Meet the Englishman who became Thailand's top foreign monk
A journey that began in a working-class family on England’s Isle of Wight has taken Shaun Chiverton to one of the highest ranks in Thailand’s Buddhist monkhood. The 68-year-old, now known as Ajahn Jayasaro, became the first non-Thai to be elevated to the rank of Somdet Phra Rachakhana, the second-highest level in Thailand’s monastic hierarchy. Chiverton travelled to India about five decades ago,…
Born into a working-class family on England's Isle of Wight, Shaun Chiverton embarked on a transformative journey that led him to become Thailand's top foreign monk. At the age of 68, Chiverton now goes by the name Ajahn Jayasaro and holds the esteemed position of Somdet Phra Rachakhana, the second-highest rank within Thailand's monastic hierarchy.
Chiverton's spiritual quest began over five decades ago when he traveled to India in search of answers to life's fundamental questions. This pursuit eventually led him to Thailand, where he embraced the Theravada Buddhist forest tradition and took up monastic life. For the past two decades, he has resided in seclusion near the Khao Yai mountains, dedicating himself to writing books, conducting meditation retreats, and disseminating Buddhist teachings through his YouTube channel, which boasts over 100,000 subscribers.
In 2020, Chiverton received Thai citizenship by royal decree and has since been promoted several times by the Thai government. His teachings emphasize compassion, discipline, relinquishing material attachments, and cultivating positive qualities. Recently, he commenced work on an English-language YouTube series that delves into the life of the Buddha, aiming to introduce these ancient teachings to a broader audience.
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