Ajahn Thoon Khippapañño

Who is Ajahn Thoon Khippapañño?

Venerable Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo, also known as "Luang Por Thoon", was born Thoon Nonruecha on Monday May 20, 1935 in the Chaiyawan District of Udon Thani. Venerable Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo was ordained at the age of 27 on July 27, 1961 with Acariya Dhammachedi as his preceptor.

In 1985, Venerable Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo built and established Wat Pa Ban Koh in Udon Thani, Thailand. In 2001, a majestic pagoda at Wat Pa Ban Koh was completed.

In 2002, Venerable Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo founded San Fran Dhammaram Temple in San Francisco.

On November 11, 2008, Venerable Acariya Thoon died from pneumonia complications and a lung tumor. His cremation ceremony was held January 31-February 2, 2009. Venerable Acariya Thoon's cremation confirmed that he was one of the rare arahant monks of our time.

Venerable Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo is known for his emphasis on wisdom and Sammaditthi, the first step in the Noble Eightfold Path. During his lifetime, he gave many dhamma talks and wrote some notable letters to his followers. Venerable Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo authored his own autobiography and over 20 texts, three of which have been translated into English.