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Ajahn Chah

Ajahn Chah Quotes

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Ajahn Chah (June 17, 1918 – January 16, 1992) was a renowned Thai Buddhist monk and meditation master in the Theravada tradition. Born in a rural village in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, he ordained as a monk at age 20 and studied under several teachers. Known for his simple, direct teaching style, he emphasized mindfulness and daily-life practice. He founded forest monasteries in Thailand and trained many Western disciples, spreading Buddhist meditation globally. His teachings continue to inspire seekers worldwide.

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All Ifs Mind Suffering Knows Practice Meditation Heart Letting Go Way Arise Dharma People Should Buddhism Doe Trying World Forests Giving Running

Famous Ajahn Chah Quotes

“Buddhism is a religion of the heart. Only this. One who practices to develop the heart is one who practices Buddhism [...] Use your heart to listen to the Teachings, not your ears.”

Heart Buddhism Enlightenment Awakening Dharma

Book:Reflections

Source: Reflections

“If your mind is happy, then you are happy anywhere you go. When wisdom awakens within you, you will see Truth wherever you look. Truth us all there is. It’s like when you’ve learned how to read - you can then read anywhere you go.”

Buddhism Enlightenment Awakening Dharma Spiritual Transformation Mindtraining

Book:Reflections

Source: Reflections

“When light is produced, we no longer worry about getting rid of darkness, nor do we wonder where the darkness has gone. We just know that there is light.”

Light Darkness Virtue Buddhism Goodness Transformation Zen Purity Holiness Spiritual Transformation

Book:A Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah

Source: A Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah

“When sitting in meditation, say, "That's not my business!" with every thought that comes by.”

Inspirational Spiritual Meditation Buddhism Mindfulness Sitting Buddhist Spiritual Wisdom Founders Spiritual Awakening Spiritual Healing Thai None Of Your Business

Author:Ajahn Chah

“To observe and watch one's own mind is something really interesting. The untrained mind will run and follow its old habit patterns. Because it has not been trained and taught, it will get lost in all kinds of stories and issues. Therefore we have to train our mind. The meditation practice in Buddhism is all about training one's own mind.”

Mind Kind Stories Running Lost Interesting Watches Practice Issues Meditation Taught Buddhism Habit Training Train Patterns All Kinds Really Interesting Meditation Practice Old Habits

Author:Ajahn Chah

“To define Buddhism without a lot of words and phrases, we can simply say, 'Don't cling or hold on to anything. Harmonize with actuality, with things as they are.'”

Buddhism Phrases Actuality

Author:Ajahn Chah

About the Author

Born: June 17, 1918
Died: January 16, 1992
Known for: Author
Quotes: 106

Related Topics

Ifs Mind Suffering Knows Practice Meditation Heart Letting Go Way Arise Dharma People Should Buddhism Doe Trying World Forests Giving Running

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Books & Sources

A Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan ChahRelated source material

Collected Bodhi Leaves Volume IV: Numbers 91 to 121Related source material

ReflectionsRelated source material

A Taste of Freedom: Selected Dhamma TalksRelated source material

Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha's TeachingsRelated source material

On MeditationRelated source material

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