Amaravati Monastery | Vesak and Luang Por Sumedho’s 90th birthday (7:30 pm – 3:00 pm, BST, UK)

Luang Por Sumedho was born in 1934 and will turn 90 this year. The Amaravati community felt that to mark this venerable age, and decades of being of benefit to the world, they should organise something special, and bring in many monks from around the world to participate in a large celebration. However, his birthday is on 27th July, which falls during the vassa (rains retreat), when bhikkhus are restrained from travelling. Thus, the idea emerged to combine the usual Vesak festival with an early celebration of Luang Por’s birthday.

A large gathering

Many senior monks from Thailand, and elsewhere, will attend this gathering. Altogether, over 120 monastics are expected to be present for this occasion. In particular, we are fortunate that Luang Por Liem, the successor to Ajahn Chah as abbot of Wat Pah Pong (the main monastery in the lineage), will be the most senior bhikkhu in attendance. Many other direct disciples of Ajahn Chah will be present, making this gathering a very auspicious occasion. All are warmly invited to join part or all of the proceedings, which will unfold over three days.

Timetable

Please note that all the times given below might change as necessary. As the current abbot, Ajahn Amaro, often reminds us: “Adaptability is the key to happiness.” All events take place in the Temple. For those who are unable to attend in person, most talks and formal events will be live streamed on Amaravati YouTube channel.

Amaravati Events Calendar