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Who is Bhikkhu Bodhi and what is his background?

Bhikkhu Bodhi is a highly respected Buddhist monk and scholar who has made significant contributions to the study and practice of Buddhism. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1944 and grew up in a Catholic family. As a young man, he became interested in Eastern spirituality and began studying various traditions, including Hinduism and Taoism.

In 1972, Bhikkhu Bodhi encountered Buddhism and was immediately drawn to its teachings and practices. He was particularly inspired by the concept of compassion and the path to liberation from suffering. He decided to pursue a monastic life and traveled to Sri Lanka, where he ordained as a Theravada Buddhist monk in the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition.

After several years of intensive study and practice, Bhikkhu Bodhi became a highly respected teacher and scholar of Buddhism. He spent over 20 years living in Sri Lanka, where he studied Pali, the language of the Theravada Buddhist scriptures, and translated numerous texts into English. He also taught meditation and Buddhist philosophy to both Western and Sri Lankan students.

In addition to his work in Sri Lanka, Bhikkhu Bodhi has also traveled extensively, teaching and lecturing on Buddhism around the world. He has taught at universities and meditation centers in the United States, Europe, and Australia. He is known for his clear and accessible teaching style, as well as his deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice.

Bhikkhu Bodhi is also a prolific writer and has authored several books on Buddhism, including "In the Buddha's Words," "The Noble Eightfold Path," and "The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha." His translations of Buddhist texts, such as the "Dhammapada" and the "Anguttara Nikaya," are highly regarded for their accuracy and clarity.

In addition to his scholarly work, Bhikkhu Bodhi is also actively involved in social and humanitarian projects. He is a board member of Buddhist Global Relief, a nonprofit organization that works to alleviate poverty and hunger around the world. He also serves as the president of the Buddhist Publication Society in Sri Lanka, which publishes books and articles on Buddhism.

Bhikkhu Bodhi's dedication to the study and practice of Buddhism has made him a highly respected figure in the global Buddhist community. His teachings and translations have helped to make the rich wisdom of the Buddha's teachings accessible to people from all walks of life. He continues to inspire others with his deep compassion, wisdom, and commitment to the path of liberation.