Phra Anandapanyo, born Arnold Thian-Ngern, was ordained on May 20, 2009. 
Since that day, he has dedicated his life to learning and spreading the teachings of the Lord Buddha in the style of Phra Ajahn Thoon Khippapanyo ( click here for his teachings – talks, books,…). Phra Anandapanyo started practicing Buddhism as a layperson under the direct tutelage of Luang Por Thoon and his one of his foremost students in Mae Chee Yo (his mother), and many other important members of KPY.
While in the United States, Phra Anandapanyo stays at Wat San Fran Dhammaram Temple in San Francisco. There he serves as the assistant to the Abbot and also one of the fluent English speaking monks at the temple. Phra Anandapanyo was born and raised in San Francisco and therefore speaks English as his first language. Luckily for him, his father and mother also taught him Thai simultaneously. At Wat San Fran Dhammaram, Phra Anandapanyo gives valuable insight into the Dhamma for English and Thai speakers alike. Once a year, Phra Anan
dapanyo along with many members of KPY help organize and run KPY’s annual Retreat (click here for pictures from 2008, 2009, 2010). Phra Anandapanyo is responsible for some of the memorable activities, games and invigorating hikes!
While in Thailand, Phra Anandapanyo often give
s small talks and runs mini-retreats in the style of KPY. Phra Anandapanyo is known for his ability to understand and communicate with both children and adults. Phra Anandapanyo has won over the hearts of many children in Thailand who now follow and practice the teachings of Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo.
On top of all of this, in his spare time, Phra Anandapanyo writes blogs, translates Luang Por Thoon’s books and talks, helps run Wat San Fran Dhammaram and KPY, and is the webmaster for kpyusa.org and watsanfran.org.
***Sermons and Talks now available for streaming on the MEDIA page! Please stop by and give it a look!***
