Historic Recognition for a Foreign-Born Monk
A British-born monk has made history in Thailand after becoming the first foreign-born monk to receive the rank of Somdet, one of the highest positions in the country’s Buddhist community.
Ajahn Jayasaro, who trained under the respected Thai Forest Tradition teacher Ajahn Chah, was among eight senior monks elevated to the rank of Somdet Phra Ratchakhana. The royal announcement was issued on 14 July, with the appointment effective from 12 July.
The promotion was granted by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Ajahn Jayasaro, formerly known as Phra Phrom Phatcharayanmuni, received the new ecclesiastical name Somdet Phra Maha Phatcharayanmuni. He currently stays at the Baan Rai Thawsi monastic residence in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Journey From England To Thailand
Born Shaun Chiverton in England in 1958, Ajahn Jayasaro developed an interest in Buddhism during his teenage years. He later traveled through India while searching for a spiritual path that matched his beliefs.
In 1978, he became a novice monk under Ajahn Sumedho, the first Western disciple of Ajahn Chah. He then traveled to Thailand and officially became a monk in 1979 under Ajahn Chah at Wat Nong Pah Pong in Ubon Ratchathani.
Over the years, Ajahn Jayasaro became one of the most recognized teachers in the Thai Forest Tradition. He has taught Buddha’s teachings and published books in Thai and English and gained followers from Thailand and other nations.
Expanding Buddhist Influence Globally
Ajahn Jayasaro has also contributed to Buddhist education by offering guidance to schools that have a mindfulness and life skills program. His contributions have received several official recognitions over the years.
He received an honorary doctorate in 2011 and was given a royal monastic title in 2019. In 2020, he was granted Thai citizenship after being recognized for his long connection with Thailand’s Buddhist community.
The title of Somdet is the highest monastic rank below the Supreme Patriarch and is held by only a small number of monks at one time. Ajahn Jayasaro’s appointment marks the first time a foreign-born monk has reached this senior position in Thai Buddhism.
His elevation also reflects the international reach of the Thai Forest Tradition, which began in Thailand and has gained followers worldwide through teachers like Ajahn Chah and his students.
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