Mathias was the German friend Ajahn Ñāṇamoli corresponded with in the “Correspondence with Mathias” section of Meanings ; the site says that private correspondence had been taking place since 2009.

What that means

That makes Mathias look like a real interlocutor rather than a public teacher or author figure. The book presents those letters as supporting material for understanding the essays, so his role seems to be that of a discussion partner whose questions helped shape the text’s development.

Practical takeaway

  • He was identified as a German friend named Mathias.
  • The correspondence began in 2009.
  • The letters are included as contextual support for the main essays in Meanings.

Brief context

So, in Ajahn Ñāṇamoli’s Meanings , “Mathias” is not a doctrinal title or a famous Buddhist figure; he is the private correspondent whose exchanges are published alongside the essays.

TL;DR: Mathias was Ajahn Ñāṇamoli’s German friend and long-term correspondent, and his letters form the “Correspondence with Mathias” section of Meanings.