Walking the Path of the Ecosattva: The Work of Thai Master Ajahn Pranom
By Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury
Buddhistdoor Global
June 20, 2023
Thailand is an important Theravāda country in Southeast Asia. The population of the former Kingdom of Siam is roughly 94 per cent Buddhist. Because of this impressive number of Buddhist followers, some foreigners call Thailand the Land of Yellow Robes. Steeped in their faith in the three treasures, Thai devotees and practitioners continue to honor and cherish their Buddhist heritage, complete with its glorious culture and rich traditions from centuries past.
Venerable Chaokhun Ajahn Medhīvajirasobhaṇa or Ven. Phra Rājavajirapaṇḍita, widely known as Phra Maha Pranom Dhammālaṅkāra (or just Ajahn Pranom), is a leading monk in the Thai sangha. Ajahn Pranom is the abbot of Wat Chak Daeng, a prominent monastery in Samut Prakan Province. Phra Pranom entered the monastic order early in life. He not only engaged himself in deepening the practice of vinaya (monastic rules), he also mastered Pali. Pāli bhāṣā (scriptural language) is the sacred language of Theravāda Buddhism. The core text, the Tipiṭaka, is compiled in Pāli. Because of his deep understanding of Pāli, Ajahn Pranom is respected as an expert on the Tipiṭaka. He is skilled in the tripartite division of pariyatti (theory of Buddhist doctrines), paṭipatti (the practice of Dhamma), and paṭivedha (insightful exploration of the Dhamma).