Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ Comes Alive: Malaysian Tycoon’s Son Renounces $5-Billion Empire to Live as a Monk in the Jungle
Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ Comes Alive: Malaysian Tycoon’s Son Renounces $5-Billion Empire to Live as a Monk in the Jungle
Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, the son of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, gave up his claim to a $5 billion fortune to embrace a life of simplicity as a Buddhist monk. Ananda Krishnan, one of Malaysia’s richest men, owns a vast business empire spanning telecom, oil, real estate, and media.
Ajahn Siripanyo, born into immense wealth, decided at 18 to become a monk. His decision reflects his father’s devout Buddhist beliefs. “Ajahn Siripanyo’s choice was entirely his own, and it is respected within the family,” the South China Morning Post reported.
Interestingly, Siripanyo’s mother, Momwajarongse Suprinda Chakraban, is from the Thai royal family, giving him ties to both wealth and nobility. His spiritual journey began as a temporary retreat in Thailand, which eventually became a lifelong commitment.
For over 20 years, Siripanyo has lived as a forest monk, mainly at the Dtao Dum Monastery near the Thailand-Myanmar border. He follows Buddhist principles of simplicity, relying on the generosity of others for sustenance. Occasionally, he reconnects with his roots by visiting his father, in keeping with Buddhist values of honoring familial bonds.
Raised in London alongside his two sisters, Siripanyo completed his education in the UK. He is fluent in eight languages, giving him a unique global perspective that enriches his spiritual teachings.
His journey mirrors the themes of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari but stands apart as a real-life tale of renouncing materialism for spiritual fulfillment. Ajahn Siripanyo’s story is a rare example of choosing a meaningful, simple life over immense wealth.
