Professional Documents
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Buddhist Studies Profiles of Theravadin Buddhists
Buddhist Studies Profiles of Theravadin Buddhists
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.
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Buddhist Studies: Profiles of Theravadin Buddhists
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.
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.
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Buddhist Studies: Profiles of Theravadin Buddhists
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.
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Buddhist Studies: Profiles of Theravadin Buddhists
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.
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Buddhist Studies: Profiles of Theravadin Buddhists
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.
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. PresentlyAbbot 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).
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