Story of Us
The foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness was found at Aril 30, 2025, began with Prapassorn Yaibundit’s interest in meditation practice, who had the opportunity to attend a meditation course called “Mindfulness, Awakening” at the Baandhammajati Meditation Center in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, led by Phra Ajahn Samyod Tissawangso. The monk taught the basics of mindfulness and meditation. During the training, she learned about mindfulness and meditation, which led to inner peace and an understanding of the meaning of awakening and joy. Later, she volunteered at the Baandhammajati Meditation Center and learned about mindfulness during the day, which reduced her anxiety and stress from work and various aspects of life. She saw the great benefits of practicing mindfulness and meditation, so she invited Phra Ajahn Samyot Tissawangso to open the course. “Mindfulness for Happiness” for the first time, November 21-24, 2024 in Arizona, USA
The results of the “Mindfulness for Happiness” 2024 training course were very successful. The participants received peace of mind, helping to relieve anxiety from various problems in life. The project team therefore intends to organize the “Mindfulness for Happiness” course continuously every year to bring the benefits of mindfulness and meditation to the participants to use to benefit themselves and create true happiness in their hearts. This is the origin of the official establishment of the “Mindfulness for Happiness” foundation to continue the work of mindfulness and meditation training to benefit interested people in general, regardless of race, religion or age. It is hoped that this training will create happiness for those who have the opportunity to learn this practice principle, so that it will be of widespread benefit.
Phra Ajarn Samyod Tissawangso,
Founder and chairman of the advisory board
Phra Ajarn Samyod Tissawangso, founder and chairman of the advisory board of the “The Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness”, was born and raised in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. His family was close and devoted to Buddhism. Phra Ajarn Samyod has had faith in Buddhism since childhood. He was ordained as a novice at the age of 13 and studied at the school of the General Education and Dhamma Studies, Wat Wichetmani, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province.
Educational history
1999, Graduated from secondary school at Wat Wichetmani,
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
2004, Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Buddhist
Studies. Major in Thai Language Teaching.
2015, Graduated with a master’s degree in Philosophy.
Since childhood, Phra Ajarn Samyod has been interested in meditation practice. He started meditating on his own at the age of 7. After being ordained, he was determined to study and practice Dhamma. He has trained himself by listening to the Dhamma from knowledgeable teachers and has been practicing mindfulness, concentration and insight meditation (Vipassana) all along, making him an experienced practitioner with a deep understanding of the practice.
History of training in the field of mindfulness and insight meditation
1999, Training in insight meditation (Vipassana) from
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phayao Campus, Thailand.
2019 , Training in insight meditation (Vipassana) from Wat
Phra That Si Chom Thong, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
2025, Training in Anapanasati from Suan Mokhaphalaram,
Chaiya District, Surat Thani, Thailand.
History of teaching and training youth and Buddhists in the field of practice (mindfulness and insight meditation) Phra Ajahn Samyod started teaching and training students in morality and ethics in 1999. He started by training students in morality and ethics and devoted himself to teaching insight meditation and spreading the Dhamma. Until in 2015, Phra Ajahn Samyot was invited to be a leader in training youth and spreading Dhamma at the Dhammajati Meditation Center, Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which later opened up training to the general public of all ages and genders, focusing on training in mindfulness, concentration, and insight meditation to benefit trainees and enable them to apply the teachings and practices in their daily lives. In addition, he has initiated various projects to spread Dhamma continuously, such as the monk-nun ordination project to make a pilgrimage to the 4 holy sites in India, organizing mobile Dhamma practice training, the summer novice ordination project, and other projects up until now for 26 years. In November 2024, Phra Ajahn Samyot had the opportunity to travel to spread Dhamma and organize a Dhamma practice training project for Buddhists and interested people in general in Arizona, United States, which was very successful. With compassion and the intention to spread the practical teachings of Buddhism in the areas of mindfulness, concentration and insight meditation to benefit people in general, this has led to the intention to spread the Dharma abroad more, leading to the establishment of the foundation “The Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness” as a mechanism to organize Dharma training programs for people abroad, which has been set as an annual agenda every year.
Meet Our Team Members
Maechi Ariya Savika Bodhi
The Vice Chair of the Advisory Board, was ordained as a Buddhist nun at Wat Thai Buddhagaya Temple, India.
Her true inspiration to choose this path originated from her family, especially her dad, where she is able to ascertain that her self-efficiency is derived from her self-validation. It is a true inner peace.
Her altruism began during her college years as a volunteer worker. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in education from Chulalongkorn University, her Master’s degree in international relations from George Mason University, as well as a couple certificates from Oxford University, England, and Universidad Chaputepec, Mexico.
Her professional background centers on management roles with an emphasis on customer service in the airline, banking, and hotel sectors.
Her mission is to coordinate with Phra Arjarn Somyod Tissawangso in order to radiate her passion for Buddha practicing in mindfulness for happiness.
Ralph P. Mc Murray,
Senior Executive Advisory
He is a seasoned professional with over 50 years of corporate leadership experience running his own corporations. He brings a unique combination of expertise and enthusiasm to our cause.
His philosophy is the Golden Rule: work hard, be honest, and treat all mankind with kindness.
Ralph’s career has spanned roles in program management, fundraising, and executive leadership roles at his own organizations and a number of Fortune 500 companies. His ability to drive strategic initiatives at the organizations has helped secure the needed funds for great causes.
Since 2002, Ralph has proudly served as an Honorary Trade Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government.
He dedicated 4 years to the American Cancer Society Board in Kansas City, Missouri, where he helped organize a yearly Black-Tie event that raised over $1 million in a single night.
Ralph also served on the Board of Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter in Overland Park, Kansas. After one year as a board member, he was elected as Chairman of the Board and President of Animal Haven. His fundraising efforts, including various events and a Black-Tie dinner and auction, increased revenues by over 300%.
He also dedicated his time to board service from 2004 to 2006, serving on the boards of both the Hallmark Cards Golf Club and Hillcrest Bank.
Outside of his professional life, Ralph finds his greatest joy in spending quality time with his family, participating in their diverse and cherished activities.
Prapassorn Yaibundit
President
“Live in the present with mindfulness and compassion, and understanding all things around you as they truly are.” — this is the guiding principle and personal motto of Prapassorn Yaibandit, President of the Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness.
Prapassorn was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and raised by her grandmother, who firmly believed in Buddhism. Her deep interest in Buddhism led her to excel in Buddhist studies, earning her the opportunity to represent her school in a Dharma competition, where she was awarded a certificate of recognition by Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakol Maha Sangha Parinayok during her high school years.
Motivated by her faith and interest in the Dharma, she began studying and practicing Dharma since she was young at various institutions. She read a wide range of Dharma books and listened to numerous sermons, gradually accumulating knowledge in both theoretical study and regular practice.
In 2023, she had the opportunity to practice Dharma at the Dharmajati Meditation Center in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, under the guidance of Phra Ajahn Samyot Tissawanso. Through the study of Vipassana meditation and mindfulness meditation, she experienced significant personal growth and developed a profound understanding of Dharma through direct practice.
This experience was like “turning something upside down to open it up”, revealing a bright path on the journey of Dhamma and practice.
Guided by faith in the teachings of Phra Ajahn Samyot Tissavamso, he was invited by Prapassorn to share the Dhamma in the United States, promoting mindfulness, concentration, and insight meditation to benefit Buddhists and to reach a wider audience interested in these practices. With a strong faith in the Triple Gem and a firm belief that the training methods of developing mindfulness, concentration and insight meditation according to the teachings of the Lord Buddha will help us to release suffering from our hearts and create true happiness and peace within our hearts.
Education & Work
2000 Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science,
Major in International Relations
2012 Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law
2004-2014 SME Credit Analyst Officer of Thailand
2016-2020 Financial Auditor, Talking Stick Resort,
Scottsdale, Arizona
2020-Present Owner, Cafe De Bangkok, Gilbert, Arizona
Tom Rochanakit, Vice President of “The Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness”, was born and raised in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Later, he moved to Bangkok to pursue higher education and graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He started working in the banking sector and continued with prominent roles in several multinational corporations, including Hewlett Packard (Thailand), Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (Thailand) and Nissan Motor (Thailand), where he held senior management positions.
Eventually, Tom transitioned into the restaurant business and relocated to the United States. In Arizona, Tom has been actively involved in various community initiatives, especially religious activities with various Thai temples. Known for his kind-hearted nature and willingness to help others. Tom is well respected and warmly regarded among the Thai community in Arizona.
In 2024, Tom and his wife, Ms. Prapassorn, extended an invitation to Phra Ajahn Samyot Tissawangso from the Dharmajati Meditation Center, Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, to lead a meditation training in Arizona. The program welcomed Buddhists and interested individuals from Arizona and neighboring states, offering a rare opportunity to practice meditation abroad.
The program was a clear success and was recognized for providing many benefits to both Thai and American participants. Inspired by its positive impact, they were motivated to continue the project by joining in the establishment of “The Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness” with the goal of continuing to spread the principles of Dhamma for the benefit of the people.
Warisara Frechen, maiden name Kasemsri, is the Program and Events Director at The Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness. She is originally from Thailand and has lived in Prescott, Arizona for the past 13 years. She was born in Uttaradit and, growing up, lived in various parts of Thailand, including Nakhon Ratchasima and Ratchaburi. After graduating high school, she worked as an assistant in process engineering at Seagate in Korat. At the same time, she attended the local university, studying business management and eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree.
Warisara’s interest in Buddhism started in her youth and grew significantly stronger as she became an adult. At every opportunity, she would dedicate several days to attending and assisting at local temples. Warisara’s journey eventually brought her to meet Joseph, and the two were married three years later. In 2012, she moved to the United States and settled in Arizona, where she has become an active member of the Dhammaram Monastery in Chandler. Known for her exceptional cooking skills, she regularly prepares delicious dishes that the congregation eagerly anticipates during each of her visits.
Warisara’s interest in studying the Buddha’s writings continued to grow, and dedicated a portion of her home to these studies. She had always wished to visit the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal and she fulfilled that wish in 2024. With unwavering faith on this journey to Nepal, Warisara ordained as a nun for 14 days beneath the Bodhi Tree in India, wearing traditional nun’s garments and shaving her long hair as part of the ordination.
Alongside Warisara’s strong spirituality, she recognized the need to integrate this with her physical nature and so pursued a career in the health field. She studied therapeutic massage and its medicinal applications. She earned a degree in her area of interest and continues to pursue further knowledge in the field. It was a natural progression for her to become involved with the Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness.
Thipsuda Byega, Treasurer of the Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness, was born and raised in Nonthaburi, Thailand, as the youngest daughter in her family. Growing up, she regularly accompanied her family on merit-making activities, which deeply instilled in her a strong faith in Buddhism.
Thipsuda holds a degree in journalism, a field that equipped her with analytical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to interpret information from multiple perspectives.
Following her initial education, she furthered her academic pursuits with language studies in the United States. During this time, she began assisting with the family business and currently holds the position of store manager. This role requires a high level of responsibility, strong decision-making ability, and effective people management skills. Her experience in the family business has taught her the importance of teamwork and efficient resource management.
With a strong foundation in Buddhist faith nurtured by her family, Thipsuda is committed to contributing to the ” Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness” in her role as treasurer. She recognizes the value and significance of applying Buddhist principles, particularly mindfulness and meditation, in daily life. Thipsuda believes these practices not only enhance her own work performance but also serve as powerful tools to improve the quality of life and work efficiency for others in society.
Piyarkon Yaibundit, Communication/PR/Relation/Marketing Director of “The Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness”, was born and raised in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. As a child, she often accompanied her mother to make merit at the temple, which deeply connected her to the Buddhist way of life from an early age. After graduating with a degree in film, Piyarkon began working in advertising, social media, and film production with several companies. Through her accumulated experience, she developed expertise and skills in disseminating information for public relations across various media platforms.
When Piyarkon had the opportunity to learn about the Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness, an organization dedicated to spreading Dhamma teachings and meditation practice to cultivate true happiness, she was deeply impressed by its approach. The foundation emphasizes applying Dhamma principles simply and practically in daily life. This inspired her and sparked a strong desire to contribute to advancing this mission. She aimed to use her media knowledge and skills to support public relations and promote Dhamma so that it could reach a wider audience.
With her faith in Buddhism and her belief that Dhamma can bring peace and happiness to the mind, Piyarkon is committed to working wholeheartedly with the Foundation of Mindfulness for Happiness. She hopes to help with public relations and the dissemination of Dhamma, using her skills to encourage mindfulness practice among those seeking inner peace and to contribute to creating lasting benefits for society.