Ajahn Brahm to visit SL in May 2025

The Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) is pleased to announce that Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay in May this year. Many, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, are familiar with him and have attended his previous talks, including his 2023 public address at the BMICH, which drew an audience of over 4,000.  

Ajahn Brahmavamso, popularly known as Ajahn Brahm, is the Head Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine, Perth. A disciple of the renowned Thai forest monk Ajahn Chah—widely regarded as the foremost Theravāda meditation teacher of the last century—Ajahn Brahmavamso chose to shorten his name and was particularly pleased that the initials represent the major religions of the world. 

He is internationally acclaimed as an outstanding meditation Monk, teacher, and instructor, guiding thousands of practitioners. 

As with previous visits, Ajahn Brahm’s schedule will be extensive, featuring public addresses, meetings with senior professionals, business leaders, and researchers. This year, a special session has been introduced for teenagers and young adults.  

The agenda planned for him includes: 

– Public address at the BMICH to all irrespective of religion and age; then to a younger audience. 

– Exclusive Leadership Forum for senior professionals and business leaders. 

– Forum with academics engaged in research at the Centre for Meditation Research, University of Colombo. 

– A week-long meditation retreat for the Venerable Sangha and experienced lay meditators.

Public Addresses

The public addresses will be on Sunday, 18 May 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the BMICH Main Hall and Sirimavo Halls; Ajahn Brahm will move from one hall to another so that the entire audience sees him. Each hall will be well-equipped with audio and video presentations. 

The first address: The Art of Meaningful Living, is designed for all, age notwithstanding, offering wisdom and practical insights for a fulfilling life. The second: Coping with Life Transitions and Emotional Challenges, is a special session tailored for teens and young adults, addressing key challenges faced by them in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Both talks will be in English, with a concise translation to Sinhala by Ven. Damita Thera. 

Exclusive Forums

On Saturday, 17 May 2025, two exclusive forums will be held at the BMICH Committee Room, Jasmine Hall. The first such session will be with eighty invited Sri Lankan academics and scientists engaged in research on meditation at the Centre for Meditation Research of the University of Colombo. 

This will be followed in the evening by an interactive session for a hundred invited senior professionals and business leaders, featuring a talk on leadership followed by a Q&A session. 

Meditation Retreat 

The most significant item on Ajahn Brahm’s programme will be a week-long meditation retreat at the Barberyn Waves Ayurveda Resort in Weligama. The focus is intended to be on the fifty members of the Venerable Sangha. A limited number of experienced lay meditators will also have the opportunity to participate. 

Participation and Registration 

Those interested in attending the public talks at the BMICH are kindly advised to register at www.abssl.lk to secure free passes. For further information, please contact the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka at ajahnbrahmsociety@gmail.com