Ajahn
Ajahn is a Thai- and Lao-derived term that translates as "professor" or "teacher". The term is in turn derived from the Pali word ācariya and is a term of respect, similar in meaning to the Japanese sensei. It is used as a title of address for high school and university teachers, and for Buddhist monks who have passed ten vassa – in other words those who have maintained their monastic precepts unbroken for a period of ten years. The term Luang Por, "Venerable father", signifies an ajahn of acknowledged seniority in Thai Buddhism.
Buddhism
According to the Vinaya, any properly ordained monk can become an after ten vassa in the robes, thus a Thai monk becomes ajahn.A senior monk may bear the honorific title phra ajahn, or in more informal situations, than ajahn.
Some famous ajahns are:
- Ajahn Amaro
- Ajahn Maha Boowa
- Ajahn Brahm
- Ajahn Chah
- Ajahn Jayasāro
- Ajahn Khemadhammo
- Ajahn Lee
- Ajahn Mun
- Ajahn Pasanno
- Ajahn Sao Kantasilo
- Ajahn Sobin S. Namto
- Ajahn Sucitto
- Ajahn Sumedho
- Ajahn Suwat Suvaco
- Ajahn Thate
- Ajahn Geoff
The term "Ajahn" is generally not formal enough to be used without the prefix "Pra" or "Tan" for monks when addressed by the laity, but this formality has been loosened when it comes to Western monks and Theravada monks well known outside Thailand.