Billionaire's son gives up $5 billion inheritance to become a monk

Billionaire's son gives up $5 billion inheritance to become a monk

Billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan is one of the successful and famous businessmen in many different business fields such as media, oil and gas, telecommunications, real estate, entertainment... His assets were estimated at 10 billion USD in August 2015. Although he is very private and lives a modest life, Ananda Krishnan is known throughout the country. He is the father of the famous Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia.

In 1989, Ajahn Siripanno (18 years old) - the only son of a Malaysian billionaire attended a short-term retreat to express gratitude and respect for his mother and family when returning to his mother's homeland in Thailand.

Monk Ajahn Siripanno (Photo: Todayonline)

After many years of living and studying in England, this was the first time Ajahn Siripanno was exposed to Buddhism. With an open mind to different cultures around the world , Ajahn Siripanno found joy and serenity during his short time practicing in Thailand.

That short period of time completely changed Ajahn's thinking about Buddhism and the life of a monk. What was supposed to be a two-week monastic life turned out to be permanent.

About 10 years ago, billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan suddenly lost contact with his only son. After many searches, Mr. T. Ananda Krishnan was surprised to see his son in a yellow shirt, alms bowl in hand, begging for alms at a temple in Thailand.

Billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan approached and invited his son for a meal after many years of separation. However, Ajahn Siripanno replied: “I am sorry, father, but I cannot accept your invitation. I have to go begging like my fellow monks.”

Too surprised by his son's refusal, billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan shared: "With all the assets in my career, I still cannot invite my son to a meal."

Monk Ajahn Siripanno goes on alms round (Photo: tsemrinpoche)

The life of Ven Ajahn Siripanyo is a testament to a profound journey of spiritual discovery and transformation.

After spending time in Thailand learning from meditation masters, Ajahn Siripanyo returned to England to teach and lead retreats at Amaravati and associated monasteries.

In 2004, he founded DharmaCari Monastery in Switzerland, where he continues to reside and teach, offering retreats and workshops to people around the world. His teachings, known for their clarity and accessibility, focus on relating ancient Buddhist teachings to contemporary life. He is also the author of several books on Buddhism, highlighting mindfulness and compassion as transformative practices.

Throughout his life, Ajahn Siripanyo remained dedicated to spiritual practice, engaging in numerous charitable, environmental, and social justice initiatives.

The Dalai Lama once said: “Even if all five billion people living on this earth became millionaires, without inner peace, people still cannot have lasting peace and happiness” and “If money, wealth, and power brought happiness, perhaps kings and leaders of countries would all be happy.”

The story of Ajahn Siripanyo is a living example of a transformed life that prioritizes spiritual fulfillment and inner peace over material wealth and luxury. After all, wealth and status are only external things. Only inner peace and contentment are the real goals.

T. Linh (According to Economictimes)

Source: https://giadinhonline.vn/con-trai-chu-thap-doi-petronas-tu-bo-thua-ke-5-ty-usd-de-di-tu-hanh-d201961.html