Thailand's top foreign monk finds true calling
FROM a working-class childhood on the southern English coast to the top foreign-born monk in Thailand, Shaun Chiverton’s quest for a better life has taken him further than most.
Shaun Chiverton, born to a working-class family on England's southern coast, embarked on a transformative journey from India to Thailand, ultimately becoming the first non-Thai monk to hold the revered rank of Somdet Phra Rachakhana in Thailand. This elevation, achieved just five decades after his arrival in India, exemplifies his remarkable life's quest.
The 68-year-old monk, now known as Ajahn Jayasaro, reflected on his father's words, "Well, we always knew he'd do something weird, we just didn't know what kind of weird it would be." Raised in a secular family, Jayasaro grappled with life's big questions, eventually finding purpose in Buddhism. After settling in Thailand, he joined the forest monks of Theravada Buddhism and has since authored several books in English and Thai, held retreats, and garnered a substantial online following.
Despite his unconventional life, Jayasaro believes his unique background provides him with a unique perspective on integrating traditional Buddhist teachings into a modern world. He supports the Thai Buddhist institution's stance on female ordinations but advocates for ways to accommodate women with spiritual vocations. His teachings emphasize personal growth, kindness, and compassion, offering timeless tools for dealing with contemporary challenges like stress, depression, and anxiety.
Jayasaro's next venture is a TV series in English for YouTube, centered on an everyday figure from the Buddha's era, highlighting his adaptability and commitment to sharing his insights with a broader audience.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
