THE ABBOT
TAN AJAHN PHRAKRU BUDDHAMONPRICHA
*A TRIBUTE*
Tan Ajahn likes to tell us that things will be done "step by step." In his
case he knows this is true. His life thus far is marked with
accomplishments, all of them having been achieved by his mindful and 'one step at a time'
practice.
Ordaining as a Theravadan monk of the Dhammayut Order, in Bangkok, Thailand,
1968, Tan Ajahn began and continues to this day to be the student of H.H.
Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism in
Thailand. Immediately after ordination, Tan Ajahn traveled to the Thai
forest where he practiced under the tutelage of Ajahn Tate. From the Thai
forest practice, Tan Ajahn was assigned to the Mission Group of Bhante Win,
whose goal it was to re-establish Buddhism in Indonesia. Living in Jakarta
and neighboring villages, Tan Ajahn's practice attracted followers. He
successfully proposed and engineered the building of Vihara Jakarta
Dhammacakka Jaya. When he left Indonesia, the Vihara was a vibrant center
of Theravadan Buddhism. It continues as such today.
The ensuing Rainy Season was spent in Seattle, Washington, where Tan Ajahn
heard the proposal for a Wat in Coastal North Carolina. He returned to meet
with H.H. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara and seek his advice on locating a Temple
in North Carolina. Tan Ajahn had visited the proposed site of Wat Carolina, and
he had been satisfied with the location. Even today, when asked by
reporters and guests, why this piece of land was chosen, Tan Ajahn responds
with: "It has good vibrations."
Tan Ajahn Phrakru is our Abbot and our Teacher. His continual
presence enhances the good vibrations, and without speaking a single word,
his ambiance fills hearts and minds with peace. We, at Wat Carolina, are
fortunate.
This site is dedicated to Tan Ajahn Phrakru Buddhamonpricha's practice. It
is dedicated with grateful heart and many, many thanks for
taking the ‘steps’ to come here as our Abbot.
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