2nd wealthiest man’s son is a monk
Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Dear friends,
Recently, a student of mine sent me an interesting e-mail regarding one of the wealthiest people in Malaysia. It was surprising but news to rejoice at!! It was regarding Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan’s son…
Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan is the second wealthiest man in South East Asia and ranked 89th wealthiest man in the world. As a Malaysian businessman, he has an estimated net worth of US$7.6 billion.
Currently, Tan Sri has multiple business interests including those within the media (Astro), satellite (MEASAT) and telecommunications (Maxis) industry to name a few. Although Tan Sri is one of wealthiest people in the world, he is known for being very low profile. As a father of three children, most of us may imagine them to be three terribly spoilt children. On the contrary, Tan Sri’s only son is a monk.
It is written in the news article below that when Tan Sri invited his son for a meal, his son rejected his father politely. He said that he is now a monk and like other monks, he has to beg for his food. Tan Sri’s son is now living in a monastery within a forest in Northern Thailand. He now depends on other people’s generosity to sustain himself. Can you believe it, why would the son of an immensely wealthy family become a monk? For very good reasons of course.
Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan’s son is now ordained as a Buddhist monk, Ajahn Siripanno here pictured with his father
In many other reports, they also state that Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan himself is a devout Buddhist. How beautiful…Tan Sri is also popularly known as a great philanthropist, especially in the field of education. So much merits for Tan Sri to have such a son now ordained as Ajahn Siripanno.
I am so excited to read that Mr Ananda has a son who has decided to devote his life to the Three Jewels. Doing so is not only great blessings for himself but also for his father and family. I rejoice and pray that Mr Ananda and his family will always be blessed by the Three Jewels. Just like when Siddhartha Gautama left his palace and riches to seek enlightenment.
Tsem Rinpoche
Please see Ajahn Siripanno’s beautiful dharma talk here:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=29547
The Monk Who Flew in a Jet
By business bhutan | 01 January 2011
In 2008, as my friend and I sat down in the restaurant to eat our dinner, we saw a man in the hotel lobby. Immediately, we assumed that he was alone so decided to invite him for dinner.
“I don’t eat dinner,” the elderly man declined the offer, “I am on my way to the gym.”
The next morning, I met him in the hotel lobby and noticed that he was wearing the same clothes.
“Excuse me,” he said politely and then looking at the young monk sitting next to me, said affectionately, “Son, it is time for us to go home.” The son obediently picked up his small cloth bag from the floor and followed his father.
Tan Sri’s son, Ajahn Siripanno
Earlier, curious to see a monk in the Uma hotel in Paro, I had started a conversation with him.
“Yesterday was my father’s 70th birthday and he wanted me to spend it with him in a special place,” the monk informed me. The monk could have been in his early thirties. He had short hair and was wearing saffron robes and had a pair of slippers on. “What a beautiful country you have? They had flown into Paro in their own jet.
So who are these people? The elderly man is Ananda Krishnan and the monk his only son.
Krishnan is the second richest man in Malaysia. According to Forbes he is worth 7.6 Billion dollars. The Tamil Malaysian of Sri Lankan Tamil origin is a self made man and is a notable philanthropist but leads a low profile life. He and his son are both Buddhists.
Few years ago, the billionaire lost his son. He started to look for him and his search stopped in a Buddhist monastery in north Thailand. Shocked to see his son in saffron robes, short hair with a begging bowl in his hand the father invites his son for a meal.
“I am sorry; I cannot accept your invitation.” Like all my fellow monks, I have to beg for my food.” Krishnan reply made headlines, “With all my wealth I cannot even afford to feed my own son.”
The son still lives in the monastery in the forest of Thailand and like all the monks in the monastery depends on other people’s generosity for his sustenance.
Hearing stories like these one wonders if we are giving up everything that we already possess to acquire things that we really don’t need.
This story clearly demonstrates that human contentment and well being in real terms requires us to go beyond physical, mental, and emotional dimension. Krishnan’s son clearly shows that detachment could be a greater wealth and devotion a bigger asset in our lives.
(Extracted from: Business Bhutan, “The Monk who Flew in a Jet”, http://www.businessbhutan.bt/?p=3954, 1-01-2011)
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Ajahn Siripanno, the only son of Malaysia’s second richest man is a monk. He lives like any other monk in a monastery within a forest in Northern Thailand. Going around begging for his food to sustain himself depending on people’s generosity . He went on to lead a simple life with very basic needs leaving everything behind. A comfortable life, which many would choose as his father a great philanthropist, Malaysian well known businessman . An inspiring story Ajahn Siripanno must have very strong imprints that he made up his mind to be a monk.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
More than a morsel of food a day wealth is good
For nothing
Being the only son of one of the wealthiest men in Malaysia, Ajahn Siripanno could have inherited all the wealth from the father and lives a very luxurious and comfortable life, but he chooses to become a monk. When he decided to become a monk, he did not tell the family, he disappeared for a while and finally the father, Tan Sri Ananda found him in a monastery in Thailand.
To normal people, they will feel so sad and pitiful that a young man let go of so much wealth to become a monk. What they don’t know is, this young man will be able to accumulate a lot of merits and dedicate them to his parents. This gift is more precious than money.
Ajahn Siripanno must have very strong imprints for him to give up the wealth to become a monk. His decision also told us that wealth does not bring us the real happiness, it is not everything. Spiritual practice brings us more contentment and it is more fulfilling.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. It is a good example for us to detach from material belongings. Many people would prefer to opt for enjoyment in life especially when they are rich but Ajahn Siripanno showed us that material wealth is not the most important thing in life but instead dharma practise.
It is inspiring to read about wealthy people who chose to lead a life devoted to the Three Jewels. It is more so because they have more to give up or renounce. It goes to show that the Buddhist way of life leads us to happiness. Rejoice to Ajahn Siripanno, may he be the illumination to others to do the same.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article of Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan’s son. His story is similar to Buddha Shakyamuni where he left his father to pursue monk-hood. May Ajahn Siripanno be able to gain attainments through his Buddhist studies. May he be blessed by the 3 Jewels. May he also come back as Dharma teacher in his future lives to benefit countless beings.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring story.Ajahn SiripAanno who is the only son of the 2nd wealthiest man in Malaysia. He gave up everything to become a monk,residing in a monastery within the northern part of Thailand.
As a billionaire’s son ,leaving everything behind would not be easy for many but with his courage and determination he over comes it,begging for foods like any other monk do.He must have a very strong faith in Buddhism then.May Ajahn and his family will always be blessed by the Three Jewels.
Hi. How old are you ? Are you still a monk or met someone and fell in love ? Just curious. Please reply me the soonest. Waiting in the line.
PS: I messaged you once long time back regarding monkhood. So changed mind ? Please do. Its kind of difficult leaving here. Full of turbulence, hurdles ( I messaged you regarding this previously, remember ? ). I am sure you had great relaxation being a monk.( opss, sorry for the words, well..thats what I thought monks do, chant, eat, sleep….do enlighten me more on other things you monks do. Please come back and do your duty HERE. I am very sure you will enjoy it thoroughly. Do contact me when you are here. I will be overjoyed to assist you in everyway possible.
Dear Rinpoche ,
Thank you for sharing this article.
It was very good to see the father accept and respect the decision of his son. It is inspiring to see the son of a billionaire that the world is his oyster to choose the life of being ordained. He must had realise the truth and how meaningless of the persuit of an ordinary life. It is not easy to let go of all the temptations when it’s practically in your palms.
His courage and determination will be an example for many more to come.
Humbly,
Chris
wonderful very very inspiring story.
Hello
Greeting from http://www.namotoursandtreks.com, kingdom of Bhutan.
New year soon to celebrate and may 2015 bring happiness,prosperity and peace in the world. Tashi Delek.
when you will take over or be with your father business. Like other billionaire son , their kids start to take over father business but you declining. Hope you decide something best for this. As a tamil Native , hence malaysian, i always notice his growth.
That’s why. When? When? Do let all of us know. Its hard without you being here. We need help badly. I am speechless when I heard that you are a monk. How can you be so selfish ? Whom do you expect to take over your father’s business. Your assistant ? Don’t take it to heart. Just wondering how can a multimillioners’s son choose to become a monk. Look at others and get an example. Don’t throw everything away. You need to expand not shrink away from your duties !!!!! ( If you think I am rude, please think of me as your mother….nagging nagging nagging ..hehehehe )
Its inspire me to leave everything behind & follow the path of love & true happiness
It is rare an inspiring that he is not a spill brate, like many rich people. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu to the brave, compassion, and generous heart.
First of all, thank you for this interesting story.
But I think, you forgot to quote the name of the son. Only father’s name is quoted as richest business man. And also, as the son is now Monk, he should be recognized by his own name, not by his father.
Thank you.
Dear Rinpoche, I didn’t know that Tan Sri is the wealthiest man at Malaysia and Ananda Krishan is the second. And also I did not expect that Rinpoche would have the chance to see Ananda Krishan and his son because they would be at home being protected or going to overseas.
I am lost for words…. Ajahn siripanno is a fantastic human being… His talk was so inspirational.. He has got so much wisdom at such a young age… Would love to meet him one day… May he be blessed wt all the wisdom!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring story.Ajahn Siripanno gave up everything to be a monk show that he value the dharma very much.I am rejoice and wish Ajahn Sriripanno good health ,long live and able to spread dharma to benefit more and more peoples !!
I can’t believe this story but just like to say god is great.
Dear Rinpoche, I have a question, not relevant to this posted subject, but why do most of us leave behind all we have learn in our past lives and start afresh again..unless one is very attained or has some reminiscence, we usually have absolutely no recollection of what we have learn or experience. Or it is meant to be, so that we could relearn and do more homework.. Humbly yours..
i had the opportunity to attend one of Ajahn Siripanno’s talks in BUBS a couple of years ago. Sitting behind me, right at the back of the hall was his father.
it was an inspiring talk as Ajahn Siripanno went on to say how he missed the opportunity to serve one of the greatest forest monk of all – Ajahn Chah.
Money is not everything but without money we cant do anything. After reading this article i suddenly remember the joke when i volunteer at JB KP roadshow.
There is a auntie come to buy incense, so she ask me which one better. I suggest to her the incense for harmony and wealth then she buy both. After paid she ask me the incense really can bring wealth after burn? So i start to chatting with her that ” auntie may i know if ur income is RM 2K 10 years ago is that enough?” then auntie reply ” sure enough, that income very big”, after that i ask her again ” if now ur income is RM 20K per month is that enough?” auntie reply that ” where got enough now so many things need money…”
At last i explain to auntie that now ur income increase to RM 20K per month really still no enough we got too much attachment than 10 years ago. So the most important things is our inner wealth otherwise even RM 200K per month also not enough. The auntie agree to me and say ” ya u are rite, actually many things that is no need if according previous 10 years life style”.
Hopefully the auntie can increase her family inner wealth after burn the incense.
Good mning Sir Ananda krishna….i need help from u…i wan become a sucess busimen like u sir in gas n oil…could’t u help me sir…i dont wan money…my age still 32 yrs….pls help me…wan be success in my life n help diable people…pls sir…
Dear Haridas,
I am not Mr Ananda Krishna but we have many spiritual methods for people to achieve their goals. For removal of obstacles we have Setrap and to develop more business opportunities we have Lord Dzambala pujas and we have a lot of work you can contribute to to create positive energy for what you need to do. Would you like to visit our center my handphone is 012 215 0968
Morning
Greeting from http://www.namotoursandtreks.com
is there any chance we can visit Rinpoche with a small group for a blessing? If so where would be the venue and when and for how long would Rinpoche avaiable? Thanks
I m very and bless to see yr sons is near to god. You can be the father but your have a bless son. God Bless You
Ajahn Siripanno makes me remember about Buddha. Ajahn Siripanno have all the money and power that he wants but chose to lead an ordained life in search for enlightenment. I have a lot of respect for Ajahn because he chosed to be in Dharma although he has all the power and money in the region. He would have let the riches, fame and all other attachment to delude his mind and lead a normal life. I cannot imagine what his life will be if he didn’t pursue Dharma despite his truly blessed form of rebirth. His letting go of himself made me feel he is all but one like Buddha. May Ajahn Siripanno live long and be able to spread Dharma to a lot of people.
while we still pursuing our personal goal & materiality, some have choose to let go the attachment and pursuing sprituality practice.this is really amazing, how many of us can let go the wealth and seeking enlightenment??Krishnan’s son have prove us nothing is impossible …the value of Dharma is precious than wordly things…
What an amazing story is this? Amazing for the achievement that Tan Sri has made for himself and the very different path that his son has chosen to take.
Being the only son, Ajahn Siripanno can easily take over his father businesses can they will be more than sufficient for him for anything that he can dream of. But yet, I guess it is the strong buddhism imprints within him that overide materialism.
Yet another inspiring true story.
Ajahn Siripanno is like the modern day Prince Sidharta. Even though born in riches and luxuries he is not fooled by these transient happiness.
I hope Tan Sri Krishnan can see the wisdom of his son’s decision and support his son’s noble pursuit and the spread of dharma with his wealth.
There are still beings with the merits who can see through that all the material we have cannot give us security or happiness. He left the ‘palaces’ to search for the truth, what courage and determination to look for the truth. Inspired.
Ajahn Siripanno story reminded me about Lama Atisha or Shakyamuni. They born with Golden spoon but they do not attracted to worldly concerned. Its not easy to be a monk or nun, especially since young everything is well prepare to a person e,g: having maids, luxury food, entertainment etc. To be a forest monk; no maid, no nice food, no nice comfort big bed. Even to an ordinary people , these are not easy to achieve.
[…] 2nd wealthiest man’s son is a monk Mar 25, 2012 | Views: 4,400 source: […]
在以前，总是不明白为什么所有成功的人士，他们总是不断的在寻找能在背后给予他们忠告的精神导师，而且往往在最紧要的关头时，都需要这些人的意见，才能做决定。有时我真的搞不懂，难道这些成功人士没有智慧吗？怎么会去请教那些什么都没有的人？如今，我开始懂了，人在什么都没有的时候，就不会产生执着，就会过得自在，快乐。而那些富有，成功的人，因为害怕失去，而产生恐惧，所以整天提心吊胆的过日子，所以，他们开始羡慕这一些什么都没有的人的那一份自在，所以才会想请教这些人士如何做到自在，快乐。佛说“放下”，是快乐的根本，以前不认同，但现在终于明白所谓事情的真相了。。。。。
A Chinese newspaper “Kwong Wah Yit Poh” featured this story today: http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2012/04/22/162.html
This is truely inspiring and I will definitely FB it and share with all my friends.
Obviously Ajahn has a strong imprint to monastic life, his decision to become renounced and the fact that his father Tan Sri supported such decision showed deep respect and understanding for each other.
It is simply beautiful…..
It would be a trememdous honour if one or any of your children decides to join the monastery to become a monk. The merits collected would indeed be wonderful for the parents. I have children myself and if any of them want to become a monk or devote their lives to Dharma, they will definitely have my support.
This article on Ananda Krishnan and his son is so inspiring and I as a parent could only wish for such a blessing.
This is such a beautiful sharing. I especially love that quote “With all my wealth I cannot even afford to feed my own son” – such a poignant statement, which proves as ever that money cannot buy you the most important things in life. Only our real true spiritual practice can.
There is a kind of beautiful irony though, in what Tan Sri says in this quote. He can’t feed his son, but it is actually because of a good reason – because his son is so devout in his practice, dedicated to his vows and on the path of true non-attachment. There are so many other people out there in the world who have all the riches they could imagine but still cannot really spend or enjoy it. Either they become too miserly and cannot bear to spend any of it. Or they use their money to create on more and more difficulties for themselves.
I guess Tan Sri’s son really proves to us that good old adage that less really is more.
I love this article as there is so much to reflect on. So many Malaysians think that if their son or daughter becomes ordained as a monk/nun, it is a waste of their lives. I know of a very wealthy lady who has since passed away. She had two daughters, one of who became a nun. When the daughter became a nun, it was seen throughout the community as such a pity for the mother.
Yet here is Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan, supporting his son’s wish to be a monk. Perhaps it is because Tan Sri has Sri Lankan roots, which may be more open to spirituality. Tan Sri has accumulated great financial wealth and he is also giving back by philanthropic deeds. I am happy to learn that he is replenishing his good karma!
I also think that this story is reminiscent of the historical Buddha’s story – how Prince Siddharta Gautama left the riches of his palace in search of Enlightenment. Tsem Rinpoche also gave up a comfortable life for an austere life at Gaden Monastery. When Rinpoche was so poor in India and had appealed to Rinpoche’s adoptive parents, the Bugayeffs for help, they had offered Rinpoche a materially comfortable life if Rinpoche were to abandon his monkhood. Yet Rinpoche would much rather have all the physical sufferings of the monastery than the empty comfort of a secular life.
I rejoice for Tan Sri Ananda and his only son, Ajahn Siripanno. Their openness to the Dharma is their true wealth which nobody can take away.
Thank you again, Rinpoche.. i will share this article as i think it will inspire many.
Joining the monastry is a direct method to achieve realization of the essence of Buddha’s teachings and therefore is a very special and profound method. It is firstly, to cut the self-grasping ego which is the root cause of samsara. Cutting “self-grasping” is very meaningful, important and essential requirement, which can easily make one fall for a treacherous wrong view in the outside world. Secondly, it is also to cut all afflictive emotions and conceptual thoughts, said to be the greatest ego pride which causes samsaric sufferings and can obstruct one from achieving reality and direct wisdom. Through the profound practices, taught in the monastry to remove all afflictive emotions of Ignorance, Aversion, Attachment, Pride and Jealousy, all our problems could be removed. Ethical discipline in overcoming all unwholesome deeds, avoiding of negative actions to accumulate positive potentials can more easily be achieved and maintained in a monastry than inthe outside unwholesome world! So Tan Sri Ananda’s son, ordained as Ajahn Siripano is making the right choice, where no amount of wealth can equate. We greatly rejoice for him and pray for blessings from the triple Gems to be bestowed on Tan Sri Ananda’s family.
The last 2 paragraphs truly represent the teachings that one should realise after reading the articles above.
“Hearing stories like these one wonders if we are giving up everything that we already possess to acquire things that we really don’t need.”
“This story clearly demonstrates that human contentment and well being in real terms requires us to go beyond physical, mental, and emotional dimension. Krishnan’s son clearly shows that detachment could be a greater wealth and devotion a bigger asset in our lives.”
Dear Rinpoche, thank you for sharing such an amazing article. Thank you.
This article only tells us the truth about life and wealth… Weatlh, even in abundance, does not bring us the happiness and peace we are all in pursuit of. The happiness and peace we all want is indeed priceless and has no inheritance.
Thank you Rinpoche of this very amazing and inspiring post.
This is so inspiring. Ajahn Siripanno gave up everything shows how much he values the dharma. Time for us to contemplate on why we are so attached to our little worldly possessions when the second wealthiest man’s son can give up everything to be a monk.
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If you look at this from another point of view, he could remain status quo in the Ananda Krishnan ‘Palace’, inherit the wealth and use it for propagation of dharma. Rinpoche told us before that to be born into a wealthy of family can be good karma or bad karma, depending on what you do with your wealth and status. But he chose to renounce, like Shakyamuni Buddha did 2,600 years ago. Very inspiring as it is even harder at such degenerate times with so many distractions.
I have read about this story in the newspapers quite some time ago. Imagine if the father didn’t have Dharma knowledge. Such an inspiration to many. To be able to give up everything for the 3 Jewels is not something many of us can do.
Wow!
Truly happen in Malaysia. Interesting!
A lot of people must have thought that why he choose this path? Wasting the opportunity to inherit his father’s wealth!
But actually he already gains the wealth of all, the spiritual wealth that make him free from all the delusion and attachment. At the same time bringing great blessing to the family.
Ajahn Siripanno really inspiring. This is a great true story that give people another view of spirituality.
This is the first time i hear this story and knowing that Tan Sri’s son is a monk. VEry inspiring that this young man can follow his heart and not be distracted by the wealth he has. He has found true happiness and that he is wealthy in all ways without the money. A great story to contemplate on why are we so attached to our attachments when someone can let go of his vast wealth for a simple life!
Wow incredible.. I know Ananda Krishnan is one of Malaysia most wealthiest man but never knew that he has a son and his son is a monk. There is more him than meets the eye.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! May all sangha continue to bless and inspire us. May all sangha quickly attain enlightenment and come back to guide us. May buddhadharma never degenerate .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this great story of Ajahn Siripanno. This real story is happening in our current degenerate life. It really gives me the true inspiration to do more in Dharma no matter we come from rich or poor family background.
Wow, his son gave up inheriting 7.6 billion to become a monk…that’s how much he values the Dharma, to give all that up willingly. How much less are WE asked to give up, and how much less do we find difficult to give up? It really makes you think and inspires you.
Just like Buddha Shakyamuni, he ‘left’ wealth, power and all sorts of other enjoyment behind. Ajahn Siripano is really an inspiring son! He has the fortune to potentially inheritting the mass fortunes from his father and yet he pursued most people would not realise which is internal happiness. His wisdom must be very high and Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan would be blessed even further for having such a filial child creating more merits for his father. True blessing!
This acts as such a good story for us to reflect on our own lives. For a person who is destined to inherit 7.6 billion dollars, Ajahn Siripanno gave it up to be a part of the sangha community. While most of us, who will unlikely become millionaires in this lifetime, spend all our energy and time pursuing $$$. In fact, many of us jeopardized relationships in pursuit of outer wealth.
I do not believe that it is meant fo us to all become monks and nuns after reading this post. However, we can certainly think about 1) the deeper motivation for us to persevere in this dog-eat-dog race and 2) come up with ideas on how we can share some of our “riches” in a manner that benefits others.
This story is a good opportunity for us to “stop, look, choose and go again”. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring story and the chance for us to reflect on our race for money.
I just shared this story with Siong Woan and Karen 2 days ago when we were coming back to KL from Hunger Awareness Week Event at University of Nottingham, Semenyih. Now the complete story is posted here. So fast and efficient.. hehe 🙂
As a dharma student, definitely I rejoice for Tan Sri’s family. This is not easy to let go his extra comfortable life, but his mind is so strong and stable!
Thank you for sharing, Rinpoche. Take good care _/\_
My dear Lama
It’s amazing. With all his wealth, he knows what is the priority in life and actually execute it. Most of us, including me, are afraid to live in poverty and to lose what little that we have.
For the son of the second wealthiest man in Malaysia to be a monk is very inspiring.
Valentina
I have a friend who used to work in Maxis. She used to tell lots of gossip about her previous co. and also told me in utter dismay that her then boss’ son had “run away to Thailand to become a monk”. My friend is of another faith. She said he completely wasted his life away while he had all the golden opportunities laid out for him ready for him to grab, but tsk tsk tsk what a disappointment. It was, after all her own view, the world view. Who can blame her when we’ve been socially conditioned to think like that all our lives? I didn’t know then whether it was true or not. That it is true after all confirms that all the money and power in the world may not be the answer to true happiness. That Tan Sri’s son knows that and has placed his life firmly towards what matters most is just so beautiful.
Its an amazing and really hard act to follow in these degenerate times. Fancy giving up such life of comfort for the simple and dependant on others for food. Just as Rinpoche had compared, like Buddha Shakyamuni. But having said that, I rejoice the most for Tan Sri Ananda as he had such great acceptance of his son’s decision. It takes such courage and love to give up his son (in the worldly sense), especially where Asians usually view their sons as their “heirs”. Absolutely beautiful!
Wow ! It’s a great story . Very inspiring !! To have the potential to inherit so much wealth being the only son and yet all he prefers, is to be a simple monk to devote to the 3Jewels !! Most amazing !!
I’m really happy for Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan and his family. In Myanmar, people like to have sons because as males, they would have the chance to become monks. All boys will be sent to the monastery to become a monk for as long as they want. Some become monks, some do not. If a son becomes a fully ordained monk, the whole family would rejoice. How different the mentality is compared to countries without mass Buddhist consciousness! Perhaps Ajahn Siripanno will be the catalyst to breakdown the skewed perception of monks and monastic life.
I heard before of Ananda Krishnan only son is a Buddhist monk and that Ananda himself is very low profile. Someone saw him driving in a white proton saga to the Bricksfield Vihara with his son, Ajahn Siripanno. Ajahn Siripanno is inspiring.
It is indeed very inspiring to hear stories like this. Imagine I only have so little belongings yet I am so attached to them. He has the potential to inherit all the wealth from the father, yet he can just give them up so easily.
Rinpoche always said, if we have knowledge, we will not be attached to our material things. I must say his knowledge about the Dharma must be very strong, and that he must have studied a lot, either in this life or previous lives.
Rejoice!!