Meed Mor or simply referred to as a conqueror's knife is one of Thailand's most illusive talismans that is seldom seen openly. Nobody who carries it would purposely hang it around the waist openly to display. It is illusive because a Meed Mor at all times is discreetly hidden and only to be used when one is in dire situation.
Luang Phor Doem (B.E.2403-2494; AD1860-1951) from Wat Nong Pho, Nakorn Sawan was one of the greatest known master in making efficacious Meed Mor. There are plenty of information regarding LP Doem's classic knife on the Internet that you could easily get. Therefore, it is not necessarily to reiterate the stories here. This article will discuss about Meed Moh's application practicality in today's situation without making any specific referendum to any master's conquering knives.
To begin with, the lasting impression of LP Doem's legendary knife had inspired many masters of later generations to continue this arcane sciences until today. We may want to consider some relevant questions pertaining to the practicality use of Meed Mor for ordinary city dwellers.
1. What is the primary usage or function of Meed Mor in comparison with a Swiss army pocket knife?
2. Carrying a big Meed Mor knife when going out to attend to daily affairs can be misconstrued by others of your intent e.g. police if so unlucky you are being stopped at a police road block and found you have a "weapon".
3. When and where can I really exercise the use of my Meed Mor?
The above stated considerable questions are deemed crucial for any would be Meed Mor enthusiasts before deciding to acquire a Meed Mor rather than blindly submitting to impulsive buying behavior. Frankly speaking without due consideration, more than often the Meed Mor will be kept at home to only serve as a protection talisman for the house cum museum display without being use at all.
Meed Mor is like any other Mai Kru, Mai Tao or Tongkat. In order for a properly sanctified Meed Mor to bring great benefits to the owner, it must be turned "Saksit" by constant contact with its owner. Unlike the common kampong folks in a laid-back lifestyle working in paddy fields or fruit orchards, it is more easily for them to carry their Meed Mor knife around in their pocket or tucked inside their waist without arousing any suspicion from others. Why is that so? This is because a Meed Mor can be easily disguised as a trade tool to the kampong folk.
Carrying a Meed Mor around is never practical for city dwellers in this aspect and is less favored especially when there are other alternatives e.g. tongkat or amulets that are more convenient and less suspicious. Try carrying a small sized Meed Mor inside your shirt pocket when going to a business meeting and see the facial reaction from the people that you meet. They will start staring at you and your little Meed Mor with all sorts of wild imaginations running wild. In retrospect, pulling out a Swiss army pocket knife from your pocket will not cause a stir in the eyes of people. But we have to understand that a Meed Mor is a sacred knife that has spiritual values within.
Unlike the olden days back in the 50s or 60s when Meed Moh is highly popular as a self-protection talisman due to many thuggery and gangs looming around. As a matter of fact, LP Doem started making Meed Mor in the 1930s before World War 2 for the purpose in warding off evil spirits, destroying all kinds of black magics, making powerful holy water, healing diseases, and for invulnerability "Kongkrapan Chatri" in conquering over enemies. All conventional Meed Mor irregardless made by LP Doem or later masters play the role as medic knife as well as used to protect the owner and conquer all enemies and obstacles. Hence, there is a vast difference between a Meed Mor and a Swiss army pocket knife if you may wonder.
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| Luang Phor Pian, Wat Kren Kratin |
Yantra scripts are beautifully inscribed by the maker onto every blade of the Meed Mor depending on the application and usage intended. A pocket Swiss army knife can be a very useful tool. But a Meed Mor is a sacred knife that is specifically designed to give the owner's protection in the spiritual world. Among the known protective qualities of Meed Mor are;
1. Protection against the the influences of other powerful talismans
2. Protection against accidents and warning of any mishaps and ill fortunes in advance
3. Protection against burglary and if kept at home on the altar
4. Protection against wild animals (act like a defensive shield) and curing poisonous bites
5. Protection against evil spirits by encircling the blade onto the ground
6. Making holy water by dipping the tip of the blade into a bowl of water
7. Curing food poisoning due to unsanitary food
8. Repel bad luck and mishap
9. Instilling Maha Amnaj (authoritative power) which enhance leadership with Metta
10. Transforming bad Chi energy flow in a house with good vibes
There above usage and application is common whereas some properly blessed Meed Mor could perform 108 tasks. For invulnerability against sharp weapons and guns it is said that the Meed Mor blades must be mixed with "Lek Namphi" a kind of powerful material from the "Lek Lai" family. Therefore, it is a good practice to inquire more information about the Meed Mor before deciding to bring one or several home. Proper guidance is essential e.g. knowing the Katha verses to be used when making holy water, etc. Again a Meed Mor will never become "Saksit" or powerful to perform its intended abilities if it's left alone and not being used often. Never test the efficacy of a Meed Mor unless it is necessary in a dangerous situation.
The use of such powerful medic knife or Meed Mor to overcome obstructions may have its limitation in a city life. The question is where else can your Meed Mor be applied for use to serve as a protective element apart from looking after the house as it's not convenient to carry around under normal circumstance. The answer maybe simple and yet most of us often overlook and never thought deeply about it yet. Perhaps one of the most practical approach to apply the use of Meed Mor is to bring along during travel to unfamiliar places such as forested areas or doing outdoor adventures e.g. jungle trekking, camping.
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| Outdoor camping and travelling to remote jungles |
Apart from this approach, the other likely usage is to bring along in a pouch when going about in daily work. But then again one may carry the risk of running into trouble with the authority as mentioned earlier. In all aspect what other timing could be suitable to utilize your Meed Mor other than travelling to remote areas that is far from human civilization such as outdoor camping activities. If this suggestion is relevant and deemed practical to apply, be sure to also carry a Swiss army pocket knife or machete "Parang" as a handy tool for multipurpose use e.g. cutting woods, ropes, etc. I am sure you do not want to damage or spoil your Meed Mor blade that has its specific use as protection shield in times of danger and despair.
Recalling a story related to Venerable Acariya Mun Bhuridatta Thera (a spiritual biography by Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno). Acariya Mun was an expert in matters concerning ghosts, devas, brahmas and other living beings from different realms. During Acariya Mun's days as a forest monk in Thailand's mountainous region, he was in constant communication with such beings wherever he lived. There, in remote wilderness areas, far from human habitation, one group or another visited with him almost every night. Even hungry ghosts, awaiting offerings of merit dedicated to them by their living relatives, came to seek Acariya Mun's assistance. From his extensive experience with them, he always found ghosts are far more bothersome than any other class of nonphysical beings. Therefore, Acariya Mun always made dedications while extending loving kindness to all those ghost beings to help alleviate their sufferings. It's not surprising for such encounter with beings from different realms because there are 31 Planes of Existence as described in the Suttas taught by the Buddha.
Recounting a personal experience with frequent travels during my corporate life in the past during one occasion to Danang (the central part of Vietnam). Having the luxury to stay in one of the finest French colonial seaside resort in Danang on a business trip unknowing about the background of this resort. Later only that I learned from a Vietnamese counterpart that Danang was a heavily bombarded area by the US warplanes during the Vietnam War back in the early 70s in order to cut-off the supply line of North Vietnamese Army troops trying to attack Saigon. As a result of this, many people in Danang lose their lives during those warring years. Although the war rebuilding efforts had paid off with many tourist resorts and attractions, the remains of wandering spirits cannot be erased off due to the pain and difficulty of their sufferings as conditioned by their Karma. This explanation was also given by Acariya Mun, one of the best known Tudong practicing monk in Thailand's modern history.
The suite that I stayed alone looks a little eerie at first glance but it did not bother me at all as I have complete trust on the Triple Gems. Of course I would always carry 3 pieces of amulets whenever I go on business travel either it's near or far. Me and another colleague each have our own room. At first everything seems to be normal with in the suite that has 3 bedrooms, a large living hall with antique furniture and a kitchenette. Single ladies will definitely want to switch to a smaller room. Usually I will just leave my amulets lying on the bedside table when sleeping in hotel room. But somehow there arises a spine chilling phenomenon and I felt uncomfortable sensing that I'm not alone in the suite as though "someone" is watching. You know something is amiss and the only option is to chant the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha and wear the amulets on my neck to get a good rest for the rest of the night. Slept throughout the night without any disturbance.
The very next morning during breakfast time came my colleague looking tired with lack of sleep from the look of her eyes. Almost instantaneously I already guessed she had encountered disturbance last night. Slowly she told her side of her story and I was right. She was a very brave lady to face-off the bothersome ghostly disturbance calmly. Even if she had called my room for help I would have already dozed off due to work tiredness and jet lag. Anyway, I did not discuss anything about Buddhist talismans as I have to respect her different faith and belief. Luckily we only have to stay one night at that resort and continued the business travel itinerary to another part of the country. This incident shows that different realms does exist and Buddhist talismans are very useful in creating a protective shield to guard our well being if you are a true believer.
Travelling frequently is always a good idea to bring along our trusted amulet(s) to keep us safe and at the same time reminding us the Triple Gems as a Buddhist. But with flight travels and carrying light luggage with a laptop all the time, it's inconvenient to bring a Meed Mor no matter how small the size. This is largely due to airport security measures nowadays and you may run into the risk of getting your little Meed Mor confiscated. You can't possibly reason out with the airport security officer that you need the knife for protection. Furthermore, as a business traveler with a hand carry trolley bag containing only essential personal items and a laptop (Rambo style), it looks pretty awkward to put a 9" conquering knife inside your bag compartment as every gram of weight counts.
The main reason why some of us will choose to carry a Meed Mor (instead of other talisman) is to basically ward off backstabbers in the work environment. Backstabbers are very common in our daily work life whether you like it or not. These unenlightened human beings are called "Puttujhana" in Pali. The deluded mental faculty of a putthujhana is very dangerous as these people can cause serious damage to our career advancement even financial stability not to mention the mental torment. Hence, backstabbers are very dangerous people disguising as nice person but pay no regards to harming others for their personal gains. Their ignorance to the law of causal relation or Karma will put them further behind the abyss of Samsara (the sea of tremendous sufferings). Be aware that putthujhana can also be also a person very dear to you thus gaining blessings from the Triple Gems and practicing the Noble Eightfold Paths The Way To The End of Suffering is the solution out of human misery. To be real frank, there're no talismans in this world that could protect us at all times except we help ourselves in realizing the Dharma Truth.
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| A small potent knife with many abilities |
In all my entire working life, I've never carried a Meed Mor around to ward off backstabbers. I simply let it be if they want to cause harm to me as I have to succumb to my own fate in being reborn as a human in this life. Recognizing a putthujhanna, the best approach is to walk away and disassociate yourself with such companionship as more than often their delusion and unwholesome Karma whether by speech, thought or action doesn't bring us any good benefit. Their complete ignorance to the causal effect of Karma will only bring them to the lower realm in the future. Therefore, why would anyone who can comprehend the Dhamma doctrine would worry so much and carry a small Meed Mor hidden inside a pocket or pouch during work days? If we are confident with the Triple Gems, we will surely not be swayed into associating with these deluded people. At most we will suffer due to the harming consequences of a backstabber and suffer a temporary setback.
It is better not to retaliate even though you may have a powerful Meed Mor as every action has its effect. There are many stories of unethical writings telling that LP Doem's legendary knife can cause serious repercussion to the enemies. But do you really want to use your Meed Mor to physically stab back your enemy who back-stabbed you in front of your boss? For those who knows the Dhamma and Karmic laws please don't be one putthujhana backstabber yourself in harming others. That's all I can say and it's up to you to receive this advice.
LP Doem's Meed Mor (or medic knife) has two other beautiful names called "Mit Prab Pairee" or Conquering Knife and "Mit Dhep Sattra" meaning God's Knife. Meed Mor has been around for many centuries old and its heritage was revived by none other than LP Doem. There are many different naming conventions for Meed Mor created by other artisans today. The generations of Meed Moh today has various designs and they are more refined in its beauty than before.
Most conventional Meed Mor blades has sharp cutting edge and are concealed in wooden or ivory sheath. The varieties of Meed Mor with various shapes where some disguises into a pen casing are simply astonishing. There are also many sizes to a Meed Mor and they can be as small as a toothpick for the ease of concealing inside the body.
Sakgassa Wachira Wutdhang
Wessa Suwanna Sakatha Wutdhang
Alawaga Sadhusa Wutdhang
Yamasa Naiyana Wutdhang
Naraiyasa Chakgara Wutdhang
Panja Awut Dhanang
Aetehsang Anu Bhavena
Panja Awut Dhanang
Phakka Phakkha Wijunnang
Wijuna Lomang Mamena
Buddha Santi Kajcha Amumhi OgaSetthi Dhahi
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| Comparison with a 10 cents coin |
People in the past have to traverse through thick forested jungles in order to visit temples. During the journey they will encounter ghosts spirits, wild tigers, snakes, etc. unlike nowadays where proper roads are everywhere. For this reason LP Doem created the famed Meed Mor to serve as a holy talisman and travelling companion for those people.
Meed Mor today is commonly used as a guardian protector knife which is good for the householder to fend off unwelcome intruders or other inauspicious astrological signs. From a small toothpick size that is easily obscured from prying eyes, a Meed Mor can be as big as a cleaver that is meant for placing inside the home. Friends or visitors will be amazed by such a big "decorative" Meed Mor knife. Only those who could understand this Thai mythological knife which has spiritual values will know its protective qualities behind and not a decorative memorabilia.
Once there was a follower posed a question to LP Doem pertaining as to whether the miraculous monk's Buddhist talismans/Meed Mor are actually effective. The follower put the question using a simili "Venerable Sir, if one were to crawl under a ladies skirt which is very degrading, would this adversely affect the spiritual values of your amulets?". In reply to the follower's question, LP Doem asked "If a cobra snake were to creep pass the pool of dirty water which is considered degrading to you and bit you. Will you die or not?". LP Doem had beautifully implied that the poison of the cobra is just as high spiritual values to his talismans which will not deteriorate.
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| Handwritten inscription "Na Mo Bu Da Ya" fairly visible |
In addition to different types of Meed Mor, there are also those without sharp blades that are primarily used for spiritual healing, increasing metta loving kindness in oneself, and general protection against misfortunes. Certain Meed Mor under this healer classification are crafted entirely from mystical materials such as "Leklai" or "Mekapat", but this is very rare.
It is a matter of preference or choice that one decides to choose Meed Mor of any kind depending on its usage and functions. There's absolutely nothing wrong having a Meed Mor as an added protective element but just observe the Buddhist precepts avoid harming and killing animals or living beings including spirits with this powerful knife despite whatsoever reasons as the universal karmic law is very unforgiving.
As a matter of fact, most of the serious collectors and Meed Mor fans have tons of these sacred objects in their personal collection. Similarly to Tongkat or Mai Kru, a Meed Mor also need to be constantly in touch with the owner in order to be "Saksit" and effective whenever assistance is required. Hence, we may want to ask ourselves how many do we want to keep as showcase or museum artifact. One will have to use the wisdom in selecting the most appropriate Meed Mor for own use and hand down to the next generation to serve as remembrance and deep respect to the master maker.
There is no doubt that all LP Doem's Meed Mor and all other talismans are meant for the really tough guys such as those in the military or police profession. Since medieval times throughout centuries, knives and swords are the insignia for men of valor especially the military to signify authority, fearlessness, bravery and deadly. This can be best described in the movie Expendables 2 where actor Stallone was seen wearing a knife pendant although not a spiritual Meed Mor but is good enough to explicate this point.
Try recalling the last time your finger got cut by a knife while slicing an apple or pencil, etc. Apart from the excruciating painful sensation while bleeding profusely, it takes several days depending on the seriousness of the wound to recover. That's the notorious reputation of any other knives. Imagine if a knife is further empowered with spiritual arcane sciences like a Meed Mor, the damage can be manifold and unimaginable.
Known prominent masters highly respected for their skills and ability in making efficacious Meed Mor are listed here for reference only. It is not the intention here to establish which master is better than the other.
1. Luang Phor Doem, Wat Nong Pho
2. Luang Phor Noi, Wat Nong Pho
3. Luang Phor Kant, Wat Khao Kaew
4 Luang Phor Joy, Wat Sri Umporn
5. Luang Phor Kuay, Wat Kositaram
6. Luang Phor Pian, Wat Kren Kratin
7. Luang Phor Pern, Wat Bang Phra
8. Luang Pu Hong, Wat Petchburi
9. and other masters not being mentioned here
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| LP Kant, Wat Khao Kaew a close disciple of LP Doem |
In all aspect, should the blade carvings followed a similar holy Yant inscribed into every LP Doem's classic Meed Mor, very likely that Meed Mor may have been embedded with the unconquerable weapons of the 5 Gods namely God Indra's Wachiravuth, God Wessuwan's Baton, Demon Alawaka's Apocalyptic Red Cloth, God of Death Jamaraj's Eyes, and Naraiyana's Chakra.
However, we cannot ascertain how true is this assumption but thinking logically the school of taught following LP Doem's arcane sciences must have been handed down to later generations. After a lapsed of so many years, it would not be surprising if there's a change of formula in the making of powerful Meed Mor thus requiring the master's instruction before using a newly acquired medic knife. Again we must remind readers that the efficacy of each Meed Mor depends entirely on the skillfulness of individual maker and certainly not by the price tag associated with it especially acquiring old reputable piece.
The specific mantra or Katha for every Meed Mor is different depending on individual master maker (even though it may look similar to LP Doem's Yant on the blade). A Katha must be recited in order to invoke the Meed Moh's embedded power. In our humble opinion, should you forget the specific Katha relevant to your Meed Mor in times of despair, the best next thing to do is to hold on tight to your Meed Mor and recall the virtues of the Buddha.
Another maker of these medic knife for healing illnesses is LP Pian a senior monk from Wat Kern Kratin in Lopburi, Central Thailand. He was born in BE 2470 B.E. (CE 1927) in Lopburi and got ordained as a Buddhist monk on 4 Aug. BE 2519 (CE 1976) at Wat Gamphaeng in his hometown. After that, he moved to Wat Kern Kratin in the same Province and has been here until present day.
At Wat Kern Kratin LP Pian met LP Parn, an abbot at that time. LP Parn was a Cambodian and an expert in Khmer magical arts. So, LP Pian had the chance to learn arcane knowledge from LP Parn. In actual fact LP Pian’s father had magical knowledge and taught it to LP Pian in the early years. Not only sacred arcane tutelage but LP Parn also taught LP Pian meditation. Meditation develops mindfulness that is the beginning of wits.
LP Parn always emphasized to LP Pian to see the importance of mindfulness. LP Parn taught LP Pian that in order to do anything successfully, a person need to be determined and have good mindfulness. This became LP Pian’s motto in life. In other words, LP Pian learnt many useful skills from LP Parn including Visha (magic), intensive meditation until LP Pian had strong mindfulness and progressed in Visha highly.
LP Pian then wanted to use his magical competence to help people affected by black magic, obsessed by spirits and had serious illnesses that modern medicine could not cure. His ability was talked by people and soon LP Pian became famous.
In concluding our analysis into this subject matter with regards to the appropriate usage of this sacred Buddhist knife, it's best to use it in every opportunity during local travels that doesn't involve taking a flight. Such local travel maybe to an outdoor camping in a forested area, beach camping, jungle trekking, mountain climbing, etc. In the event you need to set-up a camp for overnight stays, firstly chant the Meed Mor's mantra and then draw a line circle around the perimeter of your camping tent using the tip of the Meed Mor. Depending on your Meed Mor's functionality, this should be able to give some sort of protection and relief to those sleeping inside the tent against malevolent spirits or wild animals that may be lurking around at night. This is just a suggestion and nobody can guarantee that it will sure work. The simplest way is to experiment yourself and learn from your own experience and apply it elsewhere in different situation.
A Meed Mor is best protected with its blade inside the sheath cover rather than leaving it exposed. When not in use simply keep it at the house's altar or a high cabinet. Only to withdraw the knife blade when you need to use it. Having deep faith and high respect is essential to keeping the knife instilled with its sacred qualities.
We have shown many fine examples of Meed Mor here and it's up to each individual to use their intuition when acquiring and self-experiencing this sacred knife talisman that was made well known by none other than LP Doem. Today we have the great opportunity to learn and share the view of Meed Mor sacred knife proper application. We strongly believe that it's every master's wish in creating this potent knife with good intention and not to cause the slightest harm to anyone including those from different realms. Its aim is to serve as a defensive knife when one is in danger but never to be used to cause pain to others. With great care and responsibility in exercising the use of a properly consecrated Meed Mor, may all of us receive the good blessings and its radiating protective shield to assist us in life journey.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Pali text meaning of Putthujhana (pronounce Put tu jah na):
An ordinary person; a "worldling" or run-of-the mill person who has yet to realize any of the four stages of Awakening.
Sakyamuni Gautama Buddha once said;
"To many a refuge fear stricken men betake themselves to hills, woods, gardens, trees and shrines. Nay, no such refuge is safe, no such refuge is supreme; not by resorting to such a refuge is one freed from all ills. He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, sees with right knowledge the Four Noble Truths, Sorrows, the Cause of Sorrows, the Transcending of Sorrows, and the Noble Eightfold Paths which leads to the cessation of Sorrows".
"This indeed is refuge secure; this indeed is refuge supreme. By reaching such refuge one is released from all sorrows".
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