Tathālokā Therī

May 22, 2025

Luang Por Liem blessing the monastic community

"Appreciative joy" - lots of muditā seeing photos of our Dhammadharini monastics who went to see Luang Por Liem Thitadhamma and visiting Thai Ajahns yesterday at Wat Buddhanusorn (Buddhanusorn Temple) in the San Francisco East Bay. I missed joining them, but enjoy seeing the photos and hearing about the Dhamma teachings from them. Anumodana to everyone for organizing and to Abhayagiri abbot Ajahn Nyaniko for also offering faithfully translation.

Luang Por Liem sharing thoughts on Dhamma, with Ajahn Nyaniko translating into English

Ven. Kaccāyana shared: 'Luang Por began by wishing everyone well and speaking about how wonderful it is to be together here as human beings. He said “Manussa” means “excellent being”.

Also he spoke about old age, sickness, and death, and the impermanence of this body and all the aggregates, seeming to focus especially on vedana.'

'Essentially I think he was advising applying mindfulness, developing wisdom, and aiming for liberation.'

'Also about being peaceful, and applying our efforts well in the world.'

Luang Por Liem emerging from the hall with the Bhikkhu Sangha, as the sun is setting over the San Francisco Bay, May 21st evening at Wat Buddhanusorn

Ven. Dhammānusārī remembered: 'Luang Por said be wise to get more peace to ourself and spread it to the world with Mettā in this saṁsāra. So we will not get stuck... retraining vāca (our speech)...Look ourself more [than look at others].

Ven. Kaccāyana also reflected: 'The talk had a good feeling. I think I recall the feeling more than the words.'

Sangha and Community gathered with Luang Por Liem outside the main hall after the Dhamma teaching, in evening light at Buddhanusorn Temple

Luang Por Liem Tithadhammo Mahāthero หลวงพ่อเลี่ยม ฐิตธมฺโม (พระพรหมวชิรญาณ​โสภณ) is a respected elder in the Thai Forest tradition of Ajahn Chah, with more than 60 vassas as a bhikkhu. Luang Por Chah appointed Ajahn Liem abbot and successor of his monastery in Thailand Wat Nong Pah Pong after him. Luang Por Liem has been an important part of the growth and establishment of the international Thai Forest tradition of Ajahn Chah in the final decade of Ajahn Chah's life and in the more than thirty years since Luang Por Chah passed away. His biography can be found online here: www.abhayagiri.org/news/383-luang-por-liem-biography.

Anumodana with thank you to Cheng for taking almost all of the heartwarming photos here (except the one big group photo in the hall, which is thanks to Khun Nikki).

Wishing the happiness of the noble blessings of the Buddha-Dhamma & Sangha to everyone, with mettā,

- Ayyā Tathālokā

Dhammadharini Monastery in the San Francisco North Bay

Offering our respects with a simple traditional offering of flowers, candles and incense to Luang Por Liem

Our Dhammadharini monastics offering three bows of respect and gratitude to Luang Por

Luang Por blessing one of the bhikkhus who came to see Luang Por

Community gather to greet Luang Por Liem and hear words of Dhamma at Wat Buddhanusorn (Buddhanusorn Temple) on May 21st 2025. You ca just barely see our Dhammadharini monastics at the far side of the hall.

Group photo with Luang Por Liem in the evening light outside Wat Buddhanusorn with the Buddhanusorn Temple monks and visiting Ajahns from Abhayagiri and Thailand

(Closeup) Group photo with Luang Por Liem and visiting Ajahns with Wat Buddhanusorn and Dhammadharini monastics

"Even so, all good things must come to an end." Luang Por Liem preparing for departure from Wat Buddhanusorn - he is on his way to bless the 10th Anniversary of Temple Forest Monastery (Jetavana) in New Hampshire.