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168-554: Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro (10 October 1884 – 3 February 1959), also known as Phramongkolthepmuni , was a Thai Buddhist monk who served as the abbot of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen from 1916 until his death in 1959. He founded the Thai Dhammakāya school in the early 20th century. As the former abbot of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, he is often called Luang Pu Wat Paknam , meaning 'the Venerable Father of Wat Paknam'. He became

336-542: A twelve-sided polygon shape with five floors in it, including another 8-meter glass stupa , a room with relics, Buddha images and images of respected monks, including that of Luang Pu Sodh. The structure also contains a meditation hall, a museum, a parking lot, and a lift. The design is partly based on the shape of Luang Pu Sodh's well-known amulets , and partly on the stupa of Wat Lok Moli in Chiangmai, showing both Rattanakosin and Lanna style influences. Within

504-410: A vow that as long as he would survive his job, he would attempt to become ordained. He had to take care of his family first though, and saved up enough money for them that he would able to leave them. The biography of Wat Phra Dhammakaya says that he had to calculate the rate of inflation for this, and work harder than before, but finally managed to gather enough funds when he was 22 years old. He left

672-405: A Buddhist studies scholar, stated that People who don't agree [with the verdict] will not yet stop. But for people with some knowledge of laws and regulations, when they learn that the court, the center of Justice, has given its verdict, will they be able to accept that? ... Since Somdet Phra Maharatchamangalacharn [Somdet Chuang] has been found to be without wrongdoing, every party should consider

840-904: A broad range of things. He also learnt many traditional arts and lores that were taught in Buddhist temples in those days, including astrology and magical practices, but later devoted himself to meditation only. In his autobiographical notes, he wrote that he practiced meditation every day, from the first day following his ordination. After his third year after monk's ordination, Phra Sodh traveled to many places in Bangkok to study scriptures and meditation practice with teachers from established traditions. He studied scriptures at Wat Pho , Wat Arun , Wat Mahadhatu , among others, and learnt about meditation during approximately 10 years (at eight temples, including Wat Ratchasittharam  [ th ] , Wat Pho and Wat Chakkrawat . At Wat Ratchasittharam, he studied

1008-557: A coffin. The coffin is still a major point of attraction for the temple. His remains have not been cremated, because of the large number of people still visiting the temple to pay their respects. Monastics at the temple still hold memorial ceremonies on a regular basis. One of the most significant parts of Luang Pu Sodh's heritage is the combination of learning and meditation, both in monastic practice and teaching to laypeople. When Luang Pu Sodh passed away in 1959, no successors were appointed, which led to discussion about who should be

1176-501: A disease and his condition became less and less stable. In 1956, he was diagnosed with hypertension and spent some time in a military hospital. He complained little and was in good spirits, eventually dying in peace on 3 February 1959 in Wat Paknam. His body was not cremated as was common, but embalmed, so that after his death people would still come to see his coffin and support Wat Paknam. Besides meditation, Luang Pu Sodh promoted

1344-471: A fee. The Thai massage or Nuad Thai taught at Wat Pho has been included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage , and Wat Pho has trained more than 200,000 massage therapists who practice in 145 countries. There are many medical inscriptions and illustrations placed in various buildings around the temple complex, some of which serve as instructions for Thai massage therapists, particularly those in

1512-506: A gift. He ate one handful of sand from the bag, but his brother ate two. Although Phra Sodh had studied with many masters, and had mastered many important Pāli texts , he was not satisfied. He withdrew himself in the more peaceful area of his hometown twice. Some sources state he also withdrew himself in the jungles to meditate more, but Newell doubts this. In the 11th rains retreat ( vassa ) after his ordination, in 1916, he stayed at Wat Botbon at Bangkuvieng, Nonthaburi Province . Wat Botbon

1680-643: A good relation with the Shinnyo-en movement, and has run charity programs with the movement, such as aid for the victims of the flooding in South Thailand . In recognition of the temple's importance, Wat Paknam Japan was selected as one of the seven temples of the Chiba Prefecture worth visiting, according to Thai newspapers. Wat Paknam has donated considerably to some Thai temples abroad, and has from 2015 onward set up Pali study exams in

1848-562: A great interest to introduce Dhammakāya meditation outside of Thailand. Wat Paknam already published international magazines and leaflets in the time Kapilavaḍḍho, his first Western student, started living under the guidance of Luang Pu Sodh. The periodical of the temple was in both Thai and English, and at certain occasions booklets would be published in Chinese as well. In old periodicals of the temple visits from high-standing monks from Japan and China have been recorded, and Dhammakāya meditation

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2016-685: A leading position in Pali studies. As a monastic administrator, Somdet Chuang has endeavored to increase the level of Pali studies in Thailand, especially in the provinces. He has described Pali as the root of the tree of Buddhism, that should be well taken care of. Wat Paknam has also established initiatives for the Thai Sangha to work on illiteracy in Thailand, through increased education in Thai language. Somdet Chuang has made several contributions to

2184-437: A long history of activities and contact with Buddhists from other countries. In 2012, Somdet Chuang finished building a huge stupa at the temple, named "Maharatchamongkhon", complete with interior Buddhist art. In 2021, construction was completed of a large bronze Buddha image, placed in front of the stupa . The stupa and the statue has made the temple a popular attraction for international tourists. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

2352-767: A monk, and Phra Maha Show, administrator at the MCU , filed a lawsuit against Phra Suwit. At this point, criticism against the reform panel rose. Several Thai intellectuals and news analysts asserted that Paiboon and Phra Suwit were abusing the Vinaya (monastic discipline) for political ends, and did not really aim to reform Buddhism. A number of Buddhist organizations, as well as the National Office of Buddhism, started to charge online news outlets for libel with regard to Somdet Chuang's person and spreading panic, only to be halted by Somdet Chuang himself. He stated simply: "There

2520-415: A monk, both Phra Sodh and his brother Samanen Samruai fell seriously ill because of smallpox . They went to a nearby hospital, and Phra Sodh recovered, but his brother did not. As a last resort, Phra Sodh brought his brother back home to Song Pi Nong to recover there, but to no avail: Samanen Samruai died, 18 years old. Before the two got ill, Phra Sodh had a dream that someone offered a bag of sand to them as

2688-512: A monk, living at Wat Pho, he had difficulty obtaining food on traditional alms rounds , where monks go house to house looking for laypeople to offer them food. This hardship led him to resolve that he would one day built a kitchen for monastics, who would then enjoy convenience in the spiritual life. During the same period, Phra Sodh persuaded his younger brother and novice ( Thai : สามเณร , romanized :  samanen ) Samruai to join him at Wat Pho, which he did. However, in his fourth year as

2856-538: A novice at Wat Paknam until he was fully ordained there in 1945, as a monk under Luang Pu Sodh. After Somdet Chuang ordained, Luang Pu Sodh saw his potential and had him continue his Pali studies and work as a secretary at Wat Benchamabophit to the fourteenth Supreme Patriarch Somdet Plot  [ th ] , who had a reputation for strict discipline. Somdet Chuang learned about the management of temples from him. In reflection, Somdet Chuang has stated about this period that he "learned from different temples, because

3024-407: A number of initiatives, for example, the promotion of five precepts among prisoners, and promotion of a vegetarian lifestyle . The organisers of the program have claimed that crime has decreased in areas which joined the program. In an interview with newspaper Matichon , Somdet Chuang's attendant Luang Phi Pae said that of all Buddhist teachings, Somdet Chuang would like to propagate the teaching of

3192-521: A plan to build a hospital in Don Muang , Bangkok, named the "Luang Por Wat Paknam Hospital". It is built on property of Wat Paknam. As of September 2015, the area was still being rented, and negotiations with tenants were in progress. With regard to international activities, in Somdet Chuang's words, he "continued upon the work of the previous abbot, (...) Luang Pu Sodh Wat Paknam". In

3360-416: A popular center of meditation teaching. Luang Pu Sodh emphasized the development of people more than construction: besides developing a large community of monks in the temple (in 1959, 500 monks, the highest in Thailand at the time), he also set up a community of mae chis (nuns), with separate monastic cells and meditation rooms. Mae chis played an important role in Wat Paknam's propagation of Buddhism. In

3528-408: A private school for Thai medicine founded in 1957 still operates. The name of the complex was changed again to Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm during the reign of King Rama IV . Apart from the construction of a fourth great chedi and minor modifications by Rama IV, there had been no significant changes to Wat Pho since. Repair work, however, is a continuing process, often funded by devotees of

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3696-429: A relationship of patronage . Chao Khun Prasarn defended Somdet Chuang, however, stating that Somdet Chuang's relation with Luang Por Dhammajayo was typical for a preceptor–student relationship, and that Somdet Chuang had no biases in his role as a Sangha administrator. In June 2015, Paiboon and the remaining National Reform Council submitted a number of proposals to reform the Thai Sangha, including increased control of

3864-645: A school for Buddhist studies, but also a government-approved primary school with a mundane curriculum, and a kitchen to make the temple self-sufficient. Apart from monastic residents, the kitchen would also provide food for all the lay visitors of the temple. The fact Luang Pu Sodh was able to provide for his monks and novices through a kitchen was a feat at the time, when most monastics would have to rely on alms. Later, after Luang Pu Sodh's death, Phra Thammathassanathon, then abbot of Wat Chana Songkhram , admitted that this achievement made him want to know more about Luang Pu Sodh and keep in contact with him. Wat Paknam became

4032-416: A school for Pali studies in 1950, which became a leading institute of the country. Luang Pu Sodh has had a lasting impact on the temple, as his teachings and guided meditations are still sold at the temple today and his promotion of Buddhist scholarship has still continued. In the time of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple became popular with and well-supported by a prosperous community of high social class, mostly from

4200-449: A series of expressions for contemplating the body as body, feelings as feelings, etc. but is literally translated from Pali as "in" rather than "as". Luang Pu Sodh did understand the phrase "body in body" as meaning being mindful of the body, but also understood it as extending the mindfulness to the inner bodies for practitioners who could see them with meditative attainments, a literal interpretation of "in". Convinced that he had attained

4368-469: A significant impact on Thai Buddhism, both in Thailand and abroad. He helped pioneer the combination of study and meditation, traditionally two separate monastic vocations. Newell points out that in this he even preceded Phra Phimontham , the administrator monk who introduced the New Burmese Method of meditation in Thailand. Luang Pu Sodh ordained a British monk that helped pioneer Buddhism in

4536-552: A sleeping or reclining lion. The figure is 15 m high and 46 m long, and it is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. The figure has a brick core, which was modelled and shaped with plaster, then gilded. The right arm of the Buddha supports the head with tight curls, which rests on two box-pillows encrusted with glass mosaics. The soles of the feet of the Buddha are 3 m high and 4.5 m long, and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They are each divided into 108 arranged panels, displaying

4704-490: A teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, also studied for a while under Luang Por Sodh, but he was not ordained under him. One of the last Western students in the time of Luang Pu Sodh was Terrence Magness, who learnt Dhammakāya meditation at Wat Paknam as well, from the lay teacher Achan Kalayawadee. He was ordained under the name Suratano, and wrote a biography about Luang Pu Sodh. In summary, Luang Pu Sodh had

4872-414: A team of his most gifted meditation practitioners and set up a 'meditation factory of direct knowledge' ( Thai : โรงงานทำวิชชา ). These practitioners, mostly monks and mae chis , would meditate in an isolated location at the temple, in shifts for 24 hours a day, one shift lasting for six hours. Their "brief" was to devote their lives to meditation research for the common good of society. In the literature of

5040-473: A temple is also a sort of teacher". After completing his Pali studies, Luang Pu Sodh had Somdet Chuang come back to Wat Paknam to learn about the work at Wat Paknam. Somdet Chuang is known to rarely give interviews or answer questions of journalists. However, he has shown strong engagement with Thai society. In 2014, he asked the Thai government to do more to support the monks in the South, who suffer because of

5208-475: A temporary position of only three months, to which Phra Sodh reluctantly agreed. However, shortly after Phra Sodh had installed himself in Wat Paknam, Somdet Phuean gave him the full position of abbot. To make it impossible to leave the job, in 1921, Somdet Phuean gave an honorary title to Phra Sodh that was connected with the position: "Phrakhru Samanadham-samathan". However, Phra Sodh is usually referred to as " Luang Por Sodh" or "Luang Pu Sodh". In 1916, Thonburi

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5376-470: A traditional Thai appearance, 32,000 square metres (7.9 acres) wide, with a classic Thai Ubosot hall. In 1957, Luang Pu Sodh had already planned to found a temple in Japan, after a Japanese had been ordained as a monk at Wat Paknam. Luang Pu Sodh died in 1959, and was not able to finish his plans, building only the foundations of a temple in Japan. Several more Japanese were ordained during the time Somdet Pun

5544-596: A tree in India where Buddha sat while awaiting enlightenment . Phra Mondop or the ho trai is the Scripture Hall containing a small library of Buddhist scriptures. The building is not generally open to the public as the scriptures, which are inscribed on palm leaves, need to be kept in a controlled environment for preservation. The library was built by King Rama III. Guarding its entrance are figures called Yak Wat Pho ('Wat Pho's Giants') placed in niches beside

5712-675: A visualization meditation method with Luang Por Aium, and experienced a development in meditation regarded as important. Buddhist Studies scholar Catherine Newell states that he perceived a sphere of light there in meditation, seen as a sign of progress in meditation, but a traditional biography written in the time of Luang Pu Sodh states this perceived breakthrough occurred at a lesser known temple called Wat Lakhontham. Buddhist Studies scholars Kate Crosby and Newell argue Wat Ratchasittharam to be crucial in Luang Pu Sodh's development, where he learnt practices of Yogavacara. In his first years as

5880-578: A well-known meditation master during the interbellum and the Second World War, and played a significant role in developing Thai Buddhism during that period. He is considered by the Dhammakaya tradition to have rediscovered Vijja Dhammakaya , a meditation method believed to have been used by the Buddha himself. Since the 2000s, some scholars have pointed out that Luang Pu Sodh also played an important role in introducing Theravāda Buddhism in

6048-463: A while his uncle left the monkhood, but Ngen managed to send Sodh to study with Luang Por Sap, the abbot of Wat Bangpla. This is where Sodh learnt the Khmer language . When he was 13 years old, he finished his Khmer studies there and returned home to help his father. Father Ngen ran a rice-trading business, shipping rice by boat from Suphanburi to sell to mills in Bangkok and Nakhon Chai Si District . At

6216-413: Is a 32,000 square metres (7.9 acres) temple complex, with a large number of buildings. Wat Paknam's oldest sections, such as the Buddha image in the ubosoth and the ho trai , still reveal its Ayutthaya origins and style. The temple's grounds are shaped like an island, surrounded by canals. The temple has a clear separation of the living areas for monks and mae chi . There is a kitchen that supplies

6384-468: Is a large and popular temple, supported by prosperous community members. Wat Paknam was established in 1610, during the Ayutthaya period , and received support from Thai kings until the late nineteenth century. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the temple had become nearly abandoned and had fallen into disrepair. The temple underwent a major revival and became widely known under the leadership of

6552-708: Is a royal wat ('temple') located in Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, at the Chao Phraya River . Wat Paknam was established in 1610, during the Ayutthaya period . Records indicate that King Suriyenthrathibodi (1703–1709) called the temple "Wat Prasat Suan Sawan"( วัดปราสาทสวนสวรรค์ ; literally: 'temple of the heavenly garden palace'). However, the name "Wat Paknam" and "Wat Paknam at the river Bang Luang" ( วัดปากน้ำในคลองบางหลวง ) appear in historical documents of palace administration from 1780 onward. Paknam simply means 'lock in canal', which refers to

6720-520: Is attractive because it emphasizes meditation, offers free dormitories for mae chi , free Buddhist and secular studies, and a stipend of eight hundred baht per month. The temple therefore has the largest mae chi community in Bangkok, and as of 1993, the largest in Thailand. The temple has had a significant impact on female Buddhist practice: the National Thai Nun's Institute was founded by Mae chi Puk from Wat Paknam, who has also led

6888-410: Is located before the stupa . The image is made in meditation posture and is based on the Buddha image as used in the meditation method by Luang Pu Sodh. According to a spokesperson of the temple, the material the image is made of is pure bronze, making the image the first of its kind in the world. The construction is a cooperation between Thai and Chinese construction technicians. It was finished with

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7056-556: Is no real problem, you don't have to do anything against them". In February 2016, Chao Khun Prasarn, vice-rector of the MCU , assistant abbot of Wat Mahadhatu , and proponent of Somdet Chuang's appointment, held a protest of over a thousand of Thai monks in the Phutthamonthon Park, as a response to the postponing of the appointment. He demanded that the Thai junta not interfere with the Sangha's affairs, in particular

7224-594: Is still passed on by Japanese Shingon Buddhists that used to practice at Wat Paknam. Luang Pu Sodh was one of the first Thai preceptors to ordain people outside Thailand as Buddhist monks. He ordained the Englishman William Purfurst ( a.k.a. Richard Randall) as "Kapilavaḍḍho" at Wat Paknam in 1954. Kapilavaḍḍho returned to Britain to found and help lead the English Sangha Trust and English Sangha Association. Former director of

7392-513: Is still taught and practiced at the temple. Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest temples. It existed before Bangkok was established as the capital by King Rama I . It was originally named Wat Photaram or Podharam, from which the name Wat Pho is derived. The name refers to the monastery of the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya , India where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The date of

7560-582: Is the preceptor (the person who ordained) Luang Por Dhammajayo , abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya , and Wat Phra Dhammakaya has been associated with the Red Shirt pressure group , opposing the junta. As part of the junta's efforts to "de-Thaksinize" the country, i.e. free the country from former PM Thaksin 's influence, Wat Paknam and Wat Phra Dhammakaya's influence had to be limited too. The relation between Wat Paknam and Wat Phra Dhammakaya had been subject of speculation since 1999, when Wat Phra Dhammakaya

7728-576: Is the story of Somdet Puean, the abbot of Wat Pho, who, after meditating with Luang Pu Sodh, recovered from his illness. An important student in the meditation factory was Maechi Chandra Khonnokyoong , who Luang Pu Sodh once described as "first among many, second to none" in terms of meditation skill, according to the biography of Wat Phra Dhammakaya. In 1954, Luang Pu Sodh made an announcement that he would die soon, and instructed his students to continue their duties without him, especially to propagate Dhammakāya meditation. A year later, he began to suffer from

7896-711: The Council of State  [ th ] dismissed the case, stating it had been done correctly. When in July 2016 it became clear that the junta had still not submitted the appointment of the Supreme Patriarch, Chao Khun Prasarn came out to give the junta an ultimatum of seven days, after which he would "consult with his team what to do next". The junta responded by prohibiting any further gatherings, which had been prohibited under martial law anyway. If Chao Khun Prasarn still continued, he would be sued and defrocked,

8064-509: The Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Thammasart University and Sripatum University in Thailand. He received the royal honorific names Phrasrivisuddhimoli (in 1956), Phraratchavethi (in 1962), Phrathepwarawethi (in 1967), Phra Thamthirarathmahamuni (in 1973), Phrathampanyabodi (in 1987) and Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn (in 1995). His last honorific made him officially a member of

8232-613: The National Legislative Assembly amended the 2005 Monastic Act to allow other monks than Somdet Chuang to be appointed Supreme Patriarch. Previously, this had been impossible because the law stipulated that the most senior patriarch ( พระราชาคณะ , phra racha khana ) of the Sangha Council had to be appointed. Under the new amendment, which was reverting the Monastic Act to its 1992 version, any of

8400-509: The Saṅgha (monastic community), which he did not aim for. Phra Sodh recalled that if he had passed, it would have been detrimental for his meditation practice. Newell suggests that he failed the exam on purpose in response to ongoing monastic reforms, as other monks during this period had done. Nevertheless, because of his work, he was noticed by leading monks in the Saṅgha. Still in 1916, Somdet Phuean,

8568-474: The Supreme Sangha Council . He has presided over meetings of the council since 2005, when he became the acting Supreme Patriarch. Although the number of monks and mae chi has decreased since the time of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple still boasts a number of 200–400 monks, 80–150 novices, 160–300 mae chi ('nuns') and 30–100 resident volunteers, as reported in the 1990s and 2000s. After

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8736-547: The Vinaya , as a parent would be just to his children. In 2015, nine years after the 1999 charges against Luang Por Dhammajayo had been withdrawn, Paiboon addressed Somdet Chuang's relation with Wat Phra Dhammakaya again. Paiboon pointed out that Somdet Chuang had stated he had received large donations from Wat Phra Dhammakaya for the building of the Phramaharatchamongkhon stupa , which Paiboon believed indicated

8904-439: The coup d'état , the junta started a National Reform Council to bring stability to Thai society, which the junta stated was required before elections could be held. As part of the council, a panel was started to reform Thai religion. This panel was led by Paiboon Nititawan, a former senator who had played a crucial role in the coup. Backed by the bureaucracy, military and Royal Palace, Paiboon sought to deal with any shortcomings in

9072-535: The insurgency there . He has also promoted ethics in Thai society, requesting television stations to remind viewers of the five Buddhist precepts during their broadcasts, and reminding viewers himself in a 2016 television broadcast of the Magha Puja festival. Since the time of his appointment as an abbot, the temple's activities have expanded, and in 1969, King Bhumibol Adulyadej led the Kathina ceremony at

9240-502: The "spiritual essence of the Buddha and nibbana [which] exists as a literal reality within the human body," and the true Self (as opposed to the non-self ). According to Mackenzie, "Luang Phaw Sot sought to relate his breakthrough to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta . He interpreted a phrase which is normally understood as 'contemplating the body as a body' as 'contemplating the body in the body'. The Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta contains

9408-423: The 1999 case of Luang Por Dhammajayo 's alleged embezzlement of land. Somdet Chuang and the rest of the Sangha Council were also involved in this, as they were accused of being negligent in not defrocking Luang Por Dhammajayo. First, the Sangha Council reconsidered the embezzlement and fraud charges, but concluded that Luang Por Dhammajayo had not intended to commit fraud or embezzlement, and had already returned

9576-686: The AMLO indicated investigations in Wat Paknam were still continuing, though they were nearly over. Junta-appointed director of the National Office Of Buddhism Pongporn Pramsaneh stated later that the AMLO investigations in Wat Paknam were part of a protocol investigation and there were no particular suspicions with regard to Wat Paknam. Apart from Wat Paknam, four other large temples in Bangkok were under investigation. In December 2021, Somdet Chuang died, aged 96. Phra Phrom Moli, Somdet Chuang's assistant abbot,

9744-586: The Ayutthaya period, was moved here by Rama I from Wat Sala Si Na (now called Wat Khuhasawan ) in Thonburi. Rama IV later placed some ashes of Rama I under the pedestal of the Buddha image so that the public may pay homage to both Rama I and the Buddha at the same time. There are also ten images of Buddha's disciples in the hall: Moggalana is to the left of Buddha and Sariputta to the right, with eight Arahants below. The exterior balustrade surrounding

9912-404: The Bangkok area. To compensate for the lack of local supporters, and at the same time dealing with the problem of local delinquent children causing trouble for the temple, Luang Pu Sodh set up a free primary school. Later, when the Thai government set up schooling all over the country, Luang Pu Sodh had the government take over the school. Luang Pu Sodh died in 1959, and his body has been kept in

10080-653: The Bangkok lay community since the time of Luang Pu Sodh. As of 2013 , there was a queue of 540 years to be the chairman of the yearly Kathina ceremony at the temple, which requires a donation. This is a highly unusual long queue. Supporters therefore donate to allow future family members to lead the ceremony. Besides the abbot, the temple is managed by two deputy abbots, Luang Por Wichian Anomaguno and Luang Por Vira Ganutamo, specialized in religious learning and meditation respectively. Each residence and public building has its own head, with one head taking care of twenty monks or novices. Mae chi have their own head who reports to

10248-499: The Buddha on the south, the Buddha Chinnaraja, has five disciples seated in front listening to his first sermon. Both Buddhas in the south and west viharns were brought from Sukhothai by Rama I. The Buddha in the north viharn, called Buddha Palilai, was cast in the reign of Rama I. The viharn on the west contains a small museum. This is a group of four large stupas, each 42 metres high. These four chedis are dedicated to

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10416-631: The Buddhist religion. These plaques, inscribed with texts and illustrations on medicine, Thai traditional massage, and other subjects, are placed around the temple, for example, within the Sala Rai or satellite open pavilions. Dotted around the complex are 24 small rock gardens ( khao mor ) illustrating rock formations of Thailand, and one, called the Contorting Hermit Hill, contains some statues showing methods of massage and yoga positions. There are also drawings of constellations on

10584-527: The Buddhist temple attractive for the public, and, in times of crisis, to engage in charity and offer solace to the public. As a Sangha administrator, he has been credited with solving issues of unity in the Sangha. He has also spoken out and acted against monks using motor bikes, smoking and other disciplinary matters, and has attempted to fix problems in the monastic community, such as incorrect teachings, lack of thoroughness in ordination procedures . and lack of knowledge of modern law. In 2014, after

10752-609: The Chapel of the Reclining Buddha. He also turned the temple complex into a public center of learning by decorating the walls of the buildings with diagrams and inscriptions on various subjects. The inscriptions were written by about 50 people from the court of Rama III and learned monks led by Supreme Patriarch Prince Paramanuchitchinorot (1790-1853), the abbot of Wat Pho, a Buddhist scholar, historian and poet. On 21 February 2008, these marble illustrations and inscriptions

10920-472: The DSI formally summoned Somdet Chuang, because of a vintage car no longer in use, kept in a museum at Wat Paknam. Wat Paknam had asked people to donate second-hand belongings with an educative value to the museum in the stupa . However, the car was not properly registered, which DSI believed was to evade taxes. There had been an investigation running since 2013 into the car, offered to the temple's museum, which

11088-490: The DSI in response, in both a civil ( phaen ) and criminal ( aya ) lawsuit. The temple's lawyer stated that although Somdet Chuang and Luang Phi Pae had already forgiven the officers who charged them, the temple committee concluded that the temple's reputation had suffered greatly, and demanded the department take responsibility for their mistakes. The DSI responded that they "would definitely not charge" Luang Phi Pae anymore, after which Wat Paknam withdrew. On 29 December 2016,

11256-524: The Dhammakaya tradition, believe that this method was the method the Buddha originally used to attain enlightenment , but was lost 500 years after the Buddha died . The event of the attainment of the Dhammakāya is usually described by the Dhammakaya tradition in miraculous and cosmic terms. For example, it is mentioned that heavy rains preceded the event. Phra Sodh spent much time teaching. Even when he

11424-459: The Dhammakāya meditation method drew criticism from the Thai Saṅgha authorities, because it was a new method. Discussion within the Saṅgha led to an inspection at Wat Paknam, but it was concluded that Luang Pu Sodh's method was correct. In teaching meditation, Luang Pu Sodh would challenge others to meditate so that they might verify for themselves the benefits of Dhammakāya meditation. He organized

11592-557: The Dhammakāya tradition many accounts are found about Dhammakāya meditation solving problems in society and the world at large. Dhammakāya meditation was—and still is—believed to bring forth certain psychic powers ( Pali : abhiññā ), such as travelling to other spheres of existence, and reading people's minds. Publications describe that Dhammakāya meditation was used during the Second World War to prevent Thailand from being bombed. Luang Pu Sodh also used meditation in healing people, for which he became widely known. An often quoted anecdote

11760-584: The Northern Region. He cited his old age as reason, and denied any political motivations. Luang Por Wichian Anomaguno, deputy-abbot of Wat Paknam, was appointed as region head instead. In 2019, the Royal Thai Government Gazette announced that Somdet Chuang had retired from his position in the Sangha Council, leaving Luang Por Wichian and Phra Suchat as representatives of Wat Paknam on the assembly. On 5 July 2017, as part of

11928-536: The Phutthamonthon, a national park used as a center for Buddhism. In 2000, he built a pavilion in it with fragments from the Tipitaka carved in marble, as well as a stupa with relics , and a library. Also, he has planned to replace the standing Buddha image in the park, which was deteriorating. The new image is to stand 145 meters (476 ft) tall. Buddha images in Japan were studied as examples for

12096-508: The Red Cross), and from Supreme Patriarch Phra Yanasangworn. From 2005 onward, people could also register for organ , tissue, bone and eye donation . Phrakhru Chai has described the donations as a higher form of practicing goodness ( Pali : upapārami ). As of June 2014, the blood donations were still held frequently. Wat Paknam also organizes free health check-ups for the local community. In 2013, local policy makers developed

12264-413: The Sangha Council from the process of appointing the Supreme Patriarch. While proponents considered the amendment a good way for politicians to solve the problems the Sangha had not been able to solve, opponents described the amendment as "sneaky" ( ลักไก่ ). Chao Khun Prasarn stated the amendment showed a grave lack of respect for the Sangha Council's authority, because the council had not been involved in

12432-586: The Sangha Council protested that the (then still existent) reform council panel should consult them more in their policy-making, and described the measures as "a possible destruction of Buddhism through indirect means". Phra Suchat further criticized the junta: "Previously, when politicians issued new laws or regulations, they did so to facilitate and honor the Sangha to make Buddhism stable in this country. But currently, politicians order monks around, even though they are not always knowledgeable in these matters." Chao Khun Prasarn intended to organize another protest, but

12600-543: The United Kingdom . Furthermore, he started many developments that were continued by Wat Phra Dhammakaya, later to become the largest temple of Thailand. In Wat Phra Dhammakaya a memorial hall was built in honor of Luang Pu Sodh, and in Wat Paknam, a charity foundation was started in his name. In some years, on 3 February, Wat Paknam holds a national memorial of him, which is joined by hundreds of monks. Wat Phra Dhammakaya holds city pilgrimages along important places in

12768-537: The United States, New York, Los Angeles, Michigan and Philadelphia; and in New Zealand, India and Japan as well. The temples in the United States, some of which are former Christian churches, have been founded from 1984 onward. The temples attract Thai people, as well as Laotians and Cambodians. The international centers mainly emphasize meditation practice. The Japanese temple, Wat Paknam Japan , has

12936-516: The United States. Somdet Chuang has also set up cooperative initiatives with Sri Lankan temples, including an ordination program for Sri Lankans in Thailand, and the building of memorials in Sri Lanka at several places of historical significance. In recognition of his merits, Somdet Chuang has received honorific titles from the Sri Lankan , Bangladeshi and Burmese Sanghas . Wat Paknam

13104-541: The West, a point previously overlooked. According to traditional biographies, Luang Pu Sodh was born Sodh Mikaewnoi on 10 October 1884 to a relatively well-off family of rice merchants in Amphoe Song Phi Nong , Suphan Buri , a province 102 kilometres (63 miles) west of Bangkok in central Thailand. His father was called Ngen and his mother Soodjai. When he was nine years old, he received his first schooling in

13272-491: The abbot and the National Thai Nun's Institute. In administrative matters, Somdet Chuang is assisted by Phra Suchat Dhammaratano, who leads a secretariat to the Supreme Sangha Council. The temple has a reputation for having made Dhammakaya meditation widely known in Thailand, through monks and lay teachers. The monastics at the temple spend much time on meditation. Moreover, the temple is trying to keep

13440-465: The age of 14, Ngen died, and Sodh had to take responsibility for the family business, being the first son. This affected him: thieves and other threats brought home to him the futility of the household life, and at the age of 19, he desired to be ordained as a monk. One day he was particularly aware of the risk of thieves that might steal his rice and the crew being killed in the process, and he imagined what would happen if he would die that day. Then he took

13608-582: The amendment at all. He argued that the Monastic Act had always given the final authority to the King anyway, and pointed out that all conflicts about the appointment were caused by the National Reform Council (the junta), not by the Sangha. Despite these objections, on 10 January 2017, the Supreme Sangha Council officially withdrew its nomination of Somdet Chuang, stating that the new amendment had made their nomination moot. However, Somdet Chuang

13776-464: The appointment of the next Supreme Patriarch. The junta responded by sending soldiers to control the site, and it came to a few scuffles. At 9 pm, the protest was ended when the monks announced they would repeat their protests if their demands were not met. However, the junta saw the protests as another reason to stall the appointment. In response to the rising tensions, eventually junta Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha intervened and brought an end to

13944-530: The attempt to revive the embezzlement case: it had already been closed in 2006 by the then Attorney-General. He also dissolved the religious panel of the reform council. Paiboon and Phra Suwit continued to address the leading Sangha's shortcomings through judicial means, however, and cited these shortcomings to support the stalling of the appointment. Meanwhile, Chao Khun Prasarn was sent to an "attitude adjustment" camp for some time. News analysts and scholars have suggested several underlying motivations to explain

14112-412: The auspicious symbols by which Buddha can be identified, such as flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers, and altar accessories. At the center of each foot is a circle representing a chakra or 'energy point'. There are 108 bronze bowls in the corridor representing the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. Visitors may drop coins in these bowls as it is believed to bring good fortune, and it also helps

14280-444: The bank accounts of Thai temples, increased control on monastic disciplinarians, changing the abbots of all Thai temples every five years, and raising taxes for monks, who had been exempt from taxes. Although Sangha Council spokesperson Phra Suchat did understand the need for more financial control, better accounting required nationwide training of abbots, which the National Office of Buddhism had already planned to organize. Furthermore,

14448-461: The capital to Thonburi where he located his palace beside Wat Arun on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho. The proximity of Wat Pho to this royal palace elevated it to the status of a wat luang ('royal monastery'). In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi across the river to Bangkok and built the Grand Palace adjacent to Wat Pho. In 1788, he ordered

14616-718: The chapel at the centre of the Phutthamonthon, dedicated to Luang Pu Sodh and Dhammakāya meditation, as well as the amulets Luang Pu Sodh issued to raise funds for the park, Newell speculates Luang Pu Sodh assumed a significant role in building the park and had an important relation with PM Phibun. According to the biography by Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Luang Pu Sodh did not endorse "magical practices" that are common in Thai Buddhism, such as fortune-telling and spells for good luck. He did, however, often heal people through meditation, and Luang Pu Sodh's amulets were—and are still—widely venerated for their attributed powers. Luang Pu Sodh had

14784-438: The complex guarding the gates of the perimeter walls as well as other gates in the compound. These stone statues were originally imported as ballast on ships trading with China. Wat Pho was also intended to serve as a place of education for the general public. To this end a pictorial encyclopedia was engraved on granite slabs covering eight subject areas: history, medicine, health, custom, literature, proverbs, lexicography, and

14952-539: The conflicts with regard to Somdet Chuang's appointment. It has been pointed out that if Somdet Chuang were to become Supreme Patriarch, it would mean a leader from the Maha Nikaya fraternity, rather than the Dhammayuttika fraternity, which historically has always been the preferred choice by the Thai government and monarchy. They also suggested that an important reason for the stalling is that Somdet Chuang

15120-451: The construction and renovation at the old temple site of Wat Pho, which had by then become dilapidated. The site, which was marshy and uneven, was drained and filled in before construction began. During its construction, Rama I also initiated a project to remove Buddha images from abandoned temples in Ayutthaya , Sukhothai , and various other sites in Thailand, and many of these retrieved Buddha images were then kept at Wat Pho. These include

15288-454: The construction of the old temple and its founder are unknown, but it is thought to have been built or expanded during the reign of King Phetracha (1688–1703). The southern section of Wat Pho used to be occupied by part of a French Star fort that was demolished by King Phetracha after the 1688 Siege of Bangkok . After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 to the Burmese, King Taksin moved

15456-630: The construction, as the Thai Society of Police was enlisted for help in fundraising. The project was started in 2012, to celebrate 2560 years since the Buddha's enlightenment ( Buddha Jayanti , following the Buddhist Era ). The project was also promoted as a way to help Thailand become the center of Buddhism in the world. Wat Paknam attracts mae chi , because of Luang Pu Sod's policies, which provide opportunities and flexibility. The temple

15624-572: The constructions at the temple complex, for which there was no expertise available during the time Somdet Pun was caretaker abbot. In 2004, Somdet Chuang took the initiative to start building a huge stupa at the temple, named "Maharatchamongkhon" ( มหารัชมงคล ). The name means 'a blessed, great land', and refers to Thailand under the reign of the Royal Family , to which the stupa has been dedicated. It also refers to Somdet Chuang's honorary name. The 80 meters (260 ft) high stupa has

15792-430: The core of the Buddha's teaching, Phra Sodh started a new chapter in his life, which marked the start of Dhammakāya meditation as a tradition. Phra Sodh devoted the rest of his life to teaching and furthering the depth of knowledge of Dhammakāya meditation, a meditation method which he also called Vijjā Dhammakāya , 'the direct knowledge of the Dhammakāya'. Temples in the tradition of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, together called

15960-411: The council decided there was no need to prosecute Luang Por Dhammajayo, but gave four directives for the abbot to practice. Somdet Chuang's role was disputed as he was both member of the council and preceptor of Luang Por Dhammajayo. In the same year, in an interview with news outlet Thai Rath , Somdet Chuang said he was not favoring Luang Por Dhammajayo, and considered all the accusations in the light of

16128-519: The coup d'état, junta leader Prayut consulted Somdet Chuang as acting Supreme Patriarch, which is a custom for new prime ministers. Somdet Chuang emphasized restoring and managing the environment better, promoting unity and honesty in society, through upholding the five precepts. Three months later, when the just-ousted former PM Yingluck came to see Somdet Chuang, he recommended her to be patient and enduring, and not to be affected too much by outer circumstances. In 2014, Somdet Chuang started promoting

16296-623: The deaths of Somdet Phra Yanasangworn and caretaker Somdet Kiaw in 2013, Somdet Chuang became the acting Supreme Patriarch. However, he did not receive the full position, as the Thai junta refused to forward the nomination to the King for approval. In December 2013, during the protests which led up to the 2014 coup d'état , Somdet Chuang made a public statement opposing the protests, asking protest leaders Phra Suwit Dhiradhammo  [ th ] and Suthep Thaugsuban to stop causing civil unrest, in respect of King Bhumibol's birthday. After

16464-516: The director of the English Sangha Trust in 1967. Luang Pu Sodh ordained another British monk, Peter Morgan, with the name Paññāvaḍḍho Bhikkhu. After his death he would continue under the guidance of Ajahn Maha Bua . Phra Paññāvaḍḍho remained in the monkhood until his death in 2004, when he had ordained for the longest of all westerners in Thailand. He hardly ever returned to the West, however. A third monk, formerly known as George Blake,

16632-485: The earliest massage schools. It remains the national headquarters and the center of education of traditional Thai medicine and massage to this day. Courses on Thai massage are held in Wat Pho, and these may last a few weeks to a year. Two pavilions at the eastern edge of the Wat Pho compound are used as classrooms for practising Thai traditional massage and herbal massage, and visitors can receive massage treatment here for

16800-471: The east–west direction. The larger northern walled compound, the phutthawat , is open to visitors and contains the finest buildings dedicated to the Buddha, including the bot with its four directional viharn , and the temple housing the reclining Buddha. The southern compound, the sankhawat , contains the residential quarters of the monks and a school. The perimeter wall of the main temple complex has sixteen gates, two of which serve as entrances for

16968-471: The eight patriarchs in the Sangha Council could be appointed. The law was amended within one single day, which was highly unusual. In addition to the adjustments in the nomination process, more authority was given to the King , and less to the Sangha Council. The legislative assembly stated that, apart from the role of the King, they wanted to solve further conflict in the Sangha. They therefore decided to remove

17136-427: The fact that the temple was not under royal patronage, and therefore received less attention from the royal family than other temples. During a ministry of over half-a-century, Luang Pu Sodh taught Dhammakāya meditation continuously, guiding meditation every Thursday and preaching on Buddhism on Sundays and uposatha days. Luang Pu Sodh would distribute an introductory book about meditation to practitioners. At first,

17304-506: The family company in the hands of employees he trusted. Sodh was ordained at Wat Songpinong in his hometown and was given the Pāli language monastic name Candasaro, Phra ( phra meaning ' monk , venerable ') Sodh started to study meditation and scripture, as he came across a word in Pāli language which drew his attention: aviccāpaccaya ('the factor of ignorance '). He wanted to know the meaning of

17472-592: The fields of religion, science, and literature through murals and sculptures. A school for traditional medicine and massage was established at the temple in 1955, and now offers four courses in Thai medicine: Thai pharmacy, Thai medical practice, Thai midwifery, and Thai massage . This, the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, is the first school of Thai medicine approved by the Thai Ministry of Education, and one of

17640-491: The first four Chakri kings. The first, in green mosaic tiles, was constructed by Rama I to house the remnants of the great Buddha from Ayuthaya, which was scorched to remove its gold covering by the Burmese. Two more were built by Rama III, one in white tiles to hold the ashes of his father Rama II , another in yellow for himself. A fourth in blue was built by Rama IV who then enclosed the four chedis leaving no space for more to be built. The viharn or wihan contains

17808-476: The first period, Luang Pu Sodh's work was not appreciated by the monastic governor of the village, some other monks and many lay people who, according to biographies, formerly ran illegal businesses within the temple and did not appreciate Luang Pu Sodh changing the temple. Once he was even shot at, though not hurt. Luang Pu Sodh had such a strong relationship with the temple, that he hardly ever left it. He seldom accepted invitations that involved accommodation outside

17976-622: The five precepts the most. In 2017, the National Office of Buddhism claimed that over 60% of Thailand's population was now involved in the program, amounting to more than 39 million people. As of 2019, the program was still being run by the Sangha Council, and awards were being given to exemplary villages and cities. Under Somdet Chuang's supervision, Wat Paknam has established the Luang Por Wat Paknam Foundation, aimed at charity for educational projects, construction, and charity. Led largely by meditation mae chi ,

18144-860: The five precepts through a nationwide program The Villages Practicing the Five Precepts ( หมู่บ้านรักษาศีล ๕ , muban raksa sin ha ). In this program, held in cooperation with the National Office of Buddhism, villages are encouraged to agree on adhering to the five precepts unanimously. Villages that have one in two inhabitants participating receive a sign to announce their intentions to the outside world. Evaluations are held per monastic administrative region, and awards are given to exemplary villages that have eighty percent of villagers participating. Schools and colleges, local administration, Sangha and private companies are all involved in promotion and practice. Similar programs have been held in Thailand since 1978, but never at this scale. The program has inspired

18312-415: The food for the inhabitants, a system which was in place since the time of Luang Pu Sodh. Considering the large number of temples in the area, and the dispersed, urban community that supports Wat Paknam, a kitchen has been more convenient than the traditional alms round. Nevertheless, monks of the temple do still go on alms rounds. Since he took his post as abbot, Somdet Chuang has been active in renovating

18480-494: The foundation also supports education for monastics. Moreover, it has helped people hit by the 2011 floods in Thailand and Somdet Chuang has traveled to offer charity to the affected areas of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal , in cooperation with the organization Hands 4 Nepal. Wat Paknam has organized a number of activities to promote and support public health. Since 1973, Wat Paknam has organized three-monthly blood donations at

18648-408: The gates. Around Phra Mondop are three pavilions with mural paintings of the beginning of Ramayana. The wat and the reclining Buddha ( Phra Buddhasaiyas , Thai : พระพุทธไสยาสน์ ) were built by Rama III in 1832. The image of the reclining Buddha represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations. The posture of the image is referred to as sihasaiyas , the posture of

18816-469: The goodness he has done, and what he deserves to get for that. After the first verdict of innocence, the DSI appealed. But in June 2017, the appeal failed when again no evidence could be found. Wat Paknam asked the DSI to publicly admit their wrongdoing in accusing Somdet Chuang and charging Luang Pi Pae, now that two courts had not found any evidence of their guilt. If the DSI did not respond, they would charge

18984-466: The institute for a long time. Mae chi Chandra Khonnokyoong became the teacher of Luang Por Dhammajayo, and together with him founded Wat Phra Dhammakaya. In addition, Voramai Kabilsingh , the first bhikkhuni (fully ordained nun) in Thailand, used to be a practitioner at the temple when still a laywoman, and her daughter, bhikkhuni Dhammananda , has indicated her meditation teaching was inspired by Dhammakaya meditation . Kabilsingh has stated that

19152-450: The junta threatened. In November, the prosecutors decided not to charge Somdet Chuang, because he was not involved in the purchase. They charged attendant Luang Phi Pae instead, and another six people who had taken part in importing the vintage car. On 12 January 2017, however, the prosecutor issued a non-prosecution order against Luang Phi Pae, since the DSI had found no evidence of conspiring to evade taxes. The order indicated innocence on

19320-923: The land concerned; after that, Phra Suwit enlisted the help of the Ombudsman , who asked the General-Attorney and the National Office of Buddhism to reconsider the criminal law case of embezzlement. Next, Phra Suwit Dhiradhammo led two hundred soldiers and civilians to pay a visit to Wat Paknam. He made an offering to Somdet Chuang and asked several critical questions with regard to the verdict of innocence of Luang Por Dhammajayo. The questions were answered by Sangha Council secretary Phra Suchat Dhammaratano ( see § Practices and propagation , below ) on Somdet Chuang's behalf. Critics interpreted Phra Suwit's visit, followed by his PR through social media, as aggressive, disrespectful, and inappropriate for

19488-511: The largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including a 46 m long huge reclining Buddha . The temple is considered the earliest centre for public education in Thailand, and the illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instructions has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme . It houses a school of Thai medicine, and is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which

19656-526: The leading Thai Sangha through legislative means. He was joined by coup leader Phra Suwit Dhiradhammo (known under the activist name Phra Phuttha Issara), a then monk and former infantryman. On 5 January 2016, Somdet Chuang had been nominated by the Supreme Sangha Council to take the post of Supreme Patriarch officially. Phra Suwit objected to this nomination, and held a petition to stop it, which succeeded. Moreover, in February 2015, Paiboon tried to reopen

19824-418: The life of Luang Pu. In 2020, the pilgrimage was held for the eighth time. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen ( Thai : วัดปากน้ำภาษีเจริญ , RTGS :  Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen ) is a royal wat ('temple') located in Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, at the Chao Phraya River . It is part of the Maha Nikaya fraternity and is the origin of the Dhammakaya tradition . It

19992-486: The main hall has around 150 depictions in stone of the epic, Ramakien , the ultimate message of which is transcendence from secular to spiritual dimensions. The stone panels were recovered from a temple in Ayuthaya. The ubosot is enclosed by a low wall called kamphaeng kaew , which is punctuated by gateways guarded by mythological lions, as well as eight structures that house bai sema , stone markers that delineate

20160-424: The mantra sammā araham , which means "righteous Absolute of Attainment which a human being can achieve." Then "his mind [suddenly] became still and firmly established at the very centre of his body," and he experienced "a bright and shining sphere of Dhamma at the centre of his body, followed by new spheres, each "brighter and clearer." According to Luang Pu Sodh, this was the true Dhamma -body, or Dhammakāya ,

20328-645: The meditation master Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro , who was abbot there in the first half of the twentieth century. Seven years after Luang Pu's death, Somdet Chuang Varapuñño  [ th ] became the new abbot until his death in 2021. Somdet Chuang made international headlines from 2015 onward, when his appointment as Supreme Patriarch (acting head of the Thai monastic community ) was stalled and finally withdrawn, due to reasons generally interpreted as political. This has led to heated debate and protests in Thailand. As part of this process, Somdet Chuang and his assistant were accused of tax fraud. It turned out that there

20496-481: The monastic governor of Phasi Charoen and one of Phra Sodh's teachers, appointed Phra Sodh as a caretaker abbot ( Thai : ผู้รักษาการเจ้าอาวาส ) of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, then located in Thonburi . Somdet Phuean did not want Phra Sodh to travel around without belonging to a single temple, and having a position as a caretaker abbot would connect Phra Sodh's life to one. Initially, Somdet Phuean appointed Phra Sodh for

20664-522: The monks to maintain the wat . Although the reclining Buddha is not a pilgrimage destination, it remains an object of popular piety. An annual celebration for the reclining Buddha is held around the time of the Siamese Songkran or New Year in April, which also helps raise funds for the upkeep of Wat Pho. The temple is considered the first public university of Thailand, teaching students in

20832-588: The next abbot. For seven years, Somdet Pun Punnasiri , who was a nephew and former attendant of Luang Pu Sodh, was caretaker abbot, waiting for a permanent candidate. He was replaced by Somdet Chuang Varapuñño (born 1925). Somdet Chuang, born Chuang Sutprasert, was ordained as a samanera (novice) when he was fourteen years old in 1939, in his hometown in Samutprakan . He heard about Luang Pu Sodh's reputation and aspired to move to Wat Paknam. Two years later, his teacher allowed him to do so, and he lived as

21000-410: The next two centuries, particularly during the reign of Rama III (1824-1851). In 1832, King Rama III began renovating and enlarging the temple complex, a process that took 16 years and seven months to complete. The ground of the temple complex was expanded to 56  rai (9.0 ha; 22 acres), and most of the structures now present in Wat Pho were either built or rebuilt during this period, including

21168-422: The north medical pavilion. They were inscribed by scholars during the reign of King Rama III . Among these are 60 inscribed plaques, 30 each for the front and back of human body, showing pressure points used in traditional Thai massage. These therapeutic points and energy pathways, known as sen , with explanations given on the walls next to the plaques. The sangkhawat (monks' quarters) of Wat Pho located to

21336-529: The ongoing 2017–2020 Thai temple fraud investigations , Somdet Chuang, assistant abbot Phra Prommolee and Wat Paknam's accountant were questioned by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). Held at a national scale, the investigations aimed to check whether there were any illegal deals between the National Office of Buddhism and Buddhist temples that asked for or received their funding. Wat Paknam's lawyer Somsak Toraksa did confirm that

21504-401: The part of Wat Paknam, but followed two days after the withdrawal of Somdet Chuang's nomination as Supreme Patriarch. Paiboon responded that despite the lack of evidence against Somdet Chuang, Somdet Chuang was still not eligible to be the Supreme Patriarch. He argued that Somdet Chuang was too wealthy and had shown favor in not defrocking Luang Por Dhammajayo. At the same time, Banjob Banruchi,

21672-504: The placing of a relic and gold in the lotus bud on the head of the Buddha, and a structure of gold as a "heart" in the left side of the chest. The image was expected to be finished in mid 2020, but was delayed in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand . The statue was completed in 2021 and stands tall over the city, easily visible from the BTS . Temple officials have stated that

21840-410: The position of the temple. The temple was renovated at least three times, during the periods of King Taksin , Rama III , and King Chulalongkorn (eighteenth–early twentieth century). However, during the period of King Rama VI (1881–1925), the temple had greatly deteriorated and had no abbot. In 1916, senior monk Somdet Puean assigned Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro (1884–1959) as abbot. Luang Pu Sodh

22008-484: The public (one on Chetuphon Road, the other near the northwest corner). The temple grounds contain four great chedis , 91 small chedis , two belfries , a bot (central shrine), a number of viharas (halls) and various buildings such as pavilions, as well as gardens and a small temple museum. Architecturally the chedis and buildings in the complex are different in style and sizes. A number of large Chinese statues, some of which depict Europeans, are also found in

22176-482: The reclining Buddha and was constructed in the reign of Rama III emulating the Ayutthaya style. The interior is decorated with panels of mural. Adjacent to this building is a small raised garden (Missakawan Park) with a Chinese-style pavilion; the centre piece of the garden is a bodhi tree which was propagated from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka that is believed to have originally came from

22344-470: The remnants of an enormous Buddha image from Ayuthaya 's Wat Phra Si Sanphet destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, and these were incorporated into a chedi in the complex. The rebuilding took over seven years to complete. In 1801, twelve years after work began, the new temple complex was renamed Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklavas in reference to the vihara of Jetavana , and it became the main temple for Rama I. The complex underwent significant changes over

22512-579: The responsibility mae chi are assigned to affects what their daily routine looks like. Thus, the usual problem of mae chi having an ambiguous role in society is coped with by giving the mae chi a specific set of duties, and therefore a certain role and status. Nevertheless, the mae chi still face hardship in their daily livelihood, as is true in most Thai temples. The temple's policy is to make itself 'suitable' (Pali: sappaya ), meaning that it attempts to be attractive in terms of food, accommodation and teachings. Wat Paknam has grown more popular among

22680-553: The sacred space of the bot . The Phra Rabiang is intersected by four viharns. The viharn in the east contains an eight metre tall standing Buddha, the Buddha Lokanatha, originally from Ayutthaya. In its antechamber is Buddha Maravichai, sitting under a bodhi tree, originally from Sawankhalok of the late-Sukhothai period. The one on the west has a seated Buddha sheltered by a naga , the Buddha Chinnasri, while

22848-468: The statue has doubled the number of visitors to Wat Paknam. Wat Pho The temple is first on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples. It is associated with King Rama I who rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier temple site. It became his main temple and is where some of his ashes are enshrined. The temple was later expanded and extensively renovated by Rama III . The temple complex houses

23016-479: The study of Buddhism as well. In this combination he was one of the pioneers in Thai Buddhism. In 1939, Luang Pu Sodh set up a Pāli Institute at Wat Paknam, which is said to have cost 2,500,000 baht . Luang Pu Sodh financed the building through the production of amulets , which is common in Thai Buddhism. The institute became the most modern educational institute in Buddhism for that time. The kitchen which he built

23184-580: The temple had received five million baht government funding for renovation of buildings, and another sum of money for other activities. The second sum was estimated by the AMLO to also amount to five million baht. Somsak stated, however, that Wat Paknam had made no illegal deals with corrupt government officers to return money to them. The National Office of Buddhism had contributed the money themselves in 2004–2005, without Wat Paknam making any request for such funding. The lawyer further attested that all financial transactions had been properly recorded. The next day,

23352-444: The temple in his village, by his uncle who was a Buddhist monk. He therefore became familiar with Buddhism from an early age. He also showed qualities of being an intelligent autodidact. Another habit of him was that he was compassionate towards animals. For example, he would not allow them to be in the sun too long or put them to work for too long. When Sodh's uncle moved to Wat Hua Bho, he took Sodh with him to teach him further. After

23520-434: The temple provides opportunities for mae chi to develop a role in the public as a healer through meditation. There are mae chi with three kinds of responsibility at the temple: meditation (called "Dhammakaya mae chi "), study, or helping with daily facilitating chores, for example at the kitchen. Although women all go through the same process to become mae chi , such as changing their names to fit their new spiritual life,

23688-536: The temple teaches Thai culture, arts and language. The Japan temple has engaged in several charity programs. During the Japanese tsunami in 2011 and the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes , the temple provided shelter and aid, and a medical center was established within the temple, staffed with medical personnel from Thailand. Moreover, the main temple of Wat Paknam in Thailand requested the Thai Sangha nationwide to provide aid to Japan through Wat Paknam Japan. The center has

23856-567: The temple, in cooperation with the Red Cross and the National Blood Donation Center. The idea was developed by Phrakhru Chai Kittisaro, assistant to Somdet Chuang. Somdet Chuang made the project well known by persuading people throughout the country to donate blood. Wat Paknam received three prizes for their contributions to blood donation, from Princess Soamsavali and Princess Sirindhorn (the latter as chairman of

24024-542: The temple. Somdet Chuang used to be monastic Chief of Region in the Northeast, South and North, respectively. He later became Chief of the Northern Region and supervised missionary work abroad ( ธรรมทูต , thammatut , Pali: dhammadūta ), as well as Pali studies. Moreover, Somdet Chuang significantly contributed to the compiling of a special Tipitaka set in honor of King Bhumibol's sixtieth anniversary. In recognition of his merits, he received honorary degrees from

24192-536: The temple. He became known for his motto "We monks should not fight back, neither flee, and we will win each time". Soon after his appointment as temporary abbot, he was appointed fully as abbot of Wat Paknam, where he remained until his death in 1959. For his life and work he was given monastic and royal honorific names, that is Phrakhru Samanadham-samathan (in 1921), Phrabhavanakosolthera (in 1949) , Phramongkolratmuni (in 1955) , and finally Phramongkolthepmuni (in 1957). The last three royal titles were given late, due to

24360-534: The temple. The temple was restored again in 1982 before the Bangkok Bicentennial Celebration. Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok covering an area of 50 rai or 80,000 square metres. It is home to more than one thousand Buddha images , as well as one of the largest single Buddha images at 46 metres (151 ft) in length. The Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds bisected by Chetuphon Road running in

24528-460: The time of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple ordained several monks coming from the United Kingdom, and maintained relations with Japanese Buddhists, especially from the Shingon tradition . Under Somdet Chuang, the temple has ordained people from other nationalities than Thai, both monks and mae chi . Moreover, Wat Paknam has established seven branch centers, both in Thailand and outside of Thailand, in

24696-486: The top of the Maharatchamongkhon stupa , Pali phrases have been carved into gold, praising mindfulness, moderation, and the upholding of the five precepts. The halls within the stupa have been decorated with paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology , based on the legend of Phra Malai and the ancient text Traibhumikatha . The life of Luang Pu Sodh and that of Somdet Chuang are also depicted. The stupa

24864-682: The traditions of Luang Pu Sodh alive. Just as in the time of Luang Pu Sodh, there still is an evening meditation during which the practitioners listen to a tape of Luang Pu Sodh. There is also still meditation in shifts, as in the time when Luang Pu Sodh ran a 'meditative knowledge factory' ( โรงงานทำวิชชา , rong ngan tham witcha ). In memory of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple runs a society of "students of Luang Pu Sodh". Many of Somdet Chuang's public talks have been published in newspapers. Somdet Chuang often teaches about themes such as living in unity, gratitude, and mindfulness . In teachings to monastics, Somdet Chuang emphasizes upholding discipline, making

25032-512: The trust Terry Shine described Kapilavaḍḍho as the "man who started and developed the founding of the first English Theravada Sangha in the Western world". He was the first Englishman to be ordained in Thailand, but disrobed in 1957, shortly after his mentor Phra Ṭhitavedo had a disagreement with Luang Pu Sodh and left Wat Paknam. He was ordained again in England under Chao Khun Sobhana, and became

25200-551: The wall of the library, inscriptions on local administration, as well as paintings of folk tales and animal husbandry. Phra Ubosot (Phra Uposatha) or bot is the ordination hall, the main hall used for performing Buddhist rituals, and the most sacred building of the complex. It was constructed by King Rama I in the Ayuthaya-style, and later enlarged and reconstructed in the Rattanakosin -style by Rama III. The bot

25368-407: The word, but his local fellow monks could not answer his question. They recommended him to further his studies in Bangkok to find an answer, which is what he did, though his mother was unwilling to see him leave. In the area of Bangkok, Phra Sodh studied both under masters of the oral meditation tradition as well as experts in scriptural analysis, which was uncommon during that period. He learnt about

25536-469: Was a Brit of Jamaican origin, and was the first Jamaican to be ordained as a Buddhist monk. He was ordained as Vijjāvaḍḍho, and later disrobed, becoming a well-known therapist in Canada. The ordination of Vijjāvaḍḍho, Paññāvaḍḍho and another British monk called Saddhāvaḍḍho (Robert Albison) was a major public event in Thailand, attracting an audience of 10,000 people. Namgyal Rinpoché (Leslie George Dawson),

25704-405: Was abbot. Finally, under the guidance of Somdet Chuang, a full-fledged temple was started in Japan in 1997, through the support of Thai and Japanese. Ceremonies at the temple are joined by 300–400 people, on average, and just like the main temple, people wanting to lead the yearly Kathina ceremonies are reserving many years in advance. Apart from traditional Buddhist ceremonies and meditation,

25872-423: Was accused by Phra Adisak Viriyasakko, a former monk of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, of embezzlement and other wrongdoings through a report of television station iTV . Somdet Chuang was displeased by the report and had Phra Adisak leave Wat Paknam, but the latter asked Somdet Chuang for pardon and reconsideration. When Phra Adisak's accusations led to an investigation by the Supreme Sangha Council into Wat Phra Dhammakaya,

26040-504: Was dedicated in 1791, before the rebuilding of Wat Pho was completed. This building is raised on a marble platform, and the ubosot lies in the center of courtyard enclosed by a double cloister (Phra Rabiang). Inside the ubosot is a gold and crystal three-tiered pedestal topped with a gilded Buddha made of a gold-copper alloy, and over the statue is a nine-tiered umbrella representing the authority of Thailand. The Buddha image, known as Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn and thought to be from

26208-526: Was finished in 2012, costing a total of 500 million baht. It was officially opened by then Princess Srirasmi . After the stupa was finished, Wat Paknam has become a popular attraction for international tourists. On March 4, 2017, Wat Paknam began building a Buddha image in honor of Luang Pu Sodh and the Thai Royal Family. Called "Phra Buddha Dhammakāya Thepmongkhon", the image is 69 meters (226 ft) tall and 40 meters (130 ft) wide, and

26376-463: Was fired and replaced after the 2014 coup d'état, and the investigation was re-opened when the National Reform Council pushed the DSI to do so. The tax evasion accusation was another reason for the junta to postpone Somdet Chuang's installment. At the same time, Paiboon argued that the nomination of Somdet Chuang by the Sangha Council had been moot from the start, because it had not been done following correct procedure. The Ombudsman agreed with this, but

26544-571: Was halted by the Sangha Council, who felt that discussion with the junta was becoming more feasible. It seemed the junta was not pushing for new Sangha legislation after all. Meanwhile, Paiboon and Phra Suwit requested the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), sometimes considered the Thai equivalent of the American FBI , to start an investigation in the assets of the Sangha Council's members, including those of Somdet Chuang. In 2016,

26712-454: Was known for his charisma and outspokenness. The temple underwent a major change after he became the abbot, from a temple with only thirteen monks that was in disrepair, to a prosperous center of education and meditation practice with five hundred monks (the highest in Thailand at the time) and hundreds of mae chi . The temple became well known through Luang Pu Sodh's meditation method . Apart from teaching meditation, Luang Pu Sodh also built

26880-430: Was not part of Bangkok yet, and had no bridge to connect it to Bangkok. Wat Paknam looked neglected, with grass growing on the buildings, and only 13 monks lived there. Wat Paknam faced social and disciplinary problems, and required a good leader. Luang Pu Sodh promoted and enforced strict monastic discipline. He was able to change Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, a temple that was almost vacant, into a temple with hundreds of monks,

27048-593: Was not sufficient reason to charge Somdet Chuang, however. As for the charges remaining against his assistant, the latter was later acquitted due to lack of evidence, two days after Somdet Chuang's nomination as Patriarch was withdrawn. Wat Paknam is known for its charity and a nationwide project to propagate the five precepts in Thai society. The temple is popular among mae chi (nuns). One of its mae chi , Mae chi Chandra Khonnokyoong , went on to establish another temple which later became widely known: Wat Phra Dhammakaya . Wat Paknam has an international presence and has

27216-407: Was one of a series of 6000–7000 cars sold, and over which allegedly no tax had been paid. According to a report of newspaper Matichon , the car under investigation was an eighty-old year car that had been fixed by adding new parts to it, before offering it to the museum. Tharit Pengdit, the then director of the DSI, believed Wat Paknam not to be involved in the purported tax evasion. However, Tharit

27384-461: Was registered in the Memory of the World Programme launched by UNESCO to promote, preserve and propagate the wisdom of the world heritage. Wat Pho is regarded as Thailand's first university and a center for traditional Thai massage. It served as a medical teaching center in the mid-19th century before the advent of modern medicine, and the temple remains a center for traditional medicine today where

27552-660: Was still at Wat Pho, he would teach Pāli language in his own monastic cell to other monks and novices. He had also restored an abandoned temple in his hometown Song Phi Nong and set up a school for Buddhist studies for lay people in Wat Phrasriratanamahathat in Suphanburi. He enrolled for the reformed Pāli examinations, but did not pass. He did not enroll again, even though he was a more than capable scholar: he believed that having obtained an official Pāli degree, he might be recruited for administrative work in

27720-485: Was still the acting Supreme Patriarch. Somdet Chuang himself did not join the council meeting, citing other business to attend to. Finally in February, Somdet Amborn was appointed by King Vajiralongkorn to serve as the next Supreme Patriarch. Before the withdrawal of the nomination, in 2015, Somdet Chuang retired from his supervision of missionary work abroad ( พระธรรมทูต ) and within Thailand ( พระธรรมจาริก , phra thammacharik ), as well as his position as Chief of

27888-478: Was the fulfillment of an intention which he had since his first years at Wat Pho, when he experienced difficulty in finding food. It also resulted in monks having more time to study Buddhism. Luang Pu Sodh took part in the construction of the Phutthamonthon , an ambitious project of Prime Minister Phibun Songkhram in the 1950s. The park was built to host the 2500 Buddha Jayanti celebrations . Judging from

28056-475: Was the temple where he used to receive education as a child. As seen from Luang Pu Sodh's autobiographical notes, he reflected to himself that he had been practicing meditation for many years and had still not understood the essential knowledge which the Buddha had taught. Thus, on the full-moon day in the 10th lunar month of 1916, he sat down in the main shrine hall of Wat Botbon, resolving not to waver in his practice of meditation. He meditated for three hours on

28224-458: Was then named acting abbot. The temple has in several ways promoted Buddhist education in Thailand. The temple has a well-known Pali and Buddhist studies institute, which is used by the Sangha to print documents used for national monastic examinations . This Pali Institute was already built by Luang Pu Sodh in 1939, and in his time was already a learning center with a thousand monks and samaneras studying there. As of 2011, Wat Paknam still had

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