Ajahn Maha Bua (1913 – 2011) was a Thai Buddhist monk famous for being “outed” as an arahant and for his uncompromising teaching style.

He was a disciple of the esteemed forest master Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta (for whom he wrote the official biography) and was himself a master in the Thai Forest Tradition, fiercely defending its austere practices from corrupting influences during Thailand’s rapid, 20th-century industrialization. Following the death of Ajahn Thate in 1994, he was considered to be the Ajahn Yai (or head monk) of the Thai Forest Tradition until his death in 2011.

Luangta is survived by a great many disciples who went on to become masters in their own right, including Than Ajahn Suchart Abhijato and Ajahn Dick Silaratano.

Selected Works (in chronological order)

As for the question of suffering in the future—in this life or the next—don’t overlook your heart that’s suffering right now.

We must use sati-paññā to sound out and see the dukkha. To see clearly the heat with insight. Then turn to see our Heart – is that also red-hot as well? Or is it only the body parts (dhātu-khandha) that are heated? If one possesses discernment then the Heart will not be moved. It will be cool within the mass of fire which is the body burning with the fires of dukkha. This is the way of those who practise.

One of the few books written directly by Luangta, this meditation manual represents some of his clearest advice on developing the path.

An extremely profound and exceptionally rare book, Arahattamagga gives an unfiltered first-hand account of what it’s actually like to walk the entire Path—from its tumultuous beginning to its extraordinary finish.