AJARN MUN BHURIDATTA

PHRA AJAHN MUN BHURIDATTA

Phra Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta 1970-1949 was a Thai Bhikkhu of Lao descent who is credited along with his mentor, Ajarn Sao Kantasilo with establishing the Thai Forest Tradition or "Kammatthana Tradition" that subsequently spread through out Thailand and to several countries abroad.

Phra Ajahn Mun was born in Ban Kham Bong a farming village in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Isan. Oradained as a monk in 1893, he spent the remainder of his life wandering through Thailand, Burma and Laso dwelling for the most part in the forest, engaged in the practice of meditation. He attracted an enormous following of students and together with his teacher,Phra Ajahn Sao Kantasilo (1961-1941) established the Thai Forest Tradition (the Kammatthana Tradition) that subsequently spread throughout Thailand and to several conuntries abroad. He died at Wat Suddhavasa, Sakorn Nakhon Province.

Phra 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. Monks following this tradition are known as "tudong", the Thai pronunciation of this Pali word.

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.