Highlights from 2019

A Guiding Elder in Residence, Luang Por Pasanno

Since Abhayagiri’s inception, Luang Por Pasanno was co-abbot of Abhayagiri with Ajahn Amaro. He became the solo abbot in 2010 when Ajahn Amaro departed to become abbot of Amaravati. Before his one year sabbatical in 2018-2019, Luang Por passed on the abbot’s duties to Ajahn Karuṇadhammo and Ajahn Nyāṇiko, who are now leading the community as co-abbots. With his return in July 2019, Luang Por Pasanno is now residing at Abhayagiri as the Guiding Elder.

Tan Chao Khun Phra Rajabodhividesa

Of special note during 2019 was that Luang Por Pasanno spent his 70th birthday, July 26th, on a plane to Thailand, having found out just the day before that he was slated to receive a new title on July 28th from King Mahavajiralongkorn of Thailand. Although Luang Por has stepped back from administrative duties and various meetings, he still offers plenty of teachings both formally and informally and provides an invaluable example to others.

Santi Vihara

Another first for 2019 is that the Santi Vihara property, located across Tomki Road from Abhayagiri, has been officially handed over to Abhayagiri Monastic Foundation. Santi Vihara is planned to provide a suitable environment to care for old and aging monastics.

Comings and Goings

As usual, there have been plenty of arrival and departures. Ajahn Kaccana departed for Amaravati in England. Venerables Kovilo, Nisabho, and Suddhiko went to various monasteries in Thailand. Venerable Sampanno went to Temple Forest Monastery in New Hampshire. Venerable Suhajjo is currently at Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Australia. Venerables Kondañño and Jāgaro returned to Abhayagiri from two different Canadian monasteries. This winter Ajahn Sek and Tan Khantiko are staying at the Pacific Hermitage with Ajahn Sudanto.

It is also worth noting that multiple monastics proceeded with further commitments to monastic training including the venerables Cittapālo and Jotimanto being fully ordained into the Bhikkhu Sangha.

Although the resident community and the conditions at Abhayagiri continue to change, the essence of Dhamma practice remains the same.

Not doing any evil;
To be committed to the good;
To purify one’s mind:
These are the teachings of all Buddhas.

-Dhammapada, 183