Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo
Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo was a prominent meditation master in the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism and a direct disciple of Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta Thera. He is celebrated for developing comprehensive meditation instructions and detailed explanations of jhānas, significantly contributing to the mainstream adoption of Forest Tradition practices in Thailand. Disciples widely believed he possessed advanced psychic powers.
Key Facts
- ›Born Chalee Nareewong on January 31, 1907, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand.
- ›Ordained as a monk in 1925 and later re-ordained in the Dhammayuttika Nikaya in 1927.
- ›Practiced strict asceticism, including dwelling in forests and eating one meal a day.
- ›Traveled widely, accompanying Ajahn Mun on pilgrimage to Cambodia, Burma, and India.
- ›Founded Wat Asokaram in Samut Prakan Province, a major center for meditation practice.
- ›Held ecclesiastical titles including Phra Khru Suddhithammacharn and Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacarya.
Important Relationships
- Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta Thera
- Food For Thought - Eighteen Talks On the Training of the Heart
- Keeping the Breath In Mind and Lessons In Samadhi
- Starting Out Small - A Collection of Talks For Beginning Meditators
- Inner Strength & Parting Gifts
- the Heightened Mind
- the Skill of Release
- the Craft of the Heart
- Frames of Reference
- Basic Themes - Four Treatises On Buddhist Practice
- the Autobiography of Phra Ajaan Lee
Wat Asokaram, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Samut Prakan Province, Wat Burapha, Wat Pathum Wanaram
Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta Thera
Thai
Bhikkhu Vows, Dhutanga Ascetic Practices
About Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo
Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo, whose birth name was Chalee Nareewong and who was also known by the ecclesiastical title Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacarya, was a highly influential meditation master within the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. He belonged to the Dhammayuttika Nikaya order and was a direct disciple of the renowned Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta Thera. Ajahn Lee is recognized as one of the most significant teachers of the Thai Forest Tradition in the 20th century, celebrated for his comprehensive meditation instructions and detailed expositions of the jhānas.
Life and Historical Context
Born on January 31, 1907, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Ajahn Lee initially pursued secular ambitions before ordaining as a monk on May 6, 1925. His spiritual path deepened significantly after encountering the teachings of Ajahn Mun, who guided him in meditation using the mantra 'Buddho.' Ajahn Lee later re-ordained in the Dhammayuttika Nikaya in Bangkok. He embraced the austere dhutanga practices, including a one-meal-a-day rule and forest dwelling, undertaking extensive pilgrimages across Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, and India with Ajahn Mun.
Major Contributions and Legacy
Ajahn Lee is particularly remembered for his systematic approach to meditation, which brought the practices of the Forest Tradition into the mainstream of Thai religious life. He founded Wat Asokaram in Samut Prakan Province, which became a vital center for meditation practice and spiritual devotion. His disciples widely believed he possessed advanced psychic powers, though he himself never spoke of his attainments. His teachings, especially his meditation manuals, continue to be studied and remain among the most detailed within the Forest Tradition. He also gained renown as a notable amulet maker.
Ecclesiastical Titles
Ajahn Lee was recognized with significant ecclesiastical ranks. In 1956, he was granted the title Phra Suddhithammacharn, and in 1957, he was elevated to Phra Ratchakhana, heading the Vipassanadhura division, with the distinguished title Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacarya.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo?
Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo was a highly influential meditation master within the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. He was a key disciple of Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta Thera and is known for his systematic meditation instructions and expositions on jhānas.
What is Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo known for in Buddhist practice?
He is renowned for developing comprehensive meditation instructions and detailed explanations of the jhānas. Ajahn Lee also played a significant role in bringing the practices of the Forest Tradition into the mainstream of Thai religious life.
What was Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo's relationship with Ajahn Mun?
Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo was a direct disciple of the renowned meditation master Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta Thera. He sought out Ajahn Mun and was instructed to use the meditation word 'Buddho'.
What important monasteries or locations are associated with Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo?
Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo founded Wat Asokaram in Samut Prakan Province, which became a significant center for faith and meditation practice. He also spent time in cemeteries giving sermons and urging villagers to practice Buddhism.
What were Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo's notable achievements or titles?
In 1956, he was granted the rank of Phra Khru with the title Phra Suddhithammacharn. The following year, he was elevated to Phra Ratchakhana with the title Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacarya, heading the Vipassanadhura division.
Related Buddhists
Ajahn Sao Kantasīlo
Ajahn Sao Kantasilo was a prominent monk in the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism, belonging to the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. He is recognized for his rigorous practice of meditation and asceticism, deeply influencing his many students, including the renowned Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta. Ajahn Sao emphasized diligence and consistency in spiritual practice, urging disciples to dedicate long hours to meditation.
Chandra Khonnokyoong
Chandra Khonnokyoong was a highly influential Thai maechi (nun) and meditation teacher, best known as the founder of Wat Phra Dhammakaya. Despite being illiterate, she was deeply respected for her profound meditation experience and attracted many educated students, challenging traditional views on the role of women in Thai Buddhism.
Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu was a Thai Buddhist monk renowned for his innovative interpretations of Buddhist doctrine and Thai folk beliefs. He sought to reform conventional religious perceptions, advocating for a view that all religions are inwardly the same and that the highest understanding of dhamma leads to the realization that "there is no religion." Buddhadasa was also recognized for his political engagement and development of "Dhammic socialism."