Buddhadasa Bhikkhu

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, born Ngueam Phanit, was a renowned Thai Buddhist monk and an influential ascetic-philosopher. He was known for his innovative reinterpretations of Buddhist doctrine and Thai folk beliefs. Buddhadasa fostered a reformation in conventional religious perceptions in Thailand and abroad, promoting a return to the core teachings of Buddhism: doing good, avoiding bad, and purifying the mind. He founded the Suan Mokkh Monastery in 1932 as a place for simple and pristine practice, which later became a center for international students seeking to study Buddhism and meditation. His teachings emphasized the non-dogmatic and flexible nature of Buddhism, often drawing parallels with other religious and philosophical systems. Buddhadasa passed away just two days shy of his 87th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual teachings and a monastery that continues to teach and inspire.