(Hai Duong News) - Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, the only son of Malaysia's third richest billionaire, gave up his inheritance of $3 billion to live in seclusion in the mountains, pursuing the austere lifestyle of a Buddhist monk.
In a world where material wealth and luxury are used to define success, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, 38, the only son of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, chose a completely different path. At the age of 18, he abandoned luxury and comfort to move to Thailand to pursue the austere life of a Buddhist monk.
Billionaire Ananda Krishnan is the third richest man in Malaysia, with a fortune exceeding $3 billion. He owns a huge business empire spanning telecommunications, oil and real estate. He has three children, two daughters and one son. According to tradition, Ajahn Siripanyo will be his successor.
However, during a trip to Thailand at the age of 18 to reconnect with his mother's royal relatives, Ajahn Siripanyo decided to become a monk.
Initially, he only intended to learn and try practicing as a method to relieve some of the pressure of life. Unexpectedly, this seemingly short-lived spiritual journey turned into a lifelong commitment.
Now, after 20 years of monastic life, monk Siripanyo lives in seclusion in the deep forest of Dtao Dum monastery, located on the border between Thailand and Myanmar.
While his father’s business empire continues to expand across continents, Siripanyo is all about vegetarianism and mindfulness. But he has not completely severed ties with his past. He says his family remains the foundation of his Buddhist practice and he still visits his parents and sisters from time to time.
Siripanyo grew up in London, England. The son of the Malaysian billionaire is fluent in eight languages, has extensive knowledge in many fields and is open to differences between many cultures.
Siripanyo lives off the generosity of Buddhists who bring offerings to the Dtao Dum monastery. The monk is not too extreme, still ensuring enough comforts in daily life.
His journey story inspires many practitioners to be willing to give up material wealth to achieve greater values on the path to enlightenment. True wealth and success lies in the purpose of life, not in wealth or a Ferrari.
Last September, Ajahn Siripanyo was awarded Thailand's Public Diplomacy Award as the inspirational figure of the year.
November 28, 2024
