Santikaro is a Buddhist teacher who sees mindfulness and meditation as essential parts of the noble path toward awakening and wholeness. His practice and teaching are rooted in the discourses of Early Buddhism, inspired by his beloved teacher, Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. He trained as a Theravada monk for 19 years and studied with Ajahn Buddhadasa for 9 years, serving as his primary translator from that time onward. After two decades in Thailand, Santikaro returned to the USA and the Midwest in 2000. Each year, he goes back to Thailand to remain connected to his Dhamma roots at Suan Mokkh, the Southern Thai monastery of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, as well as to Dhamma colleagues and students.
Since 2004, he has lived at Kevala Retreat, formerly Liberation Park, which he and his wife, Jo Marie, founded. They live in southwest Wisconsin and care for this Dhamma refuge in a beautiful valley, where they host contemplative practice and personal retreat. There, he supports students of Buddha-Dhamma and meditators in developing the noble eightfold path. He teaches regularly throughout the Midwest and beyond, leads retreats nationally and internationally, and encourages study groups. When time and energy allow, he also contributes to social justice efforts in support of a sustainable economy. Among many fortunate opportunities, he is surviving cancer, appreciating equine teachers, and exploring Enneagram dynamics.
To hear talks by this teacher, visit: https://cgmc.dharmaseed.org/teacher/764/