Ven. U Maṅgala

Ven. U Maṅgala was born in Malacca in 1968.  He graduated from the Law Faculty, at the University of Malaya.

Ven. U Maṅgala was ordained in 1996 by Ven. Pa-Auk Sayadawgyi and began practising Vipassana meditation under Ven. Pa-Auk Sayadawgyi’s close supervision and guidance. In 2006, Ven. Pa-Auk Sayadawgyi appointed Ven. U Maṅgala as the meditation teacher at Pa Auk Forest Monastery in Mawlamyine.

In 2008, with support from the Malaysia Dhamma Society, Venerable started teaching meditation in the newly established Tusita Hermitage (Kuching), Sarawak. Since then, Tusita Saṅgha Council has established Hermitages and Centres in Nepal Himalaya, Taiwan, Malacca, Penang and Taiping. He also established Tusita Dhamma Earth monastery at Semenyih in 2016.

Ven. U Maṅgala is the author of several Chinese Dhamma books, namely “The Price of Nature”, “Maṅgala Sayings” and “Maṅgala Zen”.  Venerable is fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka and Malacca Hokkien.

Ven. Ajahn Dton

Ajahn Maha Dton Dhirapanno, also known as Dhirapanno Bhikkhu or Phra Maha Keyrati Srivuthana, is a respected Thai Forest Tradition teacher born in Chonburi, Thailand, in 1967.

After completing his medical education in Thailand, Ajahn Dton pursued advanced studies in paediatrics at the American Board of Pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Michigan under a scholarship provided by the Thai government from 1994 to 1997. During this period, he was recognized for his dedication and warmth, earning him the Best of Hospitality award.

Following the completion of his PhD, Ajahn Dton embarked on a meditation retreat in the United States under the guidance of Ajahn Jayasaro, the abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat. It was during this retreat that Ajahn Dton, then still a layperson, discovered the fulfillment he sought in the monastic life.

Returning to Thailand, Ajahn Dton took his monastic vows at Wat Pah Nanachat. His commitment and diligence led him to complete an advanced Buddhist course, earning him the distinguished title of "Maha," signifying proficiency in Grade 3 Pali studies.

Currently, Ajahn Maha Dton Dhirapanno serves as a Buddhist adviser and meditation instructor for hospitals, government departments, and schools in the vicinity of Wat Pah Bun Lom. He is also the co-abbot of Wat Pah Boon Lorm in Ubon, Thailand, and has conducted Dhamma talks and retreats both in Thailand and internationally.

As a visiting monastic at the Bandar Utama Buddhist Society (BUBS), Ajahn Dton continues to share his wisdom and insights with our community, inspiring us on our path towards spiritual growth and living compassionately.

Luang Pu Somboon Kantasilo

Phrathepvatcharayanvetee, or Luang Pu Somboon Kantasilo, was born on December 9, 1940, in Nai Subdistrict, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, to parents Mr. Sum and Mrs. Pang Somunjarn. At the age of 84, with 52 vassa/rains, he has devoted his life to spiritual practice, teaching, and community service.

Ordained on March 24, 1972, at Wat Srichan, Luang Pu Somboon Kantasilo's journey in the Buddhist monastic life began with studying Dhamma under the guidance of Phra Acharn Fun Acharo at Wat Pa Udomsomporn, Phanna Nikhom District, for 5 years. He later pursued further studies with Luang Pu Chob and embarked on a 12-year pilgrimage in the forests of Phu Ruea District.

In 1989, Luang Pu Somboon Kantasilo founded Wat Pa Somboontham, where he continues to serve as a spiritual leader and teacher. His dedication to improving the lives of others extends beyond spiritual guidance, as he actively engages in philanthropic endeavours such as the construction of Pak Chom Hospital in Pak Chom District, Loei Province.

Luang Pu Somboon Kantasilo's life and work embody the core values of Buddhism, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of his community and fostering spiritual growth in those who seek his guidance. His legacy serves as an inspiration for monks and laypeople alike, illustrating the transformative power of selflessness, devotion, and compassion.

Ven. Ajahn Achalo

Ajahn Achalo was born in Brisbane Australia in 1972. He developed a keen interest in meditation at the age of twenty and a year later left for Thailand to study Buddhism more intently.  After a two year period practising in various centres and monasteries, in 1996 Ajahn Achalo ordained as a Theravada Bhikkhu (monk) under Ajahn Liem at Wat Nong Pah Pong, the monastery founded by venerable Ajahn Chah. Although most of his training has taken place in Thailand, Ajahn Achalo has also lived in several international Forest Monasteries in the Ajahn Chah lineage.  

Ajahn Achalo is deeply grateful for his many opportunities to study with well-practiced monks as well as for having been able to train in several traditional contexts, including meditation monasteries, remote forests, and periods on pilgrimage. During his years of training, he has received personal guidance from many remarkable teachers, among them, Ajahn Sumedho, Ajahn Pasanno, Ajahn Jayasaro and Ajahn Kalyano. For most of his Bhikkhu life, he has considered Tan Ajahn Anan, abbot of Wat Marp Jan, to be his principal mentor. In addition, he has found the Dalai Lama's instructions and example to be of tremendous value.

via www.peacebeyondsuffering.org (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Ven. Ajahn Kusalo

Ajahn Kusalo is a Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He established and served as the co-abbot of Tisarana Buddhist Monastery in Canada before moving back to Bodhinyanarama in 2012. He was born in New Zealand and ordained as a monk in 1992 under the guidance of Ajahn Sumedho.

Prior to his ordination, Ajahn Kusalo lived a householder life and worked as a builder and carpenter. He has been trained in the lineage of Ajahn Chah, a renowned Thai Forest meditation master, and spent several years practicing in various monasteries, including Amaravati Monastery in the UK and Bodhinyanarama Monastery in New Zealand.

Ajahn Kusalo is known for his practical approach to Buddhist teachings, emphasizing mindfulness and meditation in everyday life. He has led retreats and given teachings around the world, sharing his experience and wisdom with both laypeople and monastics.

In addition to his role as co-abbot at Tisarana Monastery, Ajahn Kusalo also serves as a guiding elder for other monastic communities in North America and contributes to the wider Buddhist community through his teaching and example.

Tan Chao Khun Samai

Tan Chao Khun Mahā Samai Sukhasamiddho was born in Laos in 1943. After migration to Bangkok, he was ordained as novice in 1957. His full ordination took place in June 1963. During his time as young novice and young monk he completed his Dhamma studies at the advanced level and Pali Language at level 5. Before being admitted to study at the University level, he took another three years to do the secular studies. He was graduated from Mahamakut University in 1972. After taking one year course of training for Buddhist Missionary overseas, he was sent together with the most senior meditation teacher Luang Pu Boonyarith to Sydney to look after the newly established Buddhist center in 1974. 

As a reward for his long and good service to the Buddhist Community in Australia, Tan Chao Khun Samai has been given the new titles four times in the last 42 years. His current title is Phra Thepsilaporn.

Each time the new title has been conferred upon him by the King of Thailand on his birthday, the 5th of December.  Moreover, Mahamakut University has conferred upon him PhD Honorary Degree in May 2003 in acknowledging his long service in spreading Buddhism. 

Tan Chao Khun Samai assumed the position as the leader of the Dhammayutta Sangha in Australia and New Zealand in 1998. He currently serves as a spiritual advisor to the Dhammayutta Sangha Council, and is the Abbot of Wat Pa Buddharangsee in Leumeah, NSW.