Bhikkhu Bodhi

Born Jeffrey Block in 1944, Bhikkhu Bodhi is an American-born Theravada Buddhist monk who was ordained in Sri Lanka. He is a prolific author and commentator on Buddhist teachings, particularly within the Theravada tradition. After encountering Buddhism as a philosophy student, he pursued advanced studies and eventually traveled to Sri Lanka for monastic ordination. He has held significant editorial and presidential roles within the Buddhist Publication Society, a key organization for disseminating Buddhist texts. Bodhi has also founded Buddhist Global Relief, an organization dedicated to humanitarian efforts. He continues to teach and write, focusing on the scholarly and textual aspects of the Dhamma.

Jeffrey Block was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1944 to Jewish parents. His early education included public schools in Borough Park, and he later attended Brooklyn College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy. It was during his college years that he first encountered Buddhist literature at a local bookstore. He continued his academic pursuits, completing a Ph.D. in philosophy at Claremont Graduate University in 1972. His academic background provided a foundation for his later deep engagement with Buddhist philosophy and texts.

In 1967, Block was ordained as a novice monk in the Vietnamese Mahayana order. Following graduate studies, he spent time at a meditation center where he was introduced to Theravada monks from Sri Lanka. This encounter led him to travel to Sri Lanka, where he received novice ordination in the Theravada tradition under Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero. He attained full monastic ordination as a bhikkhu in 1973. Bodhi then dedicated himself to the scholarly study of Buddhist texts, particularly the Pali Canon, under the guidance of his teacher. His interest in the textual and philosophical dimensions of the Dhamma became a central focus of his monastic life and subsequent literary output.

Bhikkhu Bodhi played a significant role in the Buddhist Publication Society (BPS) in Sri Lanka, serving as its English-language editor starting in 1984 and later becoming its president in 1988. He retired from editorship in 2002 but remained president. He has also served as president of the Buddhist Association of the United States since 2013. In 2007, he established Buddhist Global Relief, an organization inspired by his essay "A Challenge to Buddhists," which supports projects aimed at alleviating hunger and empowering women globally. He has also been a speaker at United Nations Vesak celebrations.