Ajahn Khemadhammo
Ajahn Khemadhammo OBE is a Theravāda Buddhist monk and a founder of the Thai Forest Tradition in the West. Originally a professional actor, he was ordained in Thailand and later established the Forest Hermitage in Warwickshire, UK. He is widely recognized for his extensive Buddhist prison chaplaincy work and has received numerous honors for his contributions to Buddhism and society.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Portsmouth, England, in 1944.
- ›Ordained as a novice monk in Bangkok in 1971 and became a bhikkhu in 1972.
- ›Co-founder of the Thai Forest Tradition in the West.
- ›Established the Forest Hermitage in Warwickshire, UK.
- ›Founder and Spiritual Director of Angulimala, the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy.
- ›Awarded OBE in 2003 for services to prisoners.
Important Relationships
- Laurence Olivier
- Edward Petherbridge
- Ajahn Chah
- Sayadaw U Thilawunta
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej
- Queen's Birthday Honours
- Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
- President of Burma
Wat Nong Pah Pong, Forest Hermitage, Hampstead Vihara, Isle of Wight, Banner Hill
Ajahn Chah
Novice Monk Vows, Bhikkhu Vows
About Ajahn Khemadhammo
Ajahn Khemadhammo OBE
Ajahn Khemadhammo OBE, also known by the ecclesiastical title Phra Bhavanaviteht, is a prominent Theravada Buddhist monk and a key figure in establishing the Thai Forest Tradition in the West. Born in Portsmouth, England, in 1944, he pursued a successful career as a professional actor before embarking on his monastic path.
Life and Historical Context
Ajahn Khemadhammo's spiritual journey began in 1971 when he traveled to Thailand after training at London drama schools and working at the Royal National Theatre. He became a novice monk in Bangkok and subsequently moved to Wat Nong Pah Pong in Ubon to train under the renowned meditation master Ajahn Chah. He received full ordination as a bhikkhu in 1972. In 1977, he returned to the UK with Ajahn Chah, and after the latter's departure, Ajahn Khemadhammo remained to establish monastic communities, eventually founding the Forest Hermitage in Warwickshire in 1985.
Major Contributions
A significant aspect of Ajahn Khemadhammo's work is his pioneering role in Buddhist prison chaplaincy. He initiated this work in 1977 and, with assistance, launched Angulimala, the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy, in 1985, serving as its Spiritual Director. He continues to engage in prison ministry and teach meditation at his hermitage and Warwick University. His dedication to this service was recognized with an OBE in 2003.
Recognition and Honors
Ajahn Khemadhammo has received several high honors for his contributions to Buddhism and society. In addition to his OBE, he was appointed Chao Khun Phra Bhavanaviteht in 2004 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, becoming one of the few foreign-born monks to receive such a distinction. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Vipassanabhavana by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand and the title Aggamaha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja from the President of Myanmar. He currently serves as the Chair of the Theravada Buddhist Sangha in the UK (TBSUK).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ajahn Khemadhammo's background before becoming a monk?
Before his ordination, Ajahn Khemadhammo trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Drama Centre, London. He worked for several years as a professional actor at the Royal National Theatre, appearing in Shakespearian dramas and plays by notable playwrights.
When and where was Ajahn Khemadhammo ordained?
Ajahn Khemadhammo became a novice monk in Bangkok, Thailand, in December 1971. Approximately a month later, he moved to Ubon to stay with Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong, where he received full ordination as a bhikkhu in 1972.
What is the significance of the Forest Hermitage?
The Forest Hermitage, located in Warwickshire, UK, is a contemplative monastery established by Ajahn Khemadhammo. It was purchased in 1987 with support from devotees in Thailand and is a center for meditation practice and Buddhist teaching.
What is Angulimala?
Angulimala is the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy, launched in 1985 with Ajahn Khemadhammo as its Spiritual Director. This organization provides Buddhist support and meditation teachings to prisoners.
What honors has Ajahn Khemadhammo received?
Ajahn Khemadhammo has received several significant honors, including an OBE in 2003 for his services to prisoners, the ecclesiastical title of Chao Khun Phra Bhavanaviteht in 2004, an Honorary Doctorate in Vipassanabhavana in 2013, and the title Aggamaha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja in 2015.
What is Ajahn Khemadhammo's role in the Thai Forest Tradition in the West?
Ajahn Khemadhammo is recognized as one of the founders of the Thai Forest Tradition in the West. He plays a key role in establishing and maintaining the tradition's presence and practice in Western countries.
Related Buddhists
Gotamī
Venerable Gotamī, born Martina Catania, is an Italian Theravāda Buddhist nun, author, and meditation teacher. Ordained in 2022, she is known for teaching the Dhamma in multiple languages and for her writings on Buddhist principles and the role of women in Buddhism. She currently resides in Sri Lanka, where she is actively involved in religious outreach and has published an autobiography.
Ajahn Amaro
Ajahn Amaro is a British-American Theravāda Buddhist monk and teacher, known for his role as abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England. Inspired by the Thai Forest Tradition and the teachings of Ajahn Chah, he emphasizes the practice of Buddhist ethics, concentration, and insight meditation as a means to alleviate suffering. He was instrumental in the establishment of Abhayagiri Monastery in California.
Ajahn Brahm
Ajahn Brahm, born Peter Betts, is a British-born Buddhist monk and a prominent figure in the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. He is known for his teachings on meditation, mindfulness, and compassion, often delivered with humor. Ajahn Brahm is the abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Western Australia and has been influential in advocating for and facilitating the re-establishment of bhikkhuni (nun) ordinations.