Luang Phor Kasem Trailak Cemetery, Lampang

Luang Phor Kasem

Trailak Cemetery, Lampang Province

In Thailand, many members of the royal family have ordained as monks and gained recognition since the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods. Similarly, in the Lanna region, there have been royal descendants who embraced monkhood and became revered spiritual teachers, deeply devoted to the teachings of Lord Buddha. One such respected figure is "Luang Pho Kasem Khemako" of the Trilaksana Cemetery in Lampang Province.

Early Life and Background

Luang Pho Kasem, originally named Chao Kasem Na Lampang, was born on November 28, 1912, on a Wednesday, in the northern second lunar month of the Year of the Rat (R.S. 131). He was the son of Chao Noi Nu Na Lampang and later adopted the surname Mani Arun. Before entering monkhood, he served as a civil servant and district officer, being the royal grandson of Chao Bun Wat Wong Manit, the last ruler of Lampang.

Path to Monkhood

Luang Pho Kasem was first ordained as a novice monk at the age of 15 at Wat Bunyuen in Lampang Province. In 1931, he successfully passed the second level of the Dhamma examination. The following year, in 1932, he was fully ordained as a monk with Phra Thammachindanayok of Wat Bunwat Wihan as his preceptor, taking the religious name "Khemako," which signifies "one with peaceful Dharma."

Luang Pho Kasem pursued his studies diligently, learning Pali at Wat Sri Lom and furthering his Dhamma studies at Wat Chiang Rai. In 1936, he achieved the highest level in the Dhamma examination. Although he excelled in his studies, translating Pali fluently, he chose not to pursue a degree, indicating his humility and lack of interest in ecclesiastical rank. Instead, he focused on applying his knowledge to study and understand the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Journey into Meditation and Spiritual Leadership

Driven to deepen his meditation practice, Luang Pho Kasem sought out teachers well-versed in Vipassana meditation. He eventually became a disciple of the renowned meditation master Khru Ba Kaen Sumano. Under Khru Ba Kaen’s guidance, Luang Pho Kasem embarked on pilgrimages to remote forests, seeking solitude and practicing meditation. Even when separated from his teacher during the Buddhist Lent, he would return to his former temple, Wat Bunyuen, until it was time to resume his pilgrimages.

When the abbot of Wat Bunyuen, Athikan Kham Muai, passed away, the monks unanimously selected Luang Pho Kasem as the new abbot. Although he had no desire for the position, viewing it as a duty to preserve the temple’s heritage, he accepted the role temporarily. His strong yearning for a life of meditation, however, led him to eventually resign from his position. He moved to the Sala Wang Than, where he continued his spiritual practice and officially stepped down as abbot.

A Life Dedicated to Dhamma

Luang Pho Kasem was a meditation master who lived a life free from attachment to material things or positions. He spent the remainder of his life at the Trilaksana Cemetery, adhering strictly to pure Buddhist precepts and remaining detached from worldly distractions. His unwavering devotion to the teachings of the Lord Buddha earned him the respect of both local Buddhists in Lampang and followers throughout Thailand.

His spiritual dedication even caught the attention of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who held deep respect and faith in Luang Pho Kasem. His Majesty made several visits to pay homage to the venerable monk, with his final visit on March 15, 1993.

Passing and Legacy

On January 15, 1996, Luang Pho Kasem passed away in the ICU of Lampang Hospital at 7:40 p.m., on a Monday, during the 11th waning moon of the 2nd lunar month of the Year of the Pig. His passing marked the loss of one of Thailand's most revered monks, a figure who epitomized humility, wisdom, and spiritual discipline. Today, Luang Pho Kasem Khemako’s life and teachings continue to inspire countless Buddhists, leaving behind a legacy of deep mindfulness and compassion.