Dhamma Diary

…is a Buddhist monk of the Theravadin Thai Forest Tradition living and practising at the Forest Hermitage in Warwickshire.

In the beginning….

Well, it all began in April, 1981. There’s not much to say really, except that life wasn’t too bad until I reached the grand age of nine, when life began to lose its shine.

I was eighteen when I first practised meditation. I read the instructions - just a paragraph on mindfulness of breathing in a little book - and I did it. And that was that. I decided to become a monk several months later. It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made! In May of 2001 I received full ordination as a bhikkhu under Luangpor Khemadhammo and I’ve been training at the Forest Hermitage ever since.

In June 2006 the monthly retreats at Bhavana Dhamma started and since then they’ve become an important part of my life. For a start I enjoy teaching. But it’s the results that you see people experiencing that makes them so worthwhile. One of the main reasons behind starting this weblog was that I thought it could provide support, inspiration, and continuity to those of you who’ve been on the retreats.

I know my life would be very different if it wasn’t for Buddhism. And I realize that having access to Ajahn Chah’s teachings is a great privilege. When reading his words I feel like a weary man who has been stumbling through the desert and finds an oasis: he drinks and is refreshed; every sip is precious. I’m deeply indebted to Luangpor at the Hermitage as well. He is a tremendous role model in many ways: his determination, sincerity, integrity, and strength of mind are second to none. I bow to the Buddha, Ajahn Chah and Luangpor.