Ajahn Mun

Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta (1870–1949) was a Thai bhikkhu from the 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 thirteen classic dhutaṅga (ascetic) practices, such as living off almsfood, 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.