Wikipedia
Ajahn (, , , also romanized ajaan, ajarn, acharn and achaan) is a Thai language term which translates as "teacher." It is derived from the Pali word ācariya, and is a term of respect, similar in meaning to the Japanese sensei, and is used as a title of address for high-school and university teachers, and for Buddhist monks who have passed ten vassa.
This lattermost case is usually romanized ajahn. According to the Vinaya, any properly ordained monk can become an after ten vassa in the robes, thus a Thai monk becomes ajahn.
A senior monk may bear the honorific title phra ajahn (,"venerable monk"), or in more informal situations, than ajahn (,"venerable monk").
Some famous ajahns are:
- Ajahn Amaro
- Ajahn Maha Boowa
- Ajahn Brahm
- Ajahn Chah
- Ajahn Khemadhammo
- Ajahn Mun
- Ajahn Sucitto
- Ajahn Sumedho
In Thai, such highly esteemed monks would very rarely be called simply ajahn chah, ajahn mun, etc., as there are much more respectful ways for addressing or referring to them.
The term "Ajahn" is generally not formal enough to be used without the prefix "Pra" or "Tan" for monks when addressed by lay-people, but this formality has been loosened when it comes to Western monks and Theravada monks well-known outside Thailand.