Story of Khrujaan Cherry Abhiceto

Story of Khrujaan Cherry Abhiceto

"The first time I went to pay respect to Luang Pu Cherry at Wat Pa Baan Taad and reached his kuti, he pointed at me and said reprovingly, 

'Come look for us (but) don’t meditate, (so) why come?' 

At that time I was very scared of Luang Pu. 

Sitting down and prostrating before him on the ground, I then respectfully informed Luang Pu that I'd come from Khon Kaen and that I intend to come pay respect to him. 

This time, Luang Pu said, 

‘Mother is foremost in the house, no one in the house is her equal. Next time refrain from arguing with your mother, understand? Argue with mom last night… stop doing it! The quarrel in the bedroom last night- we know!^1 

After this, there’s no need to come look for us anymore; there’s no need to bring anyone with you. Be intent on practising meditation at home!'" 

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^1. Before the person went to Baan Tad, he’d indeed quarrelled with his mother in the bedroom.

Credit: A young Thai university undergraduate.

Photo: Wat Pa Baan Taad

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About Khrujaan Cherry Abhiceto:

At 85 years old and with 56 phansas (rains retreats), Khrujaan Cherry (Born George Rodney Cherry, October 18, 1936) is the most senior western monk in the Thai Forest Tradition who is still maintaining his khandhas. 

As students of Luangta Maha Boowa, both Khrujaan Panya (Paññavaddho) and Khrujaan Cherry ordained in 1965 at Wat Bovoranives and became the first two western monks in Thailand who trained in the Thai Forest Tradition of Luang Pu Mun. 

Although reticent and austere, Khrujaan Cherry is known to utter timely words of Dhamma that astound and go straight to the heart of the intended recipient, as the above exchange shows.