Anada
Metteyya (Charles Henry Allan Bennett, 1872 -1923)
First British bhikkhu (monk) and Buddhist missionary,
born London, son of electrical engineer. Trained as
analytical chemist. Involved in Golden Dawn (magic)
movement, with W.B. Yeats et al. 1890: Arnold's Light
of Asia kindled an interest in Buddhism. 1898: "Ill-health
drove me from England to the East." Initially studied
Dhamma in Sri Lanka and determined to lead Buddhist
mission to Europe. 1901: samanera ordination in Akyab
(Burma), 1902: bhikkhu ordination. 1903: founded International
Buddhist Society (Buddhasasana Samagama) in Rangoon.
1908: led 1st Mission to England; returned to Burma
after 6 months. 1914: ill-health compelled him to disrobe
and return to United Kingdom; continued Buddhist propaganda
work, which he attempted to finance by his inventions.
Books include An Outline of Buddhism and The Wisdom
of the Aryas.
Ba
Khin, Sayaji U Ba Khin (1899-1971)
Lay Burmese meditation master. 1937: began practising
vipassana under Saya Thet Gyi. Mastered several types
of concentration meditation and developed powerful vipassana
technique. 'This …involves sweeping the mind through
the body, giving special attention to the ever-changing
play of sensations…" (Jack Kornfield). 1941:
began teaching individuals and small groups; at the
same time held down various important posts in lay life,
having entered Accountant General's office and achieved
promotion. 1948-1953: Accountant General of Burma; offered
vipassana instruction to staff. 1952: founded and taught
at International Meditation Centre, Rangoo, where intensive
10-day courses given on regular basis. After retirement
(1953), was active as a meditation teacher, developed
his centre and was also acting head of several governments
department. Married young and raised 6 children. His
style, which emphasizes intensive practice rather than
theoretical understanding, is taught elsewhere in the
world by his disciples, examples, S.N. Goenka, Ruth
Dennison, Robert Hover. For further information see,
"Tranquillity and Insight" (1986). A. Sole-Leris,
London: Rider, page. 136-41.
Buddhadasa,
Bhikkhu (1926-1993)
Buddhadasa
ordained as a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) in 1926, at twenty.
After a few years of study in Bangkok, which convinced
him "purity is not to be found in the big city,"
he was inspired to live close with nature in order to
investigate the Buddha-Dhamma. Thus, he established Suan
Mokkhabalarama (The Grove of the Power of Liberation)
in 1932, in Chaiya District. At
that time, it was the only forest Dhamma Center and one
of the few places dedicated to vipassana meditation in
Southern Thailand. Word of Buddhadasa, his work, and Suan
Mokkh spread over the years so that they are easily described
as "one of the most influential events of Buddhist
history in Thailand." He studied all schools of Buddhism,
as well as the other major religious traditions. This
interest was practical rather than scholarly. He sought
to unite all genuinely religious people in order to work
together to help, as he put it, "drag humanity out
from under the power of materialism." This broadmindedness
won him friends and students from around the world, including
Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs.
Buddharakkhita,
Bhikkhu
Founder
of numerous social welfare organizations. Born 1922, Imphal,
Manipur State, India, educated Institute of Engineering
Technology, Calcutta. World War II: service as Officer.
1946-48: Ramakrishna monk. 1949: bhikkhu ordination.1949-52:
Buddhist studies in Sri Lanka. 1952-55: Buddhist studies
in Burma under Mahasi Sayadaw. Editorial board, Tipitaka
Translation, 6th Buddhist Synod, Burma. 1955-6: taught
at Nalanda Postgraduate Institute. 1956: founded Maha
Bodhi Society, Bangalore. Later founded: International
Meditation Centre, school for indigent Buddhist boys,
Buddha Vachana Publishers and Tripitaka Press, Maitri
Mandala, Mahabodhi Burns & Casualty Centre (Bangalore),
Institute of Buddhology & Pali Studies (Mysore), Artificial
Limb Centre (Bangalore), Arogya Centre, etc. 1980: has
taught and conducted retreats in UK and USA. Publications
including over 50 books.
Bodhi,
Bhikkhu (Thera), (Jeffrey Block)
American-born bhikkbu, born 1944. New York City, of Jewish
parentage, educated Brooklyn College. 1972: PhD in Philosophy
from Claremont Graduate School. 1967: formally took Three
Refuges. 1972: left for Sri Lanka, intending to enter
Sangha. 1972: received samanera ordination. 1973:bhikkhu
ordination. 1977: returned to United States of America
and spent nearly 2 years at Lamaist Buddhist Monastery
of Geshe Wangyal and 3 years at Washington Buddhist Vihara.
1982: returned to Sri Lanka. 1984: after periods of meditation
training at Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya, accepted the
editorship of the Buddhist Publication Society upon the
retirement of Venerable Nyanaponika Mahathera. Now lives
together with Venerable Nyanaponika at the Forest Hermitage,
Kandy. Publications including Nourishing the Roots; Transcendental
Dependent Arising; The Noble Eightfold Path; The Discourse
on the All-embracing Net of Views; The Brahmajala Sutta
and its Commentarial Exegesis; The Discourse on the Root
of Existence; The Mulapariyaya Sutta and its Commentarial
Exegesis; The Great Discourse on Causation; The Mahanidana
and its Commentarial Exegesis.
Chah,
Ajahn (also spelt Cha, Chaa) - See
note on name below.
Meditation master of the Thai forest tradition. Born in
rural village in Lao part of Northeast Thailand. Ordained
as a novice in early youth; at 20 took bhikkhu ordination.
Studied basic Dhamma, discipline and scriptures as a young
monk; later practised meditation under several master
of the forest tradition. Lived ascetic life for several
years, wandering, sleeping in forests, caves, cremation
grounds, then spent a short but enlightening period with
Ajahn Mun. Eventually settled in a thick forest grove
near birthplace; a large monastery grew up around him
there (Wat Pah Pong) from which numerous branch temples
have sprung in North East Thailand and elsewhere. 1975:
Wat Pah Nanachat established as special training monastery
for Westerners. 1977 and 79: visited UK. 1979: visited
USA. (Note on Name: Cha was his first lay name. Original
bhikkhu name - Subhatto. Was later appointed Chao Khun
with new name, Bodhinyana; does not use Chao Khun title
but keeps name that goes with it) Books including A Taste
of Freedom, A Still Forest Pool and Bohinyana. Died in
1992.
Dharmapala,
Anagarika (1865-1933)
Named used by D.H. Hewavitarne, the famous Buddhist
propagandist. Born in Sri Lanka in 1865, he joined the
Theosophical Society in 1884. Inspired by H.P. Blavatsky
he studied Pali and in 1891 founded the Maha Bodhi Society.
He then proclaimed himself as an Anagarika, a homeless
wanderer, and worked hard for the main object of the Society,
the restoration of Buddha Gaya into Buddhist hands, which
was only achieved in 1949. In 1925 he founded the British
Maha Bodhi Society in London. In 1931 he entered the Order
as Sri Devamitta Dhammapala, and died in 1933.
Goenka,
Satya Narayan
Vipassana meditation teacher. Born 1924, Burma. For many
years a high-powered businessman with family responsibilities;
also performed social good work. 1955: experimented with
U Ba Khin's vipassana method hoping to gain migraine relief:
was completely cured and achieved deep spiritual insight
as well. For next 14 years an energetic student of U Ba
Khin. 1969: returned to India; conducted own 1st vipassana
course in Bombay; others followed in many parts of India;
his 'camps' attended by all sort of people. 1976: Vipassana
International Academy (VIA) established at Igatpuri (Maharashtra
state); other centres later established at Hyderabad and
Jaipur, smaller ones at Dharamsala, Barachakia and in
Nepal. In West, Vipassana Meditation centre inaugurated
at Shelburne Falls, Mass, USA in 1982; other centres established
in Great Britain and Australia. Has lately retired from
business to devote himself to teaching meditation and
now holds courses every year in Europe, USA, Canada, Japan,
Australia and New Zealand.
Humphreys,
Christmas (1901-1983)
A prominent English Buddhist. Adopted Buddhism as a way
of life in 1918. Attended Buddhist lectures by Francis
Payne in 1923. On 19th November 1924 founded, with Miss
Aileen Faulkner, later his wife, the Buddhist Lodge of
the Theosophical Society, which in 1926 became the Buddhist
Society. Publisher of the journal The Middle Way and
was Vice President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.
Janakabhivamsa,
Sayadaw U
b.1928,
novice age 15, fully ordained age 19, this gifted scholar
became a lecturer in Buddhist scriptures at Mandalay Mahavisuddhayone
University before (1954/5) becoming an editor and reciter
of Pali texts for the sixth council. Studied Vipassana
under Mahasi Sayadaw 1953/4. 1957
commenced six years in Sri lanka where he continued his
Pali and scriptural studies and passed the London GCE
A levels. !967 returned to Burma as meditation teacher
at Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha. In
1979 took up residence at Chanmyay Meditation Centre,
constructed for him by devotees, and is often known as
Chanmyay Saydaw. 1979/80 accompanied Mahasi Sayadaw on
missions to the West and has since then made over twenty
missions.
Khantipalo,
Phra (Lawrence Mills)
Pioneer British bhikkhu and Pali scholar. Born 1932, near
London. At Suez Canal with British Army, received book
on Buddhism. Later joined Buddhist Society in London;
3 years late took samanera ordination under Venerable
Dr H. Saddhatissa at London Buddhist Vihara. After 1 year
in the robe in UK, left for 3 years in India, studying
Pali, travelling and teaching Dr Ambedkar's new Buddhists.
Took bhikkhu ordination under Abbot of Wat Cakkapat, Bangkok;
studied at Wat Bovoranives; also practised meditation
under various distinguished teachers. After 11 years in
Thailand went to Australia with senior Thai bhikkhu to
set up Wat Buddharangsee in Sydney. Later moved to Sri
Lanka; worked at Buddhist Publication Society (Kandy).
Subsequently returned to Australia and taught at Wat Buddha-Dhamma,
Wisemen's Ferry, NSW 2255. Disrobed after 30 years in
the Sangha, married a young Sinhalese woman and lives
in Carins, Queensland, trying to create a Buddhist community.
Books including Banner of the Arahants, A Life of the
Buddha, Calm & Insight, Nanamoli, Tolerance and What
is Buddhism? ; also translation of Dhammapada and edited
Nanamoli's translation of Majjhima Nikaya.
Khema,
Ayya, Sister (1923
- 1997) (Ilse
Ledermann)
Born
in Berlin in 1923 to Jewish parents. In 1938, she escaped
from Germany. 1978:
She helped to establish Wat Buddha-Dhamma, a forest monastery
near Sydney, Australia. 1979: Ordained as a nun in Sri
Lanka by Narada Mahathera. In
Colombo she set up the International Buddhist Women's
Centre as a training centre for Sri Lankan nuns, and the
Parappuduwa Nun's Island at Dodanduwa. She was the spiritual
director of Buddha-Haus in Germany, established in 1989
under her auspices. In June 1997 "Metta Vihara",
the first Buddhist forest monastery in Germany, was inaugurated
by her, and the first ordinations in the German language
took place there. In
1987 she co-ordinated the first international conference
of Buddhist nuns in the history of Buddhism, which resulted
in the setting-up of Sakyadhita, a world-wide Buddhist
women's organisation. Ayya
Khema has written twenty-five book on meditation and the
Buddha's teachings in English and German; her books have
been translated into seven languages. In 1988, her book
"Being Nobody, Going Nowhere" received
the Christmas Humphreys Memorial Award.
Mahasi Sayadaw
(1904-1982)
Mahasi Sayadaw (U Sobhana Mahathera) best known for reviving
Theravada Vipassana meditation. In 1949, on the invitation
of the Prime Minister, U Nu, Mahasi Sayadaw taught at
the Sasana Yeiktha (Meditation Centre) in Rangoon. Within
a few years of the establishment of the Sasana Yeiktha,
similar meditation centres were inaugurated in many parts
of the country with Mahasi-trained members of the Sangha
as meditation teachers. These centres were not confined
to Burma alone, but extended to neighbouring Theravada
countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka. At
the Sixth Buddhist Council in 1954, Mahasi Sayadaw had
the exacting task of Osana (Final Editor) and Pucchaka
(Questioner). A unique feature of this Council was the
editing of the commentaries (Atthakatha) and sub-commentaries
(tikas), as well as the canonical texts.
Maha
Boowa, Ajahn: (b.c. 1914)
Meditation master of the forest tradition of Northeast
Thailand. Studied basic Dharma and mastered Pali before
embarking upon meditation training. Spent many years practising
meditation as a forest monk; received much instruction
from Ajahn Mun, who sternly lectured him on the difference
between bliss states (jhana) and the wisdom of
Enlightenment. He emphasizes the development of strong
and steady concentration in practice as a forerunner to
the arising of wisdom' (Kornfield). For further information
see Living Buddhist Masters, by Jack Kornfield, chapter
9.
Mun,
Ajahn (Phra Mun Bhuridatta Thera, 1870-1949)
Meditation master of the Thai forest tradition. Born into
Kankaew family in Ubol Rajahani, Northeast Thailand. Took
samanera ordination in Khasmbong at age 15. Disrobed after
2 years for family reasons but returned to robe at age
22, taking bhikkhu ordination at Wat Liab. Afterwards
trained with Phra Ajahn Sao Kantisilo of Wat Liab. 'Under
his guidance the Ascetic Forest Tradition became a very
important tradition in the revival of Buddhist meditation
practice. The vast majority of recently deceased and presently
living meditation masters in Thailand are either direct
disciples of … (his) … or were substantially
influenced by his Teachings' (footnote in Bodhinyana).
'One of the most renowned of the Thai-Lao forest teachers
of this century, known for his mastery of concentration
and insight practices, for his great powers, and for the
fierceness of his teaching style' (Jack Kornfield). Biography:
The Venerable Phra Achaan Mun Bhuridatta, compiled by
Achaan Maha Boowa (English translated by Siri Buddhasukh).
Nanamoli,
Bhikkhu (Osbert Moore, 1905-1960)
Pioneer British bhikkhu and Pali scholar educated Exeter
College, Oxford. Discovered Buddhism via Julius Evola's
The Doctrine of Awakening while serving in Italy during
Word War II. Joined BBC after War. 1949: went to Sri Lanka
and ordained samanera with friend, Harold Musson. 1950:
bhikkhu ordination at Vajirarama Temple (Colombo), then
translated Visuddhimagga into English as The Path of Purification;
also translated Nettippakarana ('The Guide') and Patisambhidamagga
('Path of Discrimination'), most of the suttas of the
Majjhima Nikaya and several from the Samyutta Nikaya.
Died suddenly while on pilgrimage at Majo; cremated at
Vajirarama Temple. Other books including The Life of the
Buddha and A Thinker's Note Book.
Nyanaponika,
Mahathera (Siegmund Feniger)
Pioneer European bhikkhu. (1901-94) Hanauam-Main, West
Germany of Jewish parents. Converted to Buddhism via books
while living in Upper Silesia. 1922: moved to Berlin and
met other German Buddhists. Later formed a Buddhist study
circle in Konigsberg (East Prussia). 1936: to Sri Lanka;
samanera ordination at Island Hermitage Dodanduwa. 1937:
bhikkhu ordination. World War II - interned as enemy alien
in Dehra Dun (North India). 1951: went to Burma with Nyanatiloka
Mahathera for 6th Buddhist Council. Has served as delegate
to World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) conferences at
Rangoon, Bangkok and Phnom Penh; has also served as one
of the Vice-Presidents of WFB, for a term. 1952 and after:
resident at Forest Hermitage, Kandy. 1958-84: Founder-
Editor of the Buddhist Publication Society (BPS); President
till 1988. Books in English including The Heart of Buddhist
Meditation and Abhidhamma Studies, and " The Vision
of Dhamma".
Nyanatiloka,
Mahathera (Antom Gueth, 1878 - 1957)
Pioneer European bhikkhu and notable Pali scholar. Born
Wiesbaden (Germany). After high school devoted himself
to music in Frankfurt and Paris, then journeyed to India
via Greece, Middle East and Ceylon. 1903: samanera ordination
in Rangoon; bhikkhu ordination the following year (the
1st non-British Western one). 1910-11: left Sri Lanka
and travelled to Europe; stayed mainly in Switzerland
(Lausanne area) and brought many to Buddhism; ordained
1st samanera on European soil. 1911:returned to Sri Lanka;
thereafter lived at the Island Hermitage in Ratgama Lake,
Dodanduwa. Interned during World War I as enemy alien.
1916: given passport to return to Germany via United States
of America; travelled to Honolulu and then went to China
but was arrested in Chungking and imprisoned in Hankow
until 1919, then exchanged by the International Red Cross
and sent back to Germany. Unable to return to Sri Lanka
in 1920, so went on to Japan, became professor at Komazawa
University. 1926: finally got back to Sri Lanka. World
War II: again interned. 1946: returned to Dodanduwa. Nyanaponika
Thera one of his disciple. Books including A Buddhist
Dictionary, Guide Through the Abhidhamma, Path to Deliverance
and The Word of the Buddha.
Narada,
Mahathera (Sumanapala Perera, 1898 -1983)
Prominent English -educated Sinhalese bhikkhu. Born Colombo
suburb; educated SPCK school, St. Benedict's College (RC)
and Paramananda Vihara Sunday School. Entered Sangha at
18; teacher Pelene Vajiranana Mahanayaka Thera; received
traditional monastic education but also studied philosophy,
logic and ethics at U College (Colombo). Gained experience
of Dhammaduta work with Servants of the Buddha Society.
1929: 1st journey aboard (to India); later travelled widely
in South East Asia and developed closest ties with Indonesia
and Vietnam; also promoted Theravada Buddhism in Western
Europe. Was elected President of the Buddhist Vihara Society
(founded London 1948). A few short stays in London. Also
visited Australia. Publications including Buddhism in
a Nutshell, The Buddha and His Teachings, The Buddhist
Conception of Mind or Consciousness, The Buddhist Doctrine
of Kamma and Rebirth, Brahma Viharas or The Sublime States,
The Way to Nibbana, The Life of the Buddha, The Bodhisatta
Ideal and An Elementary Pali Course. Translations including
The Dhammapada and Abhidhammathasangaha - A Manual of
Abhidhamma.
Pandita,
Sayadaw U (Shwe Taung Gon Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa)
b.1921, commenced study age 7, novice age 12, fully ordained
age 20. Studied under many eminent Dhamma teachers and
passed Pali and Dhamma examinations culminating in the
Dhammachariya degree in 1952. First practised Vipassana
1950 under Mahasi Sayadaw and played important role in
6th Sangha Council. In 1959 accompanied Mahasi to Sri
lanka and spent 3 yrs there opening new centres. On return
to Burma became chief meditation teacher to three temples.
Upon death of Mahasi in 1982, was elected principal precentor
of Buddha Sasana Nuggaha Organization. Headed main Mahasi
temple them moved to his own meditation centre. Has made
many visits to the West and is the head of many temples
and centres.
Rahula,
Ven. Walpola (1907-)
Sri
Lankan scholar monk. Well-known preacher who criticized
some popular Buddhist practices and took especial interest
in social and economic matters; entered struggle for political
freedom. Worked with Miss I.B. Horner of the Pali Text
Society, and lectured widely in the USA and Japan. Best
known book: What the Buddha Taught.
Rewata
Dhama, Mahathera
Ven Dr: Senior Burmese bhikkhu teaching in UK. Born 1929,
Thamangone, Henzada dist, Burma. Joined local monastery
at 5 and studied under various teachers. Age 11: samanera
ordination. Age 20: bhikkhu ordination; preceptor - Myint
Kwet Sayadaw of Henzada. Studied Pali and Theravada Buddhism
at Aung Mingala Thidthi monastery, Rangoon; passed all
exams to final Dhammacariya grade. Later went to Dakkhi
Narama monastery, Mandalay, to study canon and commentaries
under various eminent teachers. Afterwards appointed a
teacher Aung Mingala Thidthi. Age 23: awarded title of
Sasanadhaja Siripavaradhammacariya by President of Burma,
1956: studied at Banaras Hindu and Varanasi University's
1964: obtained Master's degree in Sanskrit. 1967: PhD
from Babaras Hindu University. Hon lecturer at both u's
1972: resigned to develop vipassana meditation under S.N.
Goenka; had previously practised with, and been appointed
a teacher by, Mahasi Sayadaw. 1975: came to England at
invitation of West Midlands Buddhist Centre (Birmingham);
appointed Spiritual Director by Gyalwa Karmapa. Helped
set up other Buddhist Centres in Birmingham, London and
I o Man. Since 1975: has travelled widely in UK, Europe,
USSR, Far East and USA, teachings, lecturing, etc. 1982:
appointed member of University Court of Birmingham University.
Publications including edition of Abhidhammathasangaha
(with commentary), a 3 volume editions of Visuddhimagga
(with commentary), edition of First Sermon of the Buddha
(in Hindi), etc. To 1975: Chief Editor of Parami (English/
Hindi periodical). 1969: appointed Chief Editor of Encyclopaedia
of Buddhist Technical Terms by Sanskrit University, Varanasi.
Rhys
Davids, Caroline
(nee Foley, 1858-1942)
Pioneer Pali scholar. Educated U C London; Master Degree
and DLitt degree; also became Fellow. Later Reader in
Pali at School of Oriental & African Studies and Lecturer
in Indian Philosophy at Manchester University. 1984: married
T.W. Rhys Davids; issue- 2 daughters, 1 son. Collaborated
with husband in Pali Text society (PTS); succeeded him
as President, ' Interested in isolating in the Pali Canon
the actual teaching of the Buddha…' (Christmas Humphreys).
Numerous trans and editions; books including Gotama the
Man, Sakya or Buddhist Origins and Wayfarer's Words.
Rhys
Davids, Dr T.W. (Thomas William, 1843-1922)
Pioneer Pali scholar. Born. Colchester, son of Congregationalist
minister. Educated Brighton and University of Breslau
(Germany, where he gained PhD. 1864: entered Ceylon Civil
Service. Drawn to Pali studies when work as magistrate
produced a case involving a point of Buddhist ecclesiastical
law, learnt Pali from Sumangala Thera (Yatramulle Unnanse).
1872: resigned from CCS; returned to London and studied
Law. 1877: called to Bar; law practice did not flourish,
so concentrated upon Pali and Buddhist studies. 1881:
delivered Hibbert Trust Lecturers; also announced the
formation of the Pali Text Society. 1894: married Caroline
Augusta Foley, who had similar academic interests. 1882:
Professor of Pali at London University. 1885-1904: Secretary
and Librarian of Royal Asiatic Society; also a founder
of School of Oriental & African Studies (London University).
1894: lectured at Cornell University. 1889-1900: visited
Bodh Gaya and other Buddhist holy places in India. 1904-10:
Professor of Comparative Religion, Victoria University,
Manchester. 1907: President of Buddhist Society of Great
Britain & Ireland. 1910: elected President of India
Society. Retired to Chipstead, Surrey. Numerous editions
and trans; books including The Ancient Coins & Measures
of Ceylon, Manual of Buddhism; Buddhism, its history &
Literature and Buddhist India. Co-author with Dr Wm Stede
of Pali-English Dictionary.
Saddhatissa,
Hammalawa Mahanayaka Thera
Senior Sri Lankan born bhikkhu and scholar. (1914-90),
Hammalawa, Satkorale province, Sri Lanka. 1926: bhikkhu
ordination. Undergraduate studies at Vidyodaya Pirivena
and Prachina Bhasopakara Samagama (Sri Lanka); also studied
Banaras, London (SOAS, 1958-1961) and Edinburgh (PhD 1965).
Proficient in Pali, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Sinhala and Hindi.
1940-1973: held various academic posts, including Professor
of Pali, Banaras Hindu University (1956-7); Lecturer in
Sinhala at SOAS, London (1958-60); Professor of Buddhism
and Pali at Toronto University (1966-69); visiting lecturer
at Oxford (1973). Has also conducted lecture tours in
Europe, USA and Japan. 1956: at Nagpur (India) as advisor
to Dr Amdedkar during mass conversions of former 'untouchables'
to Buddhism. 1957: Head of London Buddhist Vihara until
1985. 1966: revived British Mahabodhi Society (defunct
since World War II); became its President. Has helped
establish other centres, including new London Buddhist
Vihara (1964), Buddhist Centre, Oakenholt, Oxford (1971);
Buddhist Research Library, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka (1984);
Buddha Vihara, Handsworth, Brimingham (1986). Current
appointments including President, Sangha Council of Great
Britain (1966). Sanghanayaka Thera (Buddhist Primate)
of UK (1980); Vice-President, Pali Text Society (1984).
Books in English including The Buddha's Way, Buddhist
Ethics; Essence of Buddhism; Handbook for Buddhists; Introduction
to Buddhism and The Life of the Buddha. Various editions
of Pali texts.
Sumedho,
Ajahn
American-born Theravada meditation master; founder of
various Western monasteries. Born 1934. Began Far East
Studies at University of Washington; studies interrupted
by spell of service in US Navy during Korean War; visited
Japan and encountered Buddhism. Later returned to University
of Washington to complete degree; then to University of
California for MA in Asian Studies; this completed 1963.
1964: to Borneo with Peace Corps; then to Thailand; taught
English part-time at Thammasat University, Bangkok and
practised meditation. On vacation in Laos recommended
to ordain in temple in Nong Kai (Northeast Thailand);
practised solo for 1 year; later became a disciple of
Ajahn Cha at Wat Pah Pong in Ubon Province. 1973: after
7 Vassa (Rains Retreats) allowed to visit India as dhutanga
monk. 1974: established and became Abbot of the international
Wat Pah Nanachat at Bung Wai. 1976: 1st return visit to
USA; visited UK and contacted English Sangha Trust. 1977:
came to UK with Ajahn Cha at invitation of English Sangha
Trust; resided at Hampstead Buddhist Vihara.1979: established
Chithurst Forest Monastery (Wat Pah Cittaviveka) with
108 acres of forest in rural West Sussex (UK) and became
1st Abbot. Various other centres have sprung from this:
Amaravati (Hemel Hempstead), Harnham Vihara (Northumberland)
and the Devon Vihara. Presently Abbot of Amaravati, but
teaches elsewhere and goes on regular world tours. Hon
President of the Buddhist Society (London). Books including
Cittaviveka (Teachings from the Silent Mind), The Path
to the Deathless, The Way It Is and The Mind and the Way.
Thittila,
Sayadaw U
Senior Burmese bhikkhu. (1896-1997), Pyawbwe, Central
Burma. Samanera at 15 under U Kavinda; bhikkhu ordination
at 20 under Ashin Adicca Vamsa. At 25 passed doctoral
exams with highest hons; taught and lectured in Rangoon
for 12 years. 1938-1952: in UK; spend war years there;
worked as stretcher bearer in Blitz. Onetime Librarian
at Buddhist Society. Lectured widely, especially on Abhidhamma.
1952: returned to Burma; became Professor of Pali at Rangoon
University. Has again visited UK and USA. Translations
including Vibbanga (Book of Analysis).
