50 years.
- ›Became a novice monk at Wat Mahathat in Bangkok in 1945.
- ›Founded the Vidhayakorn Institute in Southern Thailand.
- ›Helped establish the first Thai temple in Los Angeles and served as its first Abbot.
- ›Founded a Vipassana temple in Denver, Colorado.
- ›Authored three books on Vipassanā meditation and one on Buddhist ordination in English.

Important Relationships
- Abbot Somdej Phra Budthacharn
- Wayfaring: A Manual For Insight Meditation
- Moment By Moment Mindfulness: A Pictorial Guide For Meditators
- Insight Meditation: Practical Steps To Ultimate Truth
- A Book On Buddhist Ordination
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Yangon, Myanmar
- Luang Prabang, Laos
- Southern Thailand
- Los Angeles, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Wangplado, Borabue, Maha Sarakham Province, North-East Thailand
English, Thai
Novice Monk
About Achan Sobin S. Namto
Achan Sobin S. Namto is a Thai Buddhist monk who has dedicated over fifty years to teaching Vipassana meditation and Buddhist psychology. His teachings have reached audiences in both Southeast Asia and North America, contributing to the spread of these Buddhist practices.
Biography and Ministry
Born in Thailand on December 11, 1931, Achan Sobin S. Namto entered monastic life as a novice in 1945 at Wat Mahathat in Bangkok. His early training in Vipassanā meditation took place under the guidance of Abbot Somdej Phra Budthacharn. He furthered his studies in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar), before returning to Thailand to teach. His international ministry included teaching in Luang Prabang, Laos, from 1960 to 1962.
Upon returning to Thailand, he founded the Vidhayakorn Institute in the southern part of the country. A significant chapter of his work involved establishing Buddhism in the United States. He was among the monks selected to create the first Thai temple in Los Angeles, California, where he served as its inaugural Abbot. He also founded a Vipassana temple in Denver, Colorado. After many years of service in North America, Achan Sobin S. Namto returned to his home village of Wangplado, in Maha Sarakham province, North-East Thailand, to teach at the local wat.
Notable Works
Achan Sobin S. Namto is an author of several influential texts on Buddhist meditation. His English-language works include "Wayfaring: A Manual for Insight Meditation," "Moment by Moment Mindfulness: A Pictorial Guide for Meditators," and "Insight Meditation: Practical Steps to Ultimate Truth." He has also written a book concerning Buddhist ordination.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Achan Sobin S. Namto born?
Achan Sobin S. Namto was born in Thailand on December 11, 1931.
What is Achan Sobin S. Namto known for?
He is known for teaching Vipassanā meditation and Buddhist psychology for over 50 years in Southeast Asia and North America. He is also recognized for his role in establishing Thai Buddhist temples in the United States.
Where did Achan Sobin S. Namto study Vipassanā meditation?
He began his study of Vipassanā at Wat Mahathat in Bangkok. He later pursued further study in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar).
What significant roles did Achan Sobin S. Namto hold in the United States?
He was selected to help establish the first Thai temple in Los Angeles, California, and was appointed its first Abbot. He also founded and served as Abbot of a Vipassana temple in Denver, Colorado.
What are some of Achan Sobin S. Namto's notable written works?
His notable works include 'Wayfaring: A Manual for Insight Meditation', 'Moment by Moment Mindfulness: A Pictorial Guide for Meditators', and 'Insight Meditation: Practical Steps to Ultimate Truth'.
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