ALAN JAMES was born in 1940. He studied physics at London University but soon became aware of the limitations of western science and turned his attention to oriental philosophy and religion. Following two trips to India, in search of a path and a teacher, he eventually met Kapilavaddho Bhikkhu (Richard Randall) in London. In 1968 Alan ordained as a monk under Kapilavaddho's guidance at Wat Dhammapadipa in Hampstead. After his teacher's death in 1971, Alan completed his training in Thailand.

In 1980, Alan co-founded the House of Inner Tranquillity. Five years later, the AukanaTrust was established and, by the beginning of 1988, the Monasteries of Absolute Harmony and Infinite Compassion had come into being for those students who wished to take up the training full-time

In 2006, after nearly forty years of showing the way, Alan asked his senior student Paul Harris to succeed him in continuing to teach the path to enlightenment, as well as directing the development of the monasteries and meditation centre.

In 2011 Alan formally announced his retirement. Although no longer actively involved in the running of the centre, his influence is still tangible as he regulary visits the centre and continues to act as mentor to Paul and the full time students.