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Buddhadasa Bikkhu (servant of the Buddha) became a monk at the age of twenty in 1926. He studied in Bangkok, but soon realised that, “purity is not to be found in the big city,” so he moved closer to nature in order to fully learn the Buddha-Dhamma. In 1932 he established Suan Mokkhabalarama (The Grove of the Power of Liberation), near his hometown of Pum Riang. The Grove was one of the few places dedicated to vipassana meditation, and has since been described as “one of the most influential events of Buddhist history in Siam.”
  Ajahn Buddhadasa worked hard to explain the essential principles of what he called “pristine Buddhism,” the original teachings of Buddha, without the ritualism and clerical politics. He researched the Pali texts extensively, and himself produced a set of references from his own research and practice. He taught what truly quenches dukkha (suffering), and how we can all live a more harmonious life.
  He was given five Honorary Doctrates by Thai universities. Many people in Thai society have been inspired by his teachings, from his books and his transcribed talks.
  As well as his great understanding of Buddhism, he also studied the other major religions of the world, and sought to unite all religions and work together to “drag humanity out from under the rock of materialism.” This school of thinking made him respected by not only those of his own religion, but Christians, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus everywhere.
  Because of his wishes, The Grove of the Power of Liberation now has facilities in which foreigners can come to learn the Buddha’s teachings, and so leaders from all religions can meet and come to mutual understandings. 
  His book, A Handbook for Mankind, translated into English, is exactly as the title states. Regardless of which religion you practice, his teachings can influence anybody in a positive way.
  Buddhadassa Bikkhu died at the age of eighty-seven on May 25, 2536 (1993 AD).