Ajahn Maha Bua donates 450kg Gold to national treasury

Udon Thani - 8th January 2010

The secretary of the revered Buddhist monk 'Venerable Ajahn Maha Bua' announced to the public that they have collected a total of 36 gold bars with a total weight 450 kg, net worth 508,725,000 baht.

On the 9th of January they handed the gold over to the nation, HRH Princess Julaporn collected it.

Ajahn Maha Bua asked the people to donate the gold to the national treasury. It's not the first time he has done this.

Soon to be necklaces and rings on the wives of various government officials.

Yes, rather remarkable that a monk can collect so much wealth.

After the financial collapse in 1997 he was instrumental in helping the country get out of debt. If I recall correctly he collected enough gold to pay off the International Monetary Fund and get the country out of from under the concessions necessary to obtain the loan.

Sure am glad he didn't spend it on a flashy temple.

UdonExpat wrote:Yes, rather remarkable that a monk can collect so much wealth.
.

Remarkable is an understatement.

UdonExpat wrote:Yes, rather remarkable that a monk can collect so much wealth.......
Sure am glad he didn't spend it on a flashy temple.

Yes, it is certainly amazing and
awe-inspiring. His lack of a fancy wat is a testament to his following of the basic tenets of
Buddhism. I find no problem in donating to his cause each time we visit there. He is also a
great promoter of passing along the knowledge and khamma he has. He or his disciples give
freely of the many texts he has written in both Thai and English. He is a national treasure.

Yes, Ajahn Maha Bua is a living example of the ideal of Buddhist practice. We are lucky to have such a gem in Udon.

As an aside, my wife tells me he is also responsible for the funding to build one of the new buildings at Udon Hospital.