Kittisaro graduated from Princeton as a Rhodes Scholar and went on to Oxford before going to Thailand to ordain with Ajahn Chah in 1976. He was a monk for 15 years.  Thanissara started Buddhist practice in 1975, decided to ordain after meeting Ajahn Chah and spent 12 years as a Buddhist nun. They had known each other for years when they fell in love in 1991, but as a monk and nun, they were prevented them from having a relationship. They decided to leave the order so they could be together and were married the following year.  They have gone on to become co-founders of Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat in South Africa and co-authors of Listening to the Heart: A Contemplative Guide to Engaged Buddhism. They are Guiding Teachers of Sacred Mountain Sangha, on the Spirit Rock Teacher Council, and are Core Teachers at Insight Meditation Society. In a wide ranging interview, they discuss their practice and how their monastic lives have prepared them for their life in a relationship.

Plug Zone
Website: http://sacredmountainsangha.org/
Books
Listening to the Heart: A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism:
https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Heart-Contemplative-Journey-Buddhism/dp/1583948392
Time to Stand Up: An Engaged Buddhist Manifesto for Our Earth -- The Buddha's Life and Message through Feminine Eyes
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Stand-Up-Buddhist-Manifesto/dp/158394916X

Have a question for Dan? Leave us a voicemail: 646-883-8326


#214: The Case for Devotion, Kittisaro and Thanissara

10% Happier with Dan Harris