Abstract

The most influential student of Phra Ajarn Sao Kantasilo Mahathera was Phrassong Saiphra Ajarn Man Phurithatto. Ajarn Man, as he was commonly known, focused on the vipassana field and spent his time meditating in forests and caves. This paper analyses the Thai forest tradition of Phrassong Saiphra Ajarn Man Phurithatto with a focus on vipassana, or meditation. The article details the doctrine of Ajarn Man and his philosophy of meditation. Eleven requisite characteristics are identified for a suitable monk in the mould of Ajarn Man and three obstacles to the preservation of vipassana are discussed: decline of natural environment, weak mentality in the clergy and poor administration. The research concludes these three obstacles may be overcome with a greater sense of role and responsibility from related government institutions.

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