‘Left-field’ life: Briton becomes Thailand’s top foreign monk

Shaun Chiverton, a British man born on the southern English coast, has become the first non-Thai monk to reach the rank of Somdet Phra Rachakhana, the second-highest level in Thailand's monkhood. At 68 years old, he has undergone a remarkable journey from a secular childhood to a life of Buddhist teachings and leadership. Five decades after traveling to India to follow the Buddha's teachings, Chiverton now goes by the name Ajahn Jayasaro, a title he earned after becoming a monk in Thailand.

Raised in a bookish family, Chiverton's early years were marked by curiosity about life's purpose and the alleviation of suffering. His interest in Buddhism led him to India, where he eventually settled in Thailand, joining the Theravada forest monks. Despite feeling like an outsider, he found a sense of belonging at the monastery, where he has spent much of his life dedicated to meditation, discipline, and renunciation.

Chiverton has authored several books in both English and Thai and has a substantial following on YouTube with 100,000 subscribers. His unique background allows him to bridge traditional Buddhist teachings with modern issues, offering a fresh perspective on how these ancient principles can apply to contemporary life. While he supports the ban on female ordinations in Thai Buddhism, Chiverton believes there should be a path for women who seek spiritual growth.

Emphasizing the importance of living a good life and letting go of material possessions, Chiverton addresses the rise of individualism and its impact on mental health. He advocates for a balanced approach that recognizes the challenges of modern life while providing tools to cope with stress and mental health issues. Chiverton remains optimistic about the future, sharing his experiences and teachings through a planned TV series for YouTube, aimed at an everyday audience.

He considers himself incredibly fortunate to have lived the life he has and feels a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities presented by his unique journey.