Luang Phaw Dhammajayo: A Leader in Buddhism and Meditation : หน้า 93/114

92 uang Phaw Dhammajayo is the abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya He was born Chaiboon Suthipol on 22 April 1944 in Singburi province, Central Thailand. During his adolescence, he became an ardent student of the meditation centre of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen where he first met his mentor and spiritual guardian, the Master Nun Chand Khonnokyoong (Khun Yay Ajahn), who was one of the most respected Buddhist meditation teachers at that time. After graduating from Kasetsart University in Bangkok, he was ordained as Venerable Dhammajayo at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen on 27 August 1969 - his new monastic name meaning 'the victory through the Dhamma'. Throughout his monkhood, Venerable Dhammajayo has become a teacher in the Dhammakaya Meditation and, together with the Master Nun and his fellow disciples, founded a new meditation centre in Pathum Thani province which has grown to become Wat Phra Dhammakaya' at the present days. Luang Phaw Dhammajayo has selflessly dedicated his life to propagate Buddhism and meditation practice. He is now a vital force in the inspiration of meditation teaching and ethics training to students, teachers, personnel of both public and private sector, and the general people in Thailand and abroad through more than 70 branches worldwide. Besides, his 'Inner Dreams Kindergarten Programme', which promotes peace and harmony among humankind regardless of race, gender and religion, is broadcast daily through the Dhamma Media Channel (DMC), a global satellite network. His success in the past years has been recognized by a continuous stream of honours including an Honourary Doctorate in Buddhist studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (1994), the World No Tobacco Day Award from the WHO (2004), the Mahatma Gandhi Medal for Peace and International Understanding (2005), the World Buddhist Sangha Youth Universal Peace Award (2006), the Atish Dipankar Peace Gold Award from Bangladesh Buddha Kristi Prachar Sangha (2007) and the Telly Awards (2007).