Welcoming Ajahn Chah’s Relics

Relics of Ajahn Chah have found their way to Redwood Vihara. They carry the presence of a great life of practice. Their journey here feels less like an event and more like a gesture of friendship across traditions.

The story began during the 90th birthday celebration of Ajahn Sumedho. During the gathering, Joseph Cappel (formerly Ajahn Pabhakaro), who once served as Ajahn Chah’s attendant, offered relic hairs of Ajahn Chah to the monastics present. Among those receiving relics was Venerable Issaro. When they came into his hands, a thought arose immediately in his heart: these should go to Redwood Vihara.

The relics then traveled through a chain of noble friendship. Tan Issaro entrusted them to Ajahn Nisabho, who brought them back to the United States and eventually to Abhayagiri Monastery. From there, they made their way to Redwood Vihara.

On August 27, 2024, Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Karunadhammo came to visit Redwood Vihara to welcome the relics with chanting and blessings. Their presence embodied the vision of Master Hua, who said:

We want to help the northern and southern traditions of Buddhism to communicate, so that they can unite as one. The southern tradition shouldn’t keep going south, and the northern tradition shouldn’t keep going north. Everyone should meet in the middle, because we are all disciples of the Buddha.

Ajahn Pasanno also encouraged us at Redwood Vihara where we are in the beginning phases of creating a forest training monastery in Master Hua’s lineage. He said: “Having a training is essential in order to carry on the lineage. Without the training, the Dhamma just becomes theoretical. The core of Ajahn Chah’s training is to let go. Ajahn Chah said, ‘If you let go a little you a will have a little peace; if you let go a lot you will have a lot of peace; if you let go completely you will have complete peace.’”

May these relics inspire all who visit Redwood Vihara to truly let go.