Theatre~Forest~Prison: Wisdom from Aj. Chah’s Most Senior European Disciple | Luang Por Khemadhammo

In this interview, we speak with Luang Por Khemadhammo OBE (https://foresthermitage.org.uk/), abbot of The Forest Hermitage & founder of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy program. 00:00:00 — Introduction 00:01:45 — Key moments of faith leading to monasticism 00:06:45 — Transferable skills between acting and meditation 00:11:18 — Personal perspectives on the "Dharma of Shakespeare" 00:11:44 — Specific gems of wisdom found in Shakespeare's works 00:12:16 — Experiencing the qualities of genius and love in Ajahn Chah 00:17:48 — Specific anecdotes or stories from time with Ajahn Chah 00:23:44 — The genesis and nature of the Angulimala prison project 00:30:57 — Inspiration for dedicating decades to prison work 00:35:00 — Transmuting rage and anger in incarcerated individuals 00:37:31 — Most relevant Buddhist teachings for inmates 00:38:50 — Practical means and methods of the prison program 00:42:04 — Relating to and appreciating diverse Buddhist schools 00:49:33 — Stories of personal transformation among inmates 00:52:17 — Handling worldly accolades and honors as a monk 00:55:06 — The quintessential ingredient for staying in robes 00:58:29 — Evolving perspectives on monks using modern media 01:01:15 — Advice for interacting with those "down and out" or unseen As you can see, the conversation was wide-ranging touching on many fascinating aspects of Luang Por Khemadhammo's unique life as a Shakespearean actor turned Buddhist monk. Such topics include meditation lessons from the theatre, the initial meeting and life with Luang Por Chah, the beginnings of the Western Sangha in England, the birth of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy program, insights from teaching prisoners, and perspectives gained from 55 years in robes. For more information about Luang Por, visit: https://foresthermitage.org.uk/ Luang Por Khemadhammo's Bio: Luang Por Khemadhammo (Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht) OBE was born in England in 1944. After training and practising as a professional actor and working at the Royal National Theatre with Laurence Olivier, in 1971 he travelled to Thailand via the Buddhist holy places in India. In December 1971 in Bangkok he became a novice and about a month later moved to Ubon to stay at Wat Nong Pah Pong with Ajahn Chah with whom he received bhikkhu ordination. In 2003, he was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to prisoners and for his creation of the Angulimala Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy (https://angulimala.org.uk/) program. The following year at His Majesty the King of Thailand’s birthday in December he was made a Chao Khun with the title, Phra Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht. He is the founder and abbot of The Forest Hermitage and one of the most senior Western Disciples of Luang Por Chah. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person) - Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online) See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!