When Santeri Ahola decides to leave Finland and return to Thailand in order to ordain for the second time in his young life, his Big Sis Anja decided to record the process by following him out to his future monastery.
The first part of the film is concerned with family history and the final farewells in Finland, including meetings with what is clearly a close family, and departures.
His Mother is very supportive, saying: “It opens up ways for us to practice Buddhism for us as well.”; but his sister is less enthusiastic, and would like to see him back in the arms of a girlfriend 🙂
After a long journey they get to Thailand and then to Wat Marp Jan, where he is received by an Australian monk Phra Kevin, and his future Abbot Ajahn Anan Akiñcano, who see that he settles in and is given postulant (pakhow) vows.
Anja has to leave before the higher ordination but somebody at the monastery films it and the family excitedly sit down to watch it back home.
The film is very charming and not a little sad, as we see Santeri (now Phra Thanavuddho) leave behind his family and friends, and head out into the woods in a foreign country. But it is also inspiring to see him finding joy in his new life.
if the video does not appear on the page, try reloading the page; and if that doesn’t work, leave a comment so I can update the page (the comment is not published)
Anja Ahola, the Filmmaker
Santeri in Finland
Santeri’s Mum
Ajahn Anan Akiñcano
Main Buddha Statue
Phra Thanavuddho
This is a well-made short on what it’s like for a foreigner ordaining as a monk in Thailand. Phra Thanavuddho’s (Santeri) older sister (not the one pictured) is the one who filmed/directed it. She appears in the video at the beginning as the one holding Santeri (as a young child and infant) and later as the one adjusting the camera 🙂
Thanks you for this moving story….Hmmmm, also thinking to become a buddhist monk. Maybe.. one day.
NAMO BUDDHAYA!!
Hello? Santeri has disrobed? anti-climax? any reasons given?
Hi Phoenix, I haven’t heard that he disrobed, although it appears he has left the Ajahn Anan tradition. If I get an update I will let you know.
Hi Phoenix, just returned to this page and noticed your comment again. It does appear that Santeri disrobed. Here is a blog in which he speaks about his decision. http://www.avoinsangha.fi/wordpress/thanavuddho/category/english/
Santeri tried regular life after being monk as 2½ years, but he wasn’t interested in regular life anymore. Did this answer your question Phoenix?
Always knew it wasn’t easy being a monk neither. Those who knows samsara want to escape from samsara. Santeri jumped into being a monk when he hasn’t really experience life, he wasn’t even married before, right? Even Buddha needs to get married first. Nothing like wanting to be a monk when u have been with the same woman too long or be with women for all that matters. Never-ending dissatisfaction. Well he can try again. If I had the courage I would be a monk & it ain’t easy. Imagine giving up all your material things …..
Ooops he has not disrobed. Just got it from him a while ago…..
I know Ven. Phra Thanavuddho, a.k.a Santery. In the year 2005 we were together at Wat Pananachat, trainig for taking the Anagarika precepts. I have decided that I won’t become a monk and left for India and Santery stayed. Since then I have lost track of him apart from one time that I’ve heard that he ordained and later disrobed. Strangely enough, I meet him again here! I would love to see his movie 🙂
Dear Shlomo, I have updated the link and you can watch the documentary again now.
Thank you very much Venerable Anandajoti ! 🙂
So not I’ve got confused… Did he or did he not, disrobed again? And the blog, seems that it’s his with his ordination name? :/
Hi Shlomo, yes Santeri disrobed for a 2nd time.