About Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Thanissaro Bhikkhu is a monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. After moving to Thailand and studying under the forest master Ajaan Fuang Jotiko for ten years, he returned to the US and cofounded the Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County, California, where he serves as abbot. The translator of numerous suttas and classical texts, his most recent book is Good Heart, Good Mind. His books and many of his other teachings and translations can be found online at dhammatalks.org.

Ethical North Star: The Five Buddhist Precepts for Modern Times

by Rebecca Li, Trudy Goodman, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Jan Willis and Sister True Dedication| February 27, 2021

In this complex and interconnected world, living ethically has never been more challenging—or more important. Jan Willis, Rebecca Li, Trudy Goodman, Thanissaro Bhikku, and Sister True Dedication share the five Buddhist precepts for modern times. Illustrations by Nolan Pelletier. 1. Don’t Kill Jan Willis on the first precept. I’ve long considered verse 183 of the […]

This Is the Origin, This Is the Cessation

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| November 26, 2020

Teachings on the Four Noble Truths from Handful of Leaves, Thanissaro Bhikkhu’s new translations of selected suttas from the Pali Canon.

It Comes Down to Character

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| November 10, 2020

We often look at Buddhist practice as a way of cultivating particular qualities; Thanissaro Bhikkhu reminds us, however, that the Buddha also spoke of qualities we must have to take up the practice in the first place.

Things You Need for Your Journey

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| January 9, 2020

Buddhist monk Thanissaro Bhikkhu lists the good qualities you should take with you on the Buddhist path.

What is Satipatthana?

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| October 19, 2018

Satipatthana as defined by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, an abbot in the Thai Forest Tradition.

Building Your Mental Muscles

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| January 19, 2018

Meditators and musclemen don’t seem to have much in common, but Thanissaro Bhikku says meditators can learn a lot from strength training.

Creating a Good Ground for Meditation

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| November 19, 2017

Thanissaro Bhikkhu outlines five principles of the ethical, restrained life conducive to meditation practice.

Wisdom Over Justice

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| November 3, 2017

Justice is of course a noble goal. But, says Thanissaro Bhikkhu, the Buddha emphasized a different approach to the achievement of harmony in the world.

7 Things the Buddha Never Said

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| September 12, 2017

Monk Thanissaro Bhikkhu, a trained translator of the Buddha’s words, reveals seven fake Buddha quotes he’s found. See if you’re not surprised.

On Thailand’s Late King and the Power of Goodness

by Thanissaro Bhikkhu| October 27, 2016

Monk-scholar Thanissaro Bhikkhu recalls the life and example of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who died at the age of 88 earlier this month.