Being near Ajaan Paññā, one sensed his palpable inner peace and serenity. His gaze was open, calm and benevolent, free of conflict, bias or judgment. With his warmth, his wisdom and his compassion, Ajaan Paññā personified the nobility of the teachings. By his personal example, the Dhamma was rendered practical and vibrant with life. Earnest practitioners saw in his exemplary manner and in his freedom from attachments, the special teacher whom they longed to encounter.

Gold Wrapped in Rags tells the life story of Ajaan Jia Cundo, a famous Thai meditation monk who was a longtime disciple of Ajaan Mun and a contemporary of Ajaan Maha Boowa. This book describes many episodes detailing the events that happened in Ajaan Jia’s life as a forest monk, including vivid descriptions of the decisive experiences that occurred during crucial periods of his spiritual growth and development as he pushed forward with unwavering determination to attain Nibbāna – the end of all suffering.

On January 30, 2011 at the age of 97, Ajaan Mahā Boowa shed his physical form and totally departed this world. The death of a Buddha or an Arahant disciple is known as Parinibbāna. Ajaan Mahā Boowa left those who lived and practiced with him in no doubt that he was truly a Noble disciple in the lineage of the Lord Buddha, and a Samana of the highest blessing.