Slideshow of Chao Khun Ceremony

On December 5, 2015 at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo) in Bangkok, Luang Por Pasanno received the honorary ecclesiastical title “Chao Khun” and name “Phra Bodhinyanavidesa” from the Crown Prince of Thailand, on behalf of His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadet. This title is given periodically to monks in the Thai tradition who have distinguished themselves with their contributions to the monastic tradition, and is considered a high honor. This year, both Luang Por Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro were given this title – particularly significant as Western monks are rarely awarded this special recognition.

On January 24, 2106 Luang Por Maha Prasert from Wat Buddhanusorn and nuns from Dhammadharini Vihara joined with ~150 lay supporters to express mudita (sympathetic joy) for Luang Por Pasanno. Photos of the event are now posted in the gallery. After the meal, Luang Por presented a video slideshow of the Chao Khun ceremony and subsequent reception of the honorees at Wat Pah Nanachat produced by a Thai lay supporter.

Luang Por Maha Prasert and Luang Por Pasanno both gave Dhamma talks on the occasion, and we hope to have them posted fairly soon, but we have fewer audio editing resources during Winter Retreat. In the meantime, the following talks explain the significance of this honor:

Ajahn Viradhammo’s Kathina 2015 talk: The Monastery: A Place of Transformation

Luang Por Pasanno answers a question about the Chao Khun title on the 2015 Thanksgiving Retreat: Q & A session 7, question 2