Wat Amphawan

This photo tour will bring readers to another well-known temple for Vipassana meditation center in Thailand - Wat Amphawan. The temple Chief Abbot is Venerable Phra Rajsuddhinanmongkol or known by many people as Luang Phor Jaran or Charoen.

It’s been some years when I first started reading about his life story in a Dharma book. Ever since then it had had developed in me a strong sense of urgency to come to visit Wat Amphawan and to see LP Jaran. My wish was granted in a very surprising way that I will not discuss about it here.

Luang Phor Jaran passed away at 8.37am on 25th Jan 2016 (B.E.2559). Every breath is life. The last breath is the separation of the mind and body. This is the training that Teachers like Luang Phor Jaran will teach in Vipassana meditation technique. May the blessing from the Triple Gems will continue to bring light into our life path.      

This article is related to Vipassana Meditation and Karma

Wat Amphawan is located at Phromburi District within Singburi Province. To reach there would take almost 3 hours by leisure driving from Bangkok. On the way we stopped for a quick lunch at a small town village in Singburi in which I cannot recall the name (see pictures).

This little village seems pretty nice with the locals running their daily business without the hustle and bustle of city life.

We had lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant just beside a river not far away from Wat Amphawan. After lunch we continued our journey to meet LP Jaran as he only meets devotees once a day due to his old age.

Main entrance signboard at Wat Amphawan

The banner advertisement near the main entrance is a new medal batch by LP Jaran made in year 2007 for donation to build the largest Phra Prom brass statue in Thailand if not the whole world that will serve as an important tourist attraction in the future. The medeallion featured LP's image at the front side and behind an image of Phra Prom.

This large Phra Phrom is located about 3 km away from Wat Amphawan. The blessing ritual to "open the eyes" of Phra Phrom was officially conducted by LP Jaran himself on 10 September 2008.

Outside the temple compound you can find local street traders selling all kinds of praying materials, flowers and food stuffs for visitors along the road at the main temple entrance.

A long walkway leading visitors into the Main Hall

Main Hall receiving visitors and devotees

A photo of LP Jaran taken inside the Main Hall after the venerable had conducted prayers and blessing to all visitors

All visitors and faithful devotees are received warm hearthedly by LP Jaran himself. According to my Thai friend, people believed that LP Jaran had already attained Arahantship. Whether this is true or not, I still pay high respect to the Venerable.

LP Jaran is a very serene monk with clear composure although he doesn't talk much. He can only speak with a faint voice due to his past karmic injury to his throat in a car accident years back on 14 Oct 1977. In his teachings, LP Jaran always reminded people not to commit karma and practice Vipassana meditation diligently.

Here is a brief overview of LP Jaran's biography. LP Jaran was born on August 15, 1928 at Tambon Muangmoo, Amphoe Mueang, Sing Buri Province. His father is Mr. Pae and mother is Mrs. Jerm Janyarak. LP Jaran finished fourth year of secondary school education in 1944. The Venerable entered the shade of saffron robe at the age of 20 and had stayed ever since. His ordination took place on July 15, 1948 at Wat PhromBuri, SingBuri.

Study of Dharma Vinaya and Meditation

1948: Studied the Dhamma (Teachings) and Vinaya (Discipline) at the Promburi Centre

1949: Passed the second grade of Dhamma Examinations at Wat Chaeng Promnakorn

1951: Studied meditation with Luang Pho Lee and Venerable Chao Khun Ariyagunadhara in Korn Kaen Province

1952: Studied making power objects and holy water with Luang Poh Jong from Wat Nah Thang in Ayudhaya Province and Phra Khru Vinitsutagun, Luang Poh Sanun of Wat Saotongtorng in Angthong Province and Luang Poh Jaht of Wat Bahn Sahng Prajinburi Province

1953: Studied calm (Samadhi) and insight meditation (Vipassana) with Phra Bhavanakosol Thera (Sot, Candasaro), otherwise known as Luang Poh Wat Pak Nam at Wat Pak Nam in Amphur Phasricharoen, Thonburi Province nearby Bangkok.

1954: Studied and practiced insight meditation with Chao Khun Acariya Phra Rajsiddhimuni at Wat Mahadhatu in Bangkok

1955: Studied Abhidhamma with Ajahn Tejin (a Burmese monk) at Wat Rakang, Thonburi Province nearby Bangkok and studied fortune telling with His Holiness the Sangharaja at Wat Srakes, in Bangkok.

LP Jaran studied and exchanged ideas about psychology with Ajahn Colonel Chom Sugandharat. He went wandering (dhutangga) in search of seclusion and suitable places to develop meditation practice among the forests and mountains of Northern Thailand.

Positions and Titles

1. Acting Abbot Wat Amphawan, Tambol Ban Paeng, Amphur Promburi, Singburi Province in 1957

2. Conferred the title Phra Khru Palat Jaran, Thitadhammo Thananugrom (assistant) of Chao Khun Sundaradhamma Praputh, Ecclesiastical Governor of Roy Et Province (while living in his own monastery of Wat Amphawan) in July 1958

3. Conferred the title of Phra Khru (sannabat) "Phra Khru Bhavanavisuddhi", Abbot of Wat Amphawan on December 5, 1968

4. Appointed as Ecclesiastical Head of Phrom Buri Disctrict in 1975

5. Conferred the title of "Phra Khru Bhavanavisuddhiguna" on December 5, 1988

6. Conferred the title of Phra Rajsuddhinanmongkol on August 12, 1992

7. Appointed Ecclesiastical Head of Singh Buri Province, 1999

8. Conferred the title Phra Debsinghapuracariya, 2001



Venerable LP Jaran is a gifted speaker, project developer and meditation teacher all in one, his achievements each year are many and they have been recognized on many occasions such as;

• In 1973 he received an honorary award as the Social Developer of the Year (in the field of voluntary social welfare, religious activities)

• In 1975 he received an award from Her Highness Princess Sirindhorn at Wat Mahadhatuyuvarachrangsit in Bangkok on Tuesday 28 May, 1975 for his great contribution to Buddhism in the field of encouraging sincere practice of the Dhamma

• In 1976 he was awarded an Honorary Pin as an outstanding developer in the Paen Din Tham Paen Din Thorng project from His Excellency General Prem Tinasulanon, the Pime Minister at Government House on May 6

Thus it can be said that Venerable LP Jaran has dedicated his life to the development of society and he has long been a major refuge for Buddhists, both locally and at large.

LP Jaran seldom consecrates amulets and what we understand that the last batch was made 12 years ago. Other than that we knew through research LP Jaran had helped blessed the Phra Somdej Song Kaiser B.E.2529 batch together with other 99 senior Buddhist monks in that particular blessing ceremony.

The compound within Wat Amphawan is large enough to conduct Vipassana Meditation classes for the public and also to serve requisites for monks staying here. One will also be able to find several Amulet stalls displaying all Wat Amphawan's talismans consecrated by LP Jaran.

We are happy to be able to obtain LP Jaran's rian as a memento from Wat Amphawan and to partake merit in the construction of the largest Phra Phrom. This pure Silver encased pendant of LP Jaran (front) and Phra Phrom (rear) was made in B.E.2550 (2007) for public donation funds to build the largest Phra Phrom statue in Amphur Phrom Buri district to provide divine protection to the people as well as to bring prosperity.  Phra Phrom is also commonly known as "4 Face Buddha" by worshippers from Malaysia and Singapore.

In LP Jaran's younger days, he learned 'Wicha' knowledge from several prominent Buddhist masters of old time.  LP Jaran learned deep meditation under the guidance of LP Doem of Wat Nong Pho.  He also learned the knowledge of interacting with elephants from this master. 

LP Jaran also learned oil magic incantation from LP Jong of Wat NatangNok in Ayutthaya.  LP Jong taught him how to consecrate oil to recite the Buddhaguna (Virtues of the Buddha) 108 times followed by the Bahum Mahaka (Verses of the Buddha's Auspicious Victories and Victory protection.

  

Another one of LP Jarun's prominent master is LP Lee of Wat Asokaram - a forest tradition monk from Archan Mun's lineage. 

However, in this visiting trip to Wat Amphawan the most valuable item we each received is a poster of LP Jaran and chanting book containing Virtues of the Buddha "Buddhaguna", "Bahum" and "Mahaka” chanting.  We are happy to share the virtues with all readers here as taught by LP Jaran.  Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Advantages of Chanting the Virtues of the Buddha
Phra Rajsuddhinanamongkol

Over the years many of the Dharma teachings by LP Jaran had been compiled into book recordings. We have decided to extract one of the Venerable's Dharma teaching on Chanting of The Virtues of the Buddha for all Dharma seekers to gain some knowledge. This reading material was extracted from the original English compilation and can be found inside Law of Karma & Dhamma Practice Book No. 3 produced by Wat Amphawan.

The following is the advantages of chanting Buddhaguna as shared by LP Jaran.....

I have noticed that people like to go to see fortunetellers if they experience bad times and perform ceremonies to free themselves of their “bad luck”. I have looked into this and sometimes it does indeed seem that our lives are fraught with “bad luck”, but I have devised this little chanting booklet, and I tell my followers to chant every day the virtues of the Buddha (Buddhaguna) once for each year of their lives and then one more, in order to improve their mindfulness. It has proved to be effective. The chanting begins with “Namo”, then the going for refuge to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, followed by the recollection of the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, then the Bahum and Mahaka chants. Having done that, one must then come back to the virtues of the Buddha (Buddhaguna) and chant only that once for each year of one’s age, and then one more. If you are 40 years old, for example, you chant it 41 times. If you are 35, you chant it 36 times.

There was one Christian lady who lived in Lad Prao (Bangkok). She was 51 years old. She was a widow and had one son. She was very wealthy, and had a lot of land in Bangkok. Most of the land by Klong Saen Saep up to Lad Prao belonged to her, hundreds of rai. She had sold a lot of it for hundreds of millions of Baht. Her son did not apply himself to his studies. She had sent him overseas to study for a degree in America, but he didn’t do any good with it. All he did was buy himself a car and fool around for three years. He wrote to his mother that he was studying and was almost finished, and could he have another 100,000, another 500,000?

In the end she didn’t know where to go or who to turn to. The fortunetellers said she had to pay money to do the right ceremonies so that her son would appy himself to his studies. She gave them the money, they did their ceremonies, but her son was the same as before. It just so happened there was a man from Singhburi who worked for her. One day they went together to Nakhon Sawan, and on the way, thinking that I may be able to help, he suggested they make a visit to my temple. She didn’t want to go, but he feigned a stomachache and said he had to go to the toilet, so they came in. The man actually went to the toilet. Then he came to see me and asked me to help.

At that time I didn’t know she was a Christian. He said, “Please help her, she only has one son. She lends me money often”. I said, let me see her first. He brought her in to see me, and she told me, “My son has gone to study in America, but he’s gotten nowhere. I’ve just found out that he has not obtained his degree, but has simply been taking all the Thai students around getting them into trouble. I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Is there any way you can help?’ Just looking at her face I could tell that her son would definitely get a Master’s degree, and then go on to get a doctorate, but why was he failing in this studies?

The method :

I told her, “Patron, you must chant, chant the virtues of the Buddha 52 times a day.” At that time she was 51 years old. She said, “I can’t chant, I’m a Christian.” So that day nothing came of it, she couldn’t do it.

It was 4 or 5 months before she came back, I could remember her face. This time no-one brought her along, she came of her own accord, with two friends. She said, “I give up.” I said, “Do it this way, Patron. Go out and buy a chanting book.” “I don’t want to have a chanting book in the house, can’t you just write it out for me?" So I had to write it out. Later I got tired of writing out the chanting and had it printed up in leaflet form.

“Here, the Buddhaguna, Dhammaguna, Sanghaguna, Bahum and Mahaka.”

“I don’t bow to Buddha statues, can I chant this?”

“At your bed, just chant it there.”

“But I don’t know how to chant.”

“Just read it.”

“And how will I know when I’ve reached 52 times”

“Use match sticks, throw one down for each time. Just start doing it.

So she made up her mind to give it a try. I said, “When you’ve finished the chanting, spread thoughts of loving-kindness to your son. Don’t abuse him, don’t swear at him. Just wish that he attain all that is good, attain happiness and complete his studies successfully.”

In three months she could chant it all fluently. After a while she didn’t even have to use the match sticks. Two results came of this:

First, her nervous disorder disappeared, she could eat and sleep peacefully and was more cheerful. Being able to sleep soundly, her mind was happier. She began to feel that the good results of her actions she had dedicated to her son were getting to him. When a mother sends a dedication of merit to her son she knows it. Her son had been living extravagantly, he kept on asking for money from his mother without so much as a thought for her kindness. That day her dedication of merits reached him. It was six months after she had begun to chant. I wrote it down. That day her son had taken a group of Thai students for a drive, when the car crashed into a lamppost. His friends in the back seat were thrown out of the car, and none of them died or were hurt, but he was crushed into the lamppost. The post overturned, and they had to pay a lot in damages. He was flattened onto the steering wheel and went into a coma and had to go to hospital. Fortunately one of his cousins was a doctor in America. He went to visit, and it seemed that the patient had little chance of surviving. He was on oxygen. The American doctors said he was a goner.

The following day, he opened his eyes and realized he had survived, but he knew he was seriously hurt. He felt like he was going to die, and the tears streamed down his face. He missed his mother. People are like this, it’s only when they’re suffering that they think of their mothers. While they’re running around having a good time they don’t have a thought for their mothers. Even older people, eighty years old, on their death beds and almost on their last breaths, go a little delirious and start asking for their mothers, even if they’ve been dead for years.

Secondly, the son started to miss his mother a lot. “If mother found out that I haven’t been studying how disappointed she would be!” He determined to try to finish his studies as soon as he recovered. When the mother found out she was so happy she came to the Wat and offered a meal.

Eventually when the son had come back from America she brought him here, I gave him a Buddha amulet. He revealed what had happened. After he got well, he began to chant and practice meditation at the Thai Wat in America and studied insight meditation. He finished a B.A. and a M.A. and I knew he would get his Ph.D. as well.

This is the certain benefit arising from chanting. I tell you, children, or anybody for that matter, have to suffer before they’ll think of their mothers. As long as they haven’t met suffering, if you just keep giving them money, they spend it extravagantly and don’t spare a thought for their mothers. They have to suffer before they see the truth and see their own minds and hearts. He came and said to me. “Luang Poh, I never thought of my mother, three or four years I was in America. But in hospital I thought of her, I remembered how she made my food for me, then I came back. Then mother told me that Luang Poh had helped me.” He was filled with faith. I told him, “If you really believe me, go and have a haircut right now.” His hair was so long, down to his shoulders. So he had a haircut in Singhburi. He told me “I wasted money so badly, millions of Baht.” This was a clear example of the benefits of chanting, so I have made this little chanting booklet. If anybody is having bad luck, chant the Buddhaguna.

We would like to add that the Buddhist religion in the past 3000 years have never try to convert anyone into embracing Buddhism teaching until this present day. It is up to individual's virtue and merit to take up the profound teachings of the Buddha as it can never be forced upon. May the knowledge shared here give us the blessing for practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and Vipassana meditation.

The Buddhaguna, Bahum and Mahaka chanting in Pali language with English meaning is provided here for the benefit of those seeking refuge in the Triple Gems.

If readers want to read more about LP Jaran's Dharma teaching please view the next topic on Vipassana. Thank you.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!



Start with paying homage to the Triple Gems in the beginning.....

Tisarana

Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa

(Repeat 3 times)

Buddham Saranam Gacchami

Dhammam Saranam Gacchami

Sangham Saranam Gacchami

Dutiyampi Buddham Saranam Gacchami

Dutiyampi Dhammam Saranam Gacchami

Dutiyampi Sangham Saranam Gacchami

Tatiyampi Buddham Saranam Gacchami

Tatiyampi Dhammam Saranam Gacchami

Tatiyampi Sangham Saranam Gacchami

(Worshipping the Enlightened One)

Iti’ pi so Bhagava, Araham Sammasambuddho, Vijjacaranasampanno, Sugato, Lokavidu, Anuttaro, Purisadhammasarathi,

Sattha Devamanussanam, Buddho, Bhagavati.


(Worshipping the Sacred Teaching)

Svakkhato Bhagavata Dhammo, Sanditthiko, Akaliko, Ehipassiko, Opanayiko, Paccattam veditabbo vinnuhiti.


(Worshipping the Holy Order)

Supatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho, Ujupatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho, Nayapatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho,

Sami cipatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho; Yadidam cattari purisayugani attha purisapuggala, esa Bhagavato Savakasangho,

Ahuneyyo, Pahuneyyo, Dakkhineyyo, Anjalikaraniyo, Anuttaram Punnakkhettam lokassati.

English Translation

The Triple Gems

Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Accomplished One, the Supremely Enlightened One,

(Repeat 3 times)



I go for Refuge to the Buddha (The Enlightened One)
I go for Refuge to the Dhamma (His Teaching)
I go for Refuge to the Sangha (His Holy Order)


For the second time, I go for Refuge to the Buddha
For the second time, I go for Refuge to the Dhamma
For the second time, I go for Refuge to the Sangha

For the third time, I go for Refuge to the Buddha
For the third time, I go for Refuge to the Dhamma
For the third time, I go for Refuge to the Sangha


(Worshipping the Enlightened One)

Thus indeed is the Blessed One: He is the Accomplished One, the Supremely Enlightened One, the Perfect Embodiment of Wisdom and Virtue, the Auspicious Path-finder, the Knower of All Realms, the Incomparable Tamer of Individuals, the Supreme Master of Gods and Men, the Awakened One, the Lord.


(Worshipping the Sacred Teaching)

The Teaching is perfectly enunciated by the Blessed One, is verifiable here and now, is with immediate fruit, invites all to test it for themselves, leads onward to Nibbana, and is to be experienced by the wise, each for himself.


(Worshipping the holy Order)

“The Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is established on the right Way. The Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is established on the straight Way. The Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is established on the true Way. The Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is established on the proper Way. That is, the four pairs of persons, the eight Holy Individuals. This Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is worthy of offerings and hospitality, is worthy of gifts and reverential salutations, and is an incomparable field of merit for the world.



Bahum (Jaya-Mangala-Gatha - Stanzas of Victory)

1. Bahum sahassamabhinim mitasavudhantam, Girime khalam uditaghora sasenamaram. Danadidhammavidhina jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani.

2. Maratirekamabhiyujihita sabbarattim, Ghorampanalavakamakkhamathaddha yakkham Khantisudantavidhina jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani.

3. Nalagirim gajavaram atimattabhutam, Davaggicakkamasaniva sudarunantam Mettambusekavidhina jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

4. Ukkhittakhaggamatihattha sudarunantam Dhavantiyo janapathangulimalavantam, Iddhibhisankhatamano jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

5. Katvana katthamudaram ivagabbhiniya, Cincaya dutthavacanam janakayamajjhe, Santena somavidhina jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

6. Saccam vihaya matisaccaka vadadetum, Vadabhiropitamanam atiandhabhutam Pannapadipajalito jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

7. Nandopanandabhujagam vibudham mahiddhim Puttena therabhujagena damapayanto Iddhupadesa vidhina jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

8. Duggahaditthi bhujagena sudatthahattham Brahmam visuddhi jutimiddhi bakabhidhanam, Nanagadena vidhina jitava Munindo, Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

9. Etapi Buddha jayamangala atthagatha, Yo vacano dinadine sarate matandi, Hitvananekavividhani cupaddhvani, Mokkham sukham adhigameyya naro sapanno.

English Translation
1. Mara, the Evil One, assuming a fierce form with a thousand arms; each brandishing a deadly weapon, stormed forward roaring, accompanied by his formidable hosts and riding on his elephant, Girimekkhala. Him the Sovereign Sage conquered by evoking the might of his exalted perfection of giving, among others. By his mighty triumph, may joyous victory be mine!

2. Even more violent than Mara was Alvaka,the impetuous and haughty yakkha who fought a night-long battle with the Lord. Him the Sovereign Sage conquered through enduring patience flowing from his unequaled self-mastery. By this mighty triumph may joyous victory be mine!

3. Provoked to run amok, Nalagiri, the king tusker, like a raging forest fire murderously assailed all in his path, and struck such horror in them as would Indra’s thunder bolt, the irresistible destroyer. Him the sovereign Sage tamed by sprinking over him the cooling water of all-embracing love. By his mightly triumph may joyous victory be mine!

4. With sword upraised in expert hands did the savage robber, Angulimala, pursue the Lord for a full three leaguesl Him the Sovereign Sage conquered by his supernatural powers. By his mighty triumph may joyous victory be mine!

5. Posing as a pregnant woman by tying a piece of wood to her belly, Cinca falsely acused (the Buddha) with lewd words in the midst of a devout congregation. Her the Sovereign Sage subdued through his imperturbable serenity. By his mighty triumph may joyous victory be mine!

6. With his peverted intelligence, the wandering mendicant, Saccaka, invariably distorted the truth. Pretending to be the very banner of learning, he only blinded his own mental vision as he went about indulging in intellectual disputations. Him the Sovereign Sage conquered by his illuminating lamp of wisdom. By his mighty triumph may joyous victory be mine!

7. The gifted but perverted kinf of the Nagas, Nandopananda by name, possessed great psychic power and was hostile. By instructing the Elder Moggallana, his spiritual son mighty in supernatural attainments, the Sovereign Sage rendered the Naga king powerless and transformed him. Thus through a supernormal mode of spiritual instruction intelligible to his kind, did the Master conquer the Naga. By his mighty triumph may joyous victory be mine!

8. Though a deity of great purity, radiance and power, Baka, the Brahma god, was nevertheless in the grip of pernicious views, like an arm tightly held by a snake’s coils. Him the Sovereign Sage cured by means of wisdom. By his mighty triumph may joyous victory be mine!

9. He who, day after day without lethargy, recites and recollects these eight hymns of the Exalted One’s glorious triumphs that wise man, having overcome many and diverse obstacles, shall attain the bliss of Deliverance.



Mahaka (JAYAPARITTAM - THE VICTORY PROTECTION)

Mahakaruniko natho hitaya sabbapaninam, Puretva parami subba patto sambodhimuttamam, Etena saccavajjenahotu me jayamangalam.

Jayanto bodhiya mule sakyanam nandivaddhano Evam tavam vijayo hohi Jayassu jayamangale aparajitapallanke sise pathavipokkhare abhiseke sabbabuddhanam aggappatto pamodati. Sunakkkhattam Sumangalam Supabbhatam suhatthitam Sukhano sumuhutto ca suyittham brahmacarisu padakkhinam kayakammam vacakammam padakkhinam pakakkhinam manokammam panidhite padakkhina padakkhinani Katvana labhantatdhe padakkhine

Bhavatu sabba mangalam, rakkhuntu sabba devata, Sabba Buddhanubhavena, sada sotthi bhavantu me.

Bhavatu sabba mangalam, rakkhuntu sabba devata, Sabba Dhammanubhavena, sada sotthi bhavantu me.

Bhavatu sabba mangalam, rakkhuntu sabba devata, Sabba Sanghanubhavena, sada sotthi bhavantu me.

English Translation
The exalted and compassionate Deliverer, for the welfare of all, fulfilled the Perfections and attained the Summit state of Supreme Enlightenment. By this truth may triumph and wealth be mine!

Victorious under the Bodhi Tree, being blissful among the Buddhas. He climaxed the joy of the Sakyans by his conquest of Mara at His Undefeated Seat, witnessed by the Earth which was symbolized by a lotus leaf. Even so, may my victory be blessed with triumph and wealth.

The time when people perform a good deed is indeed an auspicious occasion, a bright dawn, a moment well-caught in time and is the right worship of holy people.

At that time their actions of body, of speech and of mind along with their aspiration become auspicious. Having performed auspicious deeds, they beget auspicious benefits.

May all blessing come to me, May all gods protect me; By the grace of all Enlightened Ones, May wealth ever abound in me!

May all blessing come to me, May all gods protect me; By the grace of the Sacred Teachings, May wealth ever abound in me!

May all blessing come to me, May all gods protect me; By the grace of the Holy Order, May wealth ever abound in me!

Salutation to The Buddha

(This chant to be repeated as many times as your age plus one)

Iti'pi so Bhagava Araham

Sammasambuddho vijjacarana-sampanno

Sugato Lokavidu

Anuttaro purisadamma-sarathi sattha

Devamanussanam

Buddho Bhagavati

Metta (Loving Kindness) Dedication

Sabbe satta sukhi hontu
May all beings who are subject to birth, ageing, disease and death, be happy

Avera hontu
May they be without emnity

Abbayapajjha hontu
May they be without malevolence

Anigha hontu
May they be happy in both body and mind

Sukhi attanam pariharantu
May they be able to protect themselves from danger



Pattidana (Transference of Merits)

Idam me matapitunam hotu
May this merit accrue to my mother and my father

Sukhita hontu matapitaro
May they be happy

Idam me natinam hotu Sukhita hontu natayo
May this merit accrue to all my relatives; may they be happy

Idam me gurupajjhayacariya nam hotu, Sukhita hontu gurupajjhayacariya
May this merit accrue to my teachers and my preceptor; may they be happy

Idam sabba devanam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe deva
May this merit accrue to all guardian devas; may they be happy

Idam sabba petanam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe peta
May this merit accrue to all hungry ghosts; may they be happy

Idam sabba verinam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe veri
May this merit accrue to all enemies; may they be happy

Idam sabba sattanam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe satta
May this merit accrue to all beings; may they be happy


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The Amazing World of Pidta

 

The inspiration for researching into Phra Pidta amulets came from my association with a very good friend Larry. His inspiration and kindness had helped me to penetrate into the Amazing World of Pidtas and together with his blessing, may this article serve as a good cause to bring these benefits to Pidta fans. In this article too, an old associate of mine had also contributed significantly by allowing us to photograph many of his Phra Pidta amulets to serve as reference here.

Phra Pidta is well known in the amulet circle and it is highly accepted by collectors due to its Buddhistic qualities to provide protection against dangers and harm of all sorts, brings good luck and success to the owner.

Of all Pidta we have heard in recent past, the most popular or possibly famous Buddhist masters in making effective Pidta are Luang Po Khron better known as "Tok Raja" from Wat Uttamaram, Kelantan in Malaysia, Luang Pu Toh from Wat Pradoochimlee in Bangkok, and among others notably in Southern Thailand Pattalung.

Besides this two famous masters, of course there are many others who can bless and make good powerful Pidta amulets in recent times such as Chao Koon Chan the 2nd Abbot of Wat Uttamaram, Phor Than Mit the 3rd Abbot of Wat Uttamaram, Luang Po Dum of Wat Mai Naparam, Chao Khun Onn of Wat Sungai Padi and others not mentioned here. However, it is not the intention of this article to pinpoint which master is better in producing powerful Pidta. Our interest is to obtain a better understanding of Phra Pidta amulets with regards to its origins and uses.

In Thai’s amulet culture, a lot of attentions have been given to Phra Pidta talismans and its making can be traced back to many centuries ago. The Pidta wooden bowl featured here is a gift from a monk and was recently been restored by applying a layer of lacquer to prevent ageing. All Pidtas on the surface of this bowl was beautifully handcrafted in Thailand. This wooden bowl was used to store holy waters by the venerable. The significance of Phra Pidta in Thailand Buddhism culture is both historical and important.

To further understand the significance of this talisman, Phra Pidta is being highly revered as much as Phra Sivali in Thai’s tradition. Both Phra Pidta and Phra Sivali are disciples of Lord Sakyamuni Gotama Buddha. According to legend, both the disciples are capable to receive unexpected great fortunes whenever they wish due to their advanced Dharma and high respect for Lord Buddha. 

To begin with Sangajayana or commonly known as “Sangajai” was a disciple of the Lord Buddha who transformed and manifested himself. Sangajayana is a monk of great fortune and his figure representation is an important characteristic that had evolved into today’s Phra Pidta. This is the reason you may see one similarity between Sangajayana and Pidta as they have one common feature - a big potbelly. It must be noted that some Pidta may not have big potbelly. However, there is one distinctive difference in every Phra Pidta figure which is its lifting hands to cover the eyes.

According to legend and belief, Phra Pidta posture brings 3 important qualities to worshippers. This is done by incorporating 3 different Yant scripts and incantations of sacred spells called “Katha” into the materials to make these qualities. Some temples may concentrate only 1 or all the 3 categories of qualities. Let’s take a look into all the 3 yantra categories.

• Firstly, the script for “Kong Kraphan Chatri” or impenetrability by weapons and invincible to enemies as in the case of well-known Tok Raja’s Pidtas.

• Secondly, the scripts for self attractiveness or Maha Metta to make the owner well-liked by others thus, creating a favorable environment for business success as well as personal career success and;

• Thirdly, the script for fetching good fortunes and enable good luck for the wearer can be found in today’s modern Pidtas generation. Another name for Pidta in this category is called Pidta Mahalarp.

Since the humble beginning in making Phra Pidta during ancient time, the priority was to incorporate high Kong Kraphan quality. Living in ancient time, people have to go through a lot of hardships such as war, robberies and ferocious wild animals in their daily lives. This quality is the no. 1 priority for making Pidta talismans. The most common form in this category is Phra Pidtawan that has up to 5 pairs of hands covering every ventilation opening in the body such as eyes, mouth, ears, navel and anus.

Wat Donsala, Pattalung 

According to folklore, the primary reason for such covering is to provide protection against harms usually black magic or evil forces that can penetrate a person through any one of the ventilation opening in the body thus causing suffering. Pidta with such strong protection for its owners such as Pidtawan is also named Pidta Maha-Ut in recent times.

Apart from giving protection to oneself against evil forces, Kong Kraphan against lethal weapons and poisons are also the benefits of Phra Pidta and favored by people from all walks of life in the Thai kingdom.

There are a lot of people who are ill-informed by subscribing to the notion that Pidta is a kind of “fighting amulets” believing that it is suitable for people dealing in illegal activities that involves street fights. This is absolutely not correct if we ask ourselves a fundamental question is Pidta associated to Buddhism? The answer is very obvious. As we now know that Phra Pidta is the manifestation of a venerable monk during Lord Buddha’s time more than 2,500 years ago. We may try to think how will it then by wearing Pidta talismans encourage people to fight and conduct evil deeds? The noble answer for this form of holy Pidta images is to help the wearer to go through life obstacles and not by promoting them to conduct sinful acts e.g. killings or stealing.

In the Northern East part of Malaysia toward Southern Thailand, there are many medidative masters that make potent Pidta amulets till today such as Chao Khun Onn from Wat PhraChonChomTaRa at Sungai Padi, Narathiwat in Thailand. Temple is not very far from the Golok/Rantau Panjang Customs.  He is one of the remaining few like LP Daeng of Wat Kok Sai and Than Mit whom have learned the art of making Phra Pidta Bangsek from Tok Raja lienage.

In our opinion, preference is given to powder or “Phong” based Pidtas. Some temple issued Pidtas have Takruts inserted together and some don’t as it is very much depending on the purpose of making and the technique used. Phong based amulets will always contain more materials such as holy herbs, flowers, etc. and can provide holy ingredients to be mixed such as sacred relics, takruts and gemstones whereas lead and metal will not be flexible to integrate these sacred items as the heat during melting process will destroy it.

To illustrate this further, let's take a detail look into Chao Khun Onn 1st batch powder based Pidta made in B.E.2538 as an example which have high content of holy ingredients mix in all its 999 pieces. Please refer to the details of this batch certificate of authencity.

This preference theory is also applicable to any powder based votive tablets such as Somdej and others. However, we are not concluding that metal based votive tablet properties in terms of protective qualities are not equivalent to powder based. It is individual preference and liking for a powder or metal based amulet.

Pidta Mahalarp is another category of Pidta primarily for Lucky Wealth as the word Mahalarp described. With lots of Metta Loving Kindness to give unexpected Lucky Fortune, Pidta Mahalarp also give protection to the wearers. Mahalarp type is always seen with a big belly with hands closing eyes just like any other Pidta.  Seen here is a Pidta Mahalarp Boddhisatta sitting on a lotus base.

In Penang, Wat Buppharam meaning "Flower Temple" and home to the Lifting Buddha had also produced its trademark Phra Pidta Kut. Wat Buppharam is the only Thai temple in Penang island that produces amulets for devotees. Its batch of Phra Pidta Kut was very successful and following that another batch Phra Pidta Patihan was produced in B.E.2550 and mass chanted by many senior monks. Penang also have a strong followership of Kelantan's Tok Raja and in both the 2 batches; Pidta Kut and Pidta Patihan, monks from Kelantan and Southern Thailand were invited for both the Pidta consecration and chanting ceremony "Puttaphisek".

From our perspective, Phra Pidta Kut is Penang's "Golden Pidta" of Wat Buppharam. This is because of the golden chrome body texture of this pidta. Pidta Kut also became the trademark of Wat Buppharam that had made this temple more famous during the last few years with its Pidta auspicious properties as endorsed by the temple.

Wat Buppharam have a long relationship history with Wat Uttamaram in the sense that it has a strong followership of Tok Raja by Penangites.

A few more variety of Phra Pidta examples and medellions "Rians" associated with Pidta makers are shown here with the hope readers will appreciate its art formations and to understand its common postures and shapes made by various temples. All sacred Phra Pidta tablets featured here are contributed by private collectors.

Towards the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century in the advent of industrialization, many people started preferring metal based Pidta instead. Newer techniques in molding had enabled many Phim designs of votive tablets and can be produced in large quantities that deemed impossible in the past. Therefore, many temples began developing metal based amulets and they are very common until today and may usually have a mix combination of copper, alloy, lead, bronze, silver, gold and even used bullet shells. One of the very common bullet shells Phra Pidta used as an example is LP Daeng of Wat Rai.

Other rare materials used in making Pidta are special woods with great properties usually called King of Wood or “Raja Kayu”, ivory or buffalo horns. From our research, Pidtawan and Pidta Maha-Ut are best made of buffalo horns. The condition must be a deceased buffalo died due to painful cause when giving birth to its calf. By carving out Pidta using the dead buffalo’s horns, it provides one of the most potent protections on Kong Krapan category. Hence, the quantity produce is very limited as it is not easy to find such condition for making this type of Pidta and every piece is handcrafted by the master guru.

One such example of Buffalo Horn Pidta is from a guru master Ajahn Uwan in Kelantan state of Malaysia. Ajahn Uwan is in 70s and he studied “Vicha” or magical sciences under the tutorage of Tok Raja and Chao Koon Chan from Wat Uttamaran.

Below are examples of wood based Phra Pidta individually hand crafted.

There is one more interesting discovery about wood Pidta. Usually we have heard that a special kind of wood that has potent properties is usually selected by guru masters from the jungles in South East Asia. Another rare wood material that a guru master can use to make Pidta is from old wooden structure collected from sacred temples. One such example is Luang Po Sang or commonly known by his devotees as Phra Ku Sang from Kedah.

This batch wood Pidta Mahalarp "wealth and fortune" was created in B.E.2552 using old wood found in the Ubosot "Sermon Hall" from Wat Suwannaram in Bangkok.  Through Phra Ku Sang's friendship with monks from this temple, he personally made the journey twice from Malaysia all the way to Bangkok by land transportation to collect the discarded wood material. Wat Suwannaram was built during the Ayuthaya period and is more than 200 years old. It recently went through a major renovation and all the wooden structures such as the big Garuda figure was dismantled.

This historical temple is highly sacred due to the daily chanting over the years by past and present monks. Therefore, the wooden materials inside this sermon hall will not be wasted. Instead all the materials torn down during renovation were recycled to turn into holy talismans.

Nue Wahn (Herbs Material)

There is no definitive answer as to what color Phong Pidta should represent. Some people will say that black holy-powder "Nue Wahn" Pidta provides better protection and security whereas white holy-powder Pidta will bring Metta loving kindness to the owner either in business or relationships. It is not so as it all depends on the guru masters intention and the choice of Katha incantation alongside the materials.  Shown below is another highly effective powder-made Pidta with 4 pairs of hands covering eyes, ears, stomach, and back.

According to Thai people, some of the highly sought after Pidtas by collectors are made by LP Kaew of Wat Klerwan in Chonburi Province. According to historical account, he is the first guru monk who successfully made efficacious Pidta imageries as the same period during Somdej Puttajarn Toh’s lifetime. Next is LP Suek of Wat Pak Klong Makhamtao in Chainat Province. This is also the temple of the famous LP Sook’s Somdej amulets were found. Following is Pidta by LP Kai of Wat Chernglen in Bangkok, Pidta LP Iam of Wat Sapansueng in Nonthaburi province and Pidta LP Jean of Wat Talad. All the above sought after Pidtas are Neu Wahn or powder based. It is very unfortunate that we do not have any photo examples of such great Pidtas because these are very rare pieces and not easily available.

Pidta Bangsek of Kelantan

In Malaysia, perhaps the most popular Phra Pidta is Tok Raja Pidta. There have been a lot of serious followers for this great master from Kelantan due to the astonishing miracles and good effects associated with these Pidta popularly known as Bangsek (the old name of Wat Uttamaram). Phra Pidta made by Wat Uttamaram's 2nd Abbot, Chao Koon Chan has also large followers. 

One may wonder why images presentation of Phra Pidtas usually covers its eyes or all the body ventilation opening. The rationale for such formation is linked to Vipassana theory when all sensory organs are controlled, happiness arises. In simple words it means if you don’t see evil, hear evil, speak evil, No harm and suffering will come to you. We are clarifying a very important logic on Pidta Maha-Ut. Although this Pidta category gives full protection against all harms by closing all doors to sufferings, so does fortune luck will also be denied entry to its owner. In any case we are not disputing the fact that when ill fortune and evil doers are being avoided so will fortune luck can be retained to the owner.

In the higher Dharma studies, suffering is released when the mind achieve equanimity at Nibbana state when knowing is knowing, seeing is seeing, hearing is hearing, feeling is feeling and the pure mind is undisturbed no matter in what circumstances. When nothing comes, nothing go, it is treated as living at present and not the past nor the future. Therefore, Pidta Maha-Ut provides this total protective quality to the owner when obstacles and harms come into contact at the door senses. So choose wisely which Phra Pidta that will suit your situation and mental characteristic to gain the optimum effect.

From a collector point of view, all reputable amulets are collectible. It is human nature to test out the efficacious effect on each amulet under his collection and then make his own conclusion. From experience, this is an important lesson to learn. In the event there is no significant uplifting change in one’s own experience after wearing the amulet, respectfully keep it aside and try another piece. The reason can be that particular piece may be unsuitable for oneself but it does not mean that it is not suitable to someone else. Here you may choose to give that piece away to someone you have fate in the course of your life journey. This may help the other person who can be your family, friend or relative to overcome life obstacles and in return may also help you to accumulate good karma.

One can never find this Phra Pidta art form in any other Buddhist countries around the world. Buddhist masters creating this art mostly come from South East Asia countries like Thailand and northern states in Malaysia. Phra Pidta is a beautiful art sculpture with a long Thai tradition and is only appreciated by those who understand the meaning and significant values that it can bring to its owner.

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Amazingly a small piece of Phra Pidta can also be very potent in bringing good effects to the owner. One good thing that we discovered about Phra Pidta amulet is there are less restrictions or “Pantang” for the wearer to abide. However much powerful an amulet piece can be, the wearer must always bear in mind to observe the 5 Precepts and conduct good karma always. Such is the noble intention of all guru masters in the past till the present in making efficacious talismans for lay devotees. From the generosity of donors in return for a piece of talisman, only will the Sangha Order can continue to exist to continue spreading the Dharma teachings. This is indeed the fundamental in understanding the amazing world of Phra Pidta images and all its 3 major properties.

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