were still alive when he passed away. A child of small stature with
a fair complexion, he was naturally quick, energetic, intelligent,
and resourceful. At the age of fifteen he ordained as a novice^1 in
his village monastery where he developed an enthusiasm for the
study of Dhamma, memorizing the texts with exceptional speed.
A young novice of affable character, he never caused his teachers
or fellows any trouble.
Two years into his new way of life his father requested him
to give up the robes, and he was required to return to lay life in
order to help out at home. However, his fondness for the monk’s
life was so pronounced that he was certain he would ordain again
some day. His good memories of life in a monk’s robes never faded.
Thus, he resolved to enter the monkhood again as soon as possible.
This strong sense of purpose was due, no doubt, to the power of
that indomitable faith, known as saddhã, which was such an inte-
gral part of his character.
When he reached age twenty-two, he felt an urge to ordain
as a monk. So, for that purpose, he took leave of his parents. Not
wanting to discourage his aspirations and having also kept the
hope that their son would ordain again someday, they gave their
permission. To this end, they provided him with a complete set
of a monk’s basic requisites for his ordination. On June 12, 1893,^2
he received his Bhikkhu ordination at Wat Liap monastery in the
provincial town of Ubon Ratchathani.
His upajjhãya was the Venerable Ariyakawi; his kamma-
vãcariya was Phra Khru Sitha; and his anusãsanãcariya was Phra
Khru Prajuk Ubonkhun.^3 He was given the monastic name “Bhýri-
datta”.^4 After his ordination, he took residence at Wat Liap in
Ãcariya Sao’s vipassanã meditation center.
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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