Dhamma talk by Phra Ajaan Thanissaro (Ajaan Geoff) on 5 Dec 2023 at Palelai Buddhist Temple.
Phra Ajaan Thanissaro met his primary teacher, Phra Ajaan Fuang Jotiko (a close student of Phra Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo) in 1974 at Wat Dhammasathit, Rayong, Thailand. He ordained in 1976 to practise meditation under Phra Ajaan Fuang. After the passing of Phra Ajaan Fuang in 1986, Phra Ajaan stayed on to oversee Wat Dhammasathit until 1991, when he returned to the USA. He assumed the responsibilities of Abbot and meditation teacher in 1993 at Metta Forest Monastery in California. The monastery was founded by his second teacher, Phra Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, in 1990.
Phra Ajaan has contributed significantly to the growth of Buddhism and the teachings of the Thai Forest Meditation Tradition by translating many of the teachings of the Kruubaa Ajaans, the Pali Canon, and giving meditation and Dhamma teachings. His works and teachings are offered freely in print and in softcopy (Dhammatalks.org and accesstoinsight.org) and there is a large collection of his talks on KZfaq.
Phra Ajaan was the pioneering teacher who helped introduce the teachings of the Thai Forest tradition to the community of Palelai.