Phra Ajaan Maha Bua Nānampanno

Phra Ajaan Maha Bua Nānampanno was born on 12 August 1913 in Baan Taad village in the province of Udon Thani. He was a disciple of the esteemed forest master Phra Ajaan Mun Bhūridatta Mahā Thera, and was himself considered a master in the Thai Forest Tradition.

Date of Enlightenment: Around 1950, after extensive practice under Ajahn Mun.

Key Teachings: Ajahn Maha Bua was renowned for his impactful Dhamma talks and his dedicated efforts to preserve the Thai Forest Tradition. He emphasized meditation, particularly mindfulness and insight, as essential paths to liberation. His teachings emphasized living a virtuous and simple life. Ajaan Maha Bua stressed the importance of sincere and dedicated Dhamma practice, advocating for a balanced approach to meditation. He taught that true understanding of Dhamma arises from personal experience and diligent practice. Emphasizing both Samatha (tranquility) and Vipassanā (insight) meditation, he encouraged mindfulness in all activities. His teachings often focused on purifying the mind from defilements as a means to achieve liberation.

Notable Contributions: Ajaan Maha Bua was a highly respected meditation master who played a significant role in preserving and propagating the teachings of Ajaan Mun. He was instrumental in raising funds for national economic crises in Thailand, showing his deep sense of social responsibility and compassion. Ajaan Maha Bua established Wat Pa Ban Tat where he provided guidance to many monks and lay practitioners, and his teachings continue to inspire practitioners around the world. Ajaan Maha Bua’s written works and recorded teachings are considered valuable resources for those following the Thai Forest Tradition. He was believed to have attained enlightenment around 1950, after extensive practice under Ajahn Mun. He passed away on 30 January 2011 at the age of 98 and had been in the Saṅgha for 77 years. By the time of his death his teachings had spread widely throughout Asia, and also to western countries.