Luang Phor Hom (Lp Hom) Wat Chak Mak Biography

 

Luang Pho Hom Chantojoto 

(Phra Khru Phawananuyok) 

Wat Chak Mak

BE2433 - BE2520

(87 Years old)

Luang Phor Hom of Wat Chak Mak, a respected monk from the eastern coast of Thailand, was invited to serve as a Vedic teacher during a significant Buddhist ceremony on May 24, 1975. This event was held alongside Phra Ajahn Kassapa Muni of Piplivanaram School, Ban Khai District. Despite the many important consecration ceremonies Luang Por Hom participated in, little was recorded by his close disciples.

In 1928, while on pilgrimage from Wat Map Kha, Luang Phor Hom passed through the Ban Sak Mak area, then a dense jungle inhabited by elephants, tigers, and other wild animals. Discovering an abandoned hermitage, he decided to restore it, transforming it into what became Wat Chak Mak. Despite the surrounding dangers, it was noted that wild animals became tame around him, especially elephants, which he could communicate with and even command.

Luang Phor Hom faced challenges building the temple, particularly in transporting the wood for construction. After deliberating with the villagers, he returned to the site to find that the logs had been mysteriously moved by seven elephants that had grown familiar with him. This event was one of many miracles that garnered faith from the villagers, leading them to deeply respect Luang Phor.

On another occasion, wild elephants were damaging villagers’ crops, prompting Luang Phor to intervene. After meditating, he commanded the elephants to avoid the fields, and remarkably, the destruction ceased. Similarly, in 1938, an elephant hunter visited the temple with plans to hunt in the nearby forest. Luang Por advised the elephants to stay near the temple for safety, and the hunter, unable to find any, had to leave empty-handed.

Luang Phor's influence extended beyond elephants. During a journey with fellow monks, they encountered numerous wild animals, but thanks to Luang Por's blessings and meditation, they were unharmed. A mysterious villager even offered them food during their journey, which remains an unexplained event.

Luang Phor's fame reached far, attracting both local and international followers. A U.S. soldier, after surviving a plane crash without injury while carrying an amulet of Luang Phor, regularly visited and supported the temple, even after returning to America. Another instance involved teenagers in Bangkok who, during a street fight, were protected by Luang Phor’s "Ivory Lion" amulets. The sacredness of these amulets was further proven when soldiers tested them by shooting at them, only to find that the bullets would not fire in their direction.

Luang Phor also possessed the unique skill of "extending the fate of the land," a ritual that revived deteriorating land or businesses. However, this knowledge could only be passed to monks who vowed to remain ordained for life, as breaking the vow would result in severe consequences.

In addition to his spiritual contributions, Luang Phor Hom was also a healer, treating various illnesses using knowledge he gained from his father. People from all walks of life—Thai, Chinese, Sikh, and Westerners—sought his help daily.

Luang Phor Hom Chantachoto, born Hom Thongsamrit in 1890, was ordained in 1926 at Wat Thap Ma in Rayong Province. He quickly became renowned for his mastery of Dhamma and Vinaya. His initial teacher, Luang Por Chuen, even predicted that Luang Por Hom would become a monk of extraordinary abilities.

Luang Phor Hom dedicated his life to developing Wat Chak Mak and creating sacred objects that provided spiritual protection. His achievements earned him the royal title of Phra Khru Phawananuyok in 1964. He passed away peacefully on April 13, 1977, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of faith, miracles, and dedication to the Buddhist path. His body was cremated 375 days later at Wat Sak Mak, where he had served as abbot throughout his life.