Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta (1870–1949) was a Thai bhikkhu from Isan region who is credited, along with his mentor, Ajahn Sao Kantasīlo, with establishing the Thai Forest Tradition or “Kammaṭṭhāna tradition” that subsequently spread throughout Thailand and to several countries abroad.
Ordained as a monk in 1893, he spent the remainder of his life wandering through Thailand, Burma, and Laos, dwelling for the most part in the forest, engaged in the practice of meditation. Ajahn Mun’s mode of practice was solitary and strict. He followed the vinaya (monastic discipline) faithfully, and also observed many of what are known as the 13 classic dhutanga (ascetic) practices, such as living off alms food, wearing robes made of cast-off rags, dwelling in the forest and eating only one meal a day.
Searching out secluded places in the wilds of Thailand and Laos, he avoided the responsibilities of settled monastic life and spent long hours of the day and night in meditation. In spite of his reclusive nature, he attracted a large following of students willing to put up with the hardships of forest life in order to study with him.
A Heart Released
Ajahn Munuch has been written about the life of Phra Ajahn Mun Bhūridatta Thera (1870-1949), the founder of the Thai Forest Tradition, but very little was recorded of…
Patipada: Venerable Acariya Mun’s Path of Practice
Ajahn MunThis book is a translation of the Dhutanga Kammaṭṭhāna practices of Ajahn Mun Bhūridatta Thera, and it was written by Venerable Ajahn Mahā Boowa Ñāṇasampanno…
Venerable Acariya Mun Buridatta Thera
Ajahn MunAjahn Mun is a towering figure in contemporary Thai Buddhism. He was widely revered during his lifetime for the extraordinary courage and determination he…