Forest Desanas by Ajaan Maha Boowa Nanasampanno is a compilation of detailed instructions from the Thai Forest tradition. Ajaan Maha Boowa is widely recognised as a living Buddhist saint and a master in the Thai Forest tradition. In 1955, he established the Wat Pa Baan Taad monastery, and this book outlines his teachings. The fundamental problem that besets human beings, according to Ajaan Mahā Boowa, is that they have taken fake and false things as their true self and lack the necessary power to be their ‘own true self’; they allow the wiles and deceits of the mental defilements to generate fear and anxiety in their minds. Download the book here (324 pages):
Forest Desanas
Who is Ajaan Maha Boowa Nanasampanno?
Ajaan Maha Boowa Nanasampanno, often referred to simply as Ajaan Maha Boowa, was a renowned Thai Buddhist monk and meditation master of the Thai Forest Tradition. Here are some key points about him:
- Early Life and Ordination: Born on August 12, 1913, in Udon Thani Province, Thailand, he was ordained as a novice monk at the age of 20 and later took full ordination as a bhikkhu (monk) at the age of 21.
- Thai Forest Tradition: Ajaan Maha Boowa was a disciple of Ajaan Mun Bhuridatta, who is considered one of the most influential meditation masters of the Thai Forest Tradition in the 20th century. Under Ajaan Mun’s guidance, Ajaan Maha Boowa practiced intensive meditation in the forests of Thailand.
- Teachings: Ajaan Maha Boowa was known for his direct and often fiery teaching style. He emphasized the importance of moral discipline, meditation, and wisdom. He taught extensively on the subjects of suffering, impermanence, and the path to enlightenment.
- Wat Pa Baan Taad: In 1955, Ajaan Maha Boowa established Wat Pa Baan Taad, a forest monastery in Udon Thani Province. The monastery became a center for meditation and Dhamma instruction, attracting both Thai and foreign practitioners.
- Charitable Works: In addition to his spiritual teachings, Ajaan Maha Boowa was involved in various charitable activities. Notably, during the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s, he initiated a national campaign to donate gold to the Bank of Thailand to support the country’s economy.
- Writings: Ajaan Maha Boowa authored several books on Dhamma and meditation. Many of his talks and teachings have been translated into various languages, making them accessible to a global audience.
- Passing: Ajaan Maha Boowa passed away on January 30, 2011, at the age of 97. His death marked the end of an era, but his teachings continue to inspire and guide practitioners worldwide.
Ajaan Maha Boowa’s life and teachings serve as a testament to the transformative power of the Dhamma and the potential for human beings to attain the highest spiritual realizations.
