Name List of the First Nine Famous Monks In Thailand
1. Luang Phor Tuad
2. Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta
3. (Somdej Toh) Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Promrangsi
4. (Luang Pu Toh) Phra Rajsangwornbhimon
5. (Luang Phor Ngern) Buddhachote
6. (Luang Phor Derm) Chromophore
7. Luang Phor Ban
8. (Luang Phor Sodh) Sodh Candasaro
9. (Luang Poo Suk) Phra Kru Vimolkunakorn
1. Luang Phor Tuad (B.E.2125)
The western year 1582 - Wat Changhai, Pattani province.
The legend of a high priest, Luang Phor Tad (LP Tuad), originated from the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. It was Thailand's capital that existed from 1350 to 1767 and lived during the reign of King Maha Dhammaraja. In the mid-sixteenth century. His exact date of birth is not known, just recounted from ancestors in his holiness. This information was composed to be an LP Tuad biography. LP Tuad was ordained as a novice at 15 and a monk in his early years living at Wat Phra Kho in Songkhla province. LP Tuad decided to travel to Ayutthaya province to gain more experience. He resided in an old temple named Wat Rachanuwat outside the city, where he continued studying the Buddhist scriptures.
According to legend, when LP Tuad was a child hanged in the cradle between two big shady trees near the paddy field, he was nearly attacked by a giant snake curled around him. To everyone's surprise, he remained unharmed. Instead, the snake spat out a snake pearl to him and left away. Another miracle is that LP Tuad changed the seawater into drinking water somewhere in the ocean on the way to Ayutthaya province. LP Tuad returned to Wat Phra Kho, Songkhla as a famous monk; later, he left his remaining in Wat Phra Kho. In the temple, you can see the replica image of LP Tuad and his Walking Stick, Foot Print, and Crystal Snake Pearl being enshrined there – eventually, he became the abbot of Wat Changhai in Pattani province. It is said that LP Tuad passed away in Malaysia, and his disciples remain at his cremation at Wat Changhai, his second-resided temple. The date of his death is unknown. LP Tuad had left the world and attained enlightenment worthy of nirvana but remained in the human world, helping people.
2. (Luang Pu Mun) Bhuridatta (B.E.2413~2492)
The western year 1870 ~ 1949 - Wat Pa Suthawas, Sakon Nakhon province.
Luang Pu Mun was born in 1870, in a farming village named Baan Kham Bong, in present-day Si Mueang Mai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province of northeastern Thailand; he was born into the Lao-speaking family of Kanhaew with his parents. He was the eldest of nine children: eight boys and one girl. LP Mun was first ordained as a novice monk at age 16 in the local village monastery of Khambong. As a small boy, he studied Buddhist teachings, history, and folk legends in Khom, Khmer, and Tham scripts from fragile palm leaf texts stored in the monastery library. He remained a novice for two years, until 1888 when he needed to leave the monastery at his father's request.
LP Mun was fully ordained as a monk on 22, 1893, at Wat Liap monastery in the provincial city of Ubon Ratchatani. Venerable Phra Ariyakavi was his preceptor. LP Mun was given the Buddhist name "Bhuridatta" (meaning "blessed with wisdom") at his ordination. After ordination, LP Mun practiced meditation with Archan Sao of Wat Liap in Ubon, where he learned to practice the monastic traditions of Laos. Archan Sao taught LP Mun the meditation method to calm the mind. Archan Sao often took LP Mun wandering in the forests along the Mekong River, where they practiced meditation together. This is known as "Thudong" in Thai. LP Mun resided at Wat Baan Nong Pue from 1944 until he died at 79. His disciples placed his remains at Wat Pa Suthawas, Sakon Nakhon province.
3. (Somdej Toh) Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Promrangsi (B.E.2331~2415)
The western year 1788 ~ 1871 - Wat Rakang Kositaram, Bangkok.
Somdej Toh was born in 1788 in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province; Somdej Toh was ordained as a novice monk in 1800 at 12 and is one of the most famous Buddhist monks during Thailand Rattanakosin period. He is believed to be the son of King Rama II of the Chakri Dynasty. At 21, in 1807, he was ordained as a monk under the Royal Patronage at Wat Praseeratanasasadaram (Wat Prakeo) in Bangkok. He studied the Buddhist scriptures of the Pali Canon with several Buddhist masters. The venerable monk was known to be a good speaker, highly intelligent, and compassionate. He was also persistent and patient. He made many Buddha images for temples and, most notably, 73 models of Phra Somdej.
He also built many Buddha statues and temples. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for Prince Mongkut, and later when Mongkut became a monk. His tenure in the monastery began in the reign of King Rama I. It continued until King Rama IV, a total of 65 years. In 1864, at 76, during Rama IV's reign, Somdej Toh was given the proper name Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi. Somdej Toh is said to have been the teacher of King Rama V when he was young. He was noted for the skill of his preaching and use of Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism and for making amulets called Phra Somdej. This highly revered Phra Somdej amulet originated from Wat Rakang's "Temple of Bell" in Bangkok. The amulets were blessed by him and other respected famous monks in Thailand. He is probably one of the most revered monks in Thailand. He passed away in 1871 at the age of 83.
4. (Luang Pu Toh) Phra Rajsangwornbhimon (B.E.2430~2524)
The western year 1887 ~ 1981 - Wat Pradoo Chimpli, Bangkok.
Luang Pu Toh was born in 1887 in Samut Songkhram, and he is the eldest with a younger brother in the family; he was sent to Wat Gojao to get an education by his parents when he was very young. According to a story told by the villagers, LP Toh's parents passed away when he was 13. There was nobody to look after these two siblings then, so his relative monk Papishujah brought them to Wat Pradoo Chimpli. At that time, LP Toh stayed in the temple and began his life with the Buddhist Monk’s hood. So they don’t have to worry about their daily needs. As time passed, at the age of 17, LP Toh decided to ordain as a novice monk. During that time, Luang Phor Jieu was the abbot of Wat Pradoo Chimpli; he tonsured for LP Toh. Unfortunately, on the same day, Luang Phor Jieu passed away. After Luang Phor Jieu passed away, Luang Phor Kang became the new abbot of the temple.
At that time, LP Toh began his studies with Luang Phor Kang. As time goes by, Luang Phor Kang passes away at the end of his life; LP Toh is the only one who is so familiar with the temple and has become the abbot of the temple. When LP Toh became the abbot of Wat Pradoo Chimpli, he had to ensure that he worked hard to manage the whole temple. He has to make an effort to preach or hold the ceremony. He has made many amulets for devotees and often practices in the deep mountain to increase his bahramee (power). LP Toh has a large number of religious followers. His behaviors and responsibility were identified as loved and respected by everyone and were served in royalty. He passed away in 1981 at the age of 94 and was granted with Royal Ceremonial funeral.
5. (Luang Phor Ngern) Buddhachote (B.E.2353~2462)
The western year 1810 ~ 1919 - Wat Bangklan, Pichit province.
Luang Por Ngern was born in 1810 during the reign of King Rama I at Bangklan Village, Pichit Province. He began his education at Wat Tongpu, official name Wat Chanasongkram in Bangkok, where he was also ordained as a novice monk at the age of 20; where he remained at the temple for several years practicing meditation before departing to Wat Kongkaram (Wat Bangklan Tai) in Pichit province where he spent considerable time in Thudong (forest). When Somdej Toh remained alive, LP Ngern often visited Wat Rakang to pay respect and learn sacred sciences from him.
One day, LP Ngern decided to travel to the north until he reached a Village there; he chose to sapling the Bodhi tree, which he cut from a large bodhi tree at the temple's main entrance. He prayed to Lord Buddha and asked if this location was suitable to build a temple, and if granted, it would show good encouragement from the cutting he had planted. The stem cutting successfully grows into a beautiful Bodhi tree, where LP Ngern built the temple known as Wat Wantago. As a temple abbot, LP Ngern had all sorts of visitors daily. Luang Phor Ngern passed away in 1919 at 109, having served the Buddhist faith for 90 years. LP Ngern is, without doubt, the most famous monk to originate from Pichit province, respected both for his sacred power of amulets.
6. (Luang Phor Derm) Chromophore (B.E.2403~2494)
The western year 1860 ~ 1951 - Wat Nong Pho, Nakhon Sawan province.
Luang Phor Derm was born in 1860 and is one of the greatest guru monks in Thailand. He has helped develop many temples in the province and the neighboring area, including Pichit, Phitsanulok, and Chainat. LP Derm sacred amulet has done a great job winning the hearts and respect of the people across Thailand. Its main purpose for creating charms is for self-protection, like his magic knives. The elephant served as a carrier; LP Derm kept many elephants to carry him wherever he went. LP Derm loved all his elephants and had special knowledge (Yana) to detect elephants' minds and communicate with them. As a preceptor, LP Derm was often invited to many temples to preside over the ordaining ceremony. With his great benevolent goodness, he always worries about the water in the temple's pond, which is the main supply for all occasions within the temple.
When the pond was shallower during the dry season, LP Derm would go to meditate and beg for rain. When LP Derm was getting old, one day, his disciples reported that the water in the pond would dry up if there were no rain within a few days. LP Derm nodded his head while he was lying sick on the floor. "My sons I am going to leave this world, I wish all of you be good monks' and be happy forever, so don't worry about the water in the pond," he said. A few minutes later, LP Derm passed away. Suddenly, the lightning flashed from the sky, and the thunder struck, and it rained heavily for about one hour, and the pond was filled with water. The great monk often miraculously passed away in this manner. Luang Phor Derm passed away in 1951 at the age of 91.
7. Luang Phor Ban (B.E.2418~2481)
The western year 1875 ~ 1938 - Wat Bangnomko, Ayutthaya province.
Luang Phor Ban was born in 1875 in Bangnomko village, Ayutthaya province. LP Ban is cautious and hard-working in reciting scripture, and he reviews whatever he learns. He is a good and diligent kid. When LP Ban was at the age of 20, joining the short-term monk and hoped to have the chance to learn from a prominent master. After LP Ban finished his short-term monk, he felt interested in Buddha dharma and enjoyed learning it and seeking approval from his parents before he was ordained as a novice monk. In 1895, there was a ceremony at Wat Bangnomko, a temple near his house, served by Luang Phor Soon, and the master of the ceremony was Archan Joi and certified by Archan Jing. LP Ban wanted to learn with LP Soon, and with his sincerity, LP Soon was willing to accept him as an apprentice. ings
Later on, with his studies, LP Ban became the disciple of Archan Jing. Even Archan Jing was willing to teach him more Buddha dharma and the arts of black magic, and he became the favorite disciple of Archan Jing. After some time, LP Ban decided to leave Archan Jing and wished to travel to Bangkok to get more experience, but unfortunately, Archan Jing was unwilling to tell him where he could gain. Without Archan Jing's help, LP Ban returned to Wat Bangnomko to seek help. Luang Pu Kai of Wat Bangnomko persuaded him to go to Wat Saket in Bangkok to find Archan Jeng. He stayed at Wat Saket for many years and continued practicing in the forest until he felt nothing left for him to learn. He returned to Wat Bangnomko in the year 1931. He was titled a heritable teacher of Buddhism. LP Ban passed away in 1938 at the age of 63.
8. (Luang Phor Sodh) Sodh Candasaro (B.E.2427~2502)
The western year 1884 ~ 1959 – Wat Paknam, Bangkok.
Ven. Luang Phor Sodh was born in 1884. Being the eldest son with five siblings, he was a very hardworking and filial son who cared for his mother for 19 years. When he was young, he made his living by selling rice and was robbed many times on his way to travel frequently from Suphan Buri to Bangkok. LP Sodh enters Buddhism monkhood after the age of 20. He has determined that he will pass as a practicing monk, practicing the path to enlightenment taught by the Buddha. Before being the Abbot of Wat Paknam, LP Sodh was from Wat Mahathat of Suphan Buri. Even then, LP Sodh was a very sincere benefactor who supported Dhamma and Sanghas in every possible way; he is one of the greatest guru monks in Thailand at Wat Paknam. His name is popularly called Ven. Luang Phor Wat Paknam. He retrieved the extinct Wichah Dhammagaya and refreshed it to become widely known in Thailand and overseas.
LP Sodh was a disciple of Luang Phor Niam of Wat Noi and Luang Phor Nong of Wat Ba Dat. LP Sodh attained Wichah Dhammagaya in 1916 and has been teaching Dhamma's knowledge. Wichah Dhammagaya is a very supernatural Dhamma; with his intermediate-level practice, he could bring defenses of miracles, such as creating weather rituals in the area at wish, healing sickness that the modern physician is unable to cure, finding hidden or lost objects, predicting the future or back to the past beyond your fate, destiny, karma and much more. Wichah Dhammagaya is so miraculous that it has the abilities' to defect all kinds of black magic, with those who have been cursed by black magic will be removed by Wichah Dhammagaya. He started creating amulets in 1950 for all donors who helped and supported building the large Dhamma school. LP Sodh passed away in 1959 at the age of 75.
9. (Luang Poo Suk) Phra Kru Vimolkunakorn (B.E.2390~2466)
The western year 1847 ~ 1923 - Wat Makham Tao, Chainat province.
Luang Poo Suk was born in 1847 in Moo Bahn Pahk Klorng Makhamthao, Wat Sing district, in the northern part of Chainat province. When LP Suk was 10, his mother sent him to Krung Thep (Bangkok) to be raised by his uncle. When LP Suk reached the age of ordaining, he went to Wat Poh Trong Lang and was ordained as a novice monk. His preceptor was Phra UpachaYacui JannaTasiri. His ordain's name was called Gesaroh. LP Suk studied Dhamma and Samadhi at Wat Poh Trong Lang until he was ready to go to Thudong. He met many guru masters during his travel to Thudong and learned Wichah (magical powers) from them. One of the guru masters who taught him Wichah was Archan Thum Wua Daeng. Archan Thum Wua Daeng is also the teacher who taught LP Ngern of Wat Bangklan in Pichit province and was famous for his sacred power of amulets.
LP Suk went back to his hometown after many years in Thudong. His parents urged him to remain in their village, and LP Suk also stayed back and rebuilt Wat Makham Tao from a small village temple to a large and beautiful temple and became the abbot of the village's temple of Wat Makham Tao. LP Suk has many disciples, ordained and lay disciples. Krom Luang Chumpron is one of his closest lay disciples, the son of His Majesty King Rama IV. LP Suk taught him everything he knew about Dhamma and Wichah. One of his abilities is his power and magic to change objects into different sizes, even a big animal into a fly. This is one of LP Suk's skills. He has never taught anyone except Krom Luang Chumpron. Until today nobody knows about this skill; LP Suk was revered as having high spiritual power and was the royal teacher of H.R.H. Krom Luang Chumporn. Krom Luang Chumpron passed away in the same year as LP Suk. LP Suk passed away in 1923 at the age of 76.