Acariya mun biography of mahatma

Translator’s Introduction

Venerable Ãcariya Mun Bhýridatta Thera is a towering figure in contemporary Thai Buddhism.

He was widely revered and respected during his lifetime for the extraordinary courage and determination he displayed in practicing the ascetic way of life and for his uncompromising strictness in teaching his many disciples. During the 50 years since his death, he has assumed an exalted status in Buddhist circles and thus re- mains an overshadowing presence whose life and teachings have become synonymous with the Buddha’s noble quest for self-transformation.

Although Ãcariya Mun (pronounced to rhyme with “sun”) left no written record of his own, this biography, compiled by one of his close disciples some 20 years after his death, is largely responsible for intro- ducing his life, his achievements, and his teachings to a broad section of Buddhist society.

Through the widespread popularity of this book, many Thai Buddhists have been given fresh hope that