Ajahn Jayasaro
Thailand·Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah·Male·20th century
Ajahn Jayasaro is a British-Thai Buddhist monk in the Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah. Born Shaun Michael Chiverton in England, he became a disciple of Ajahn Chah in Thailand and later served as the abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat. He is known for his extensive writings on Buddhist teachings and was honored with Thai citizenship and a royal title.
Key Facts
- ›Born Shaun Michael Chiverton on January 7, 1958, on the Isle of Wight, England.
- ›Became a disciple of Ajahn Chah in Thailand and received higher ordination as a bhikkhu in 1980.
- ›Served as the abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat from 1997 to 2002.
- ›Authored numerous books on Buddhist teachings, including a biography of Ajahn Chah.
- ›Received Thai citizenship in 2020 and has been granted high royal titles.
- ›Resides in a hermitage near Khao Yai National Park in Thailand.
Important Relationships
- Ajahn Chah
- Ajahn Sumedho
- King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
- Letting Go Within Action
- On Love
- Daughters and Sons
- Mindfulness, Precepts and Crashing In the Same Car
- Seen In Their True Light
- Without and Within: Questions and Answers On the Teachings of TheravāDa Buddhism
- Skilful Desires
- Stillness Flowing: the Life and Teachings of Ajahn Chah
- From Heart and Hand
- From Heart and Hand: Vol. Ii
- From Heart and Hand: Vol. Iii
Isle of Wight, England, Wat Nong Pah Pong, Thailand, Wat Pah Nanachat, Thailand, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Sumedho
English, Thai
AnagāRika, SāMaṇEra, Bhikkhu
About Ajahn Jayasaro
Ajahn Jayasaro, born Shaun Michael Chiverton on January 7, 1958, is a prominent British-born Buddhist monk within the Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah. He is recognized for his significant contributions to Buddhist scholarship and practice through his extensive writings and teachings.
Biography and Early Life
Jayasaro was born on the Isle of Wight in England. After completing his education and working to fund his travels, he embarked on a journey that took him overland from England to India. Upon his return to England, he attended a ten-day vipassanā meditation course. The founder of this center, an Englishman who had been a monk in the Thai Forest Tradition, delivered Dhamma talks that profoundly influenced Jayasaro, inspiring him to pursue monastic life.
Monastic Ordination and Career
In 1978, Jayasaro joined Ajahn Sumedho's community at Oaken Holt, Oxford, for the rains retreat as an anagārika. Later that year, he traveled to Thailand and became a disciple of the renowned Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong. His novice ordination (sāmaṇera) took place in early 1980, followed by his higher ordination (upasampadā) as a bhikkhu on June 3, 1980, at the age of 22, with Ajahn Chah serving as his preceptor.
From 1997 to 2002, Ajahn Jayasaro served as the abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat, a monastery dedicated to Western monks. Since 2003, he has resided in a hermitage in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, near Khao Yai National Park, a place sometimes referred to as Ban Rai Thosi or Janamāra.
Recognition and Works
Ajahn Jayasaro's dedication and contributions to Buddhism have been recognized through royal honors. In 2019, he received a royal title from King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), and in March 2020, he was granted Thai citizenship by royal decree. He has also been elevated to high monastic ranks, notably becoming the first foreign-born monk in Thailand to hold the rank of Somdet Phra Rachakhana.
He is the author of several notable works, including the biography of his teacher, 'Stillness Flowing: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Chah' (2017), as well as other books such as 'Letting Go Within Action' (2006), 'On Love' (2010), and 'Without and Within: Questions and Answers on the Teachings of Theravāda Buddhism' (2013).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ajahn Jayasaro?
Ajahn Jayasaro is a British-Thai Buddhist monk belonging to the Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah. He is recognized for his extensive writings and teachings on Buddhism, as well as his significant roles within the monastic community in Thailand.
When and where was Ajahn Jayasaro born?
Ajahn Jayasaro was born Shaun Michael Chiverton on January 7, 1958, on the Isle of Wight, England.
How did Ajahn Jayasaro become a Buddhist monk?
After traveling extensively, Jayasaro attended a vipassanā meditation course that inspired him. He then joined Ajahn Sumedho's community in England before traveling to Thailand in 1978 to become a disciple of Ajahn Chah.
What are some notable works by Ajahn Jayasaro?
Ajahn Jayasaro has authored several books, including 'Stillness Flowing: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Chah,' 'Letting Go Within Action,' and 'On Love.' His works often explore Theravāda Buddhist teachings and meditation.
What is Ajahn Jayasaro's connection to Thailand?
Ajahn Jayasaro became a monk in Thailand under the guidance of Ajahn Chah. He has held significant positions, including abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat, and was granted Thai citizenship by royal decree. He has also received high royal titles and honors.
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