Luang Phor Sodh (Lp Sodh) Wat Paknam

 

The esteemed master of the Vijja Dhammakaya approach, the late Abbot of Wat Paknam, the Venerable Chao Khun Phra Mongkol-Thepmuni, is fondly remembered and revered across the nation as Luang Phor Wat Paknam, or simply Luang Phor Yai, meaning "senior father" or "meditation master." Born on October 10, 1884 (BE 2427) into a humble rice-merchant family in Supanburi Province, he was named Sodh, the second child of Nai Ngern and Nang Sudjai Meekaewnoi. Like many children of that era, Sodh received his education from the local temples. When his father passed away, 14-year-old Sodh became the primary breadwinner for his family, managing rice trading with great success. Despite his accomplishments, at the age of 19, he resolved to dedicate his life to monkhood.

After ensuring his mother's well-being, Sodh entered monkhood three years later, in July 1906 (BE 2449), and at 22, he was ordained as Candasaro Bhikkhu at Wat Songpeenong near his home. His main preceptor was Phra Ajahn Dee of Wat Pratusarn, Supanburi.

The day following his ordination, Candasaro Bhikkhu began his meditation practice and studies of the Pali scriptures. In his search for deeper knowledge, he moved to Wat Bodhi (Wat Phra Chetupon Vimonmangkalaram) in Bangkok, frequenting centers of meditation and Pali studies. His exceptional abilities were soon recognized by his teachers, Phra Khru Yanavirati of Wat Bodhi and Phra Ajahn Singha of Wat Lakorn Tham, who saw him as a skilled meditation instructor.

During the dry seasons, Luang Phor adopted Dhutangavatra, the austere practices for purification, wandering in solitude through forests, staying in caves, and practicing Dhamma with dedication. After ten years, he set aside his informal Pali studies, having reached the proficiency to read the Mahasatipatthana Sutta, and dedicated himself fully to meditation.

One pivotal moment occurred during his 12th year as a monk while at Wat Bang Khoo Vieng on the Bangkok Noi Canal. On the full-moon night of September, he vowed before the Buddha not to rise from his seat until he attained an understanding of the Dhamma, as revealed by the Buddha. With deep focus, he centered his mind at the body’s midpoint and experienced a profound revelation of the Dhamma and the Dhammakaya. This breakthrough marked the beginning of the Vijja Dhammakaya, the core of his teachings.

After this experience, Luang Phor began teaching meditation at Wat Bang Pla, where several monks and laypeople also attained insights through his method. His reputation spread, and he soon gained recognition throughout the land.

Somdej Phra Vanarat, the Head of Bhasicharoen Sangha District, recognized his potential and invited him to become the abbot of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, a neglected monastery at the time. Although initially hesitant, Luang Phor accepted the position and, with remarkable patience and leadership, gradually rebuilt Wat Paknam into one of the most significant monasteries in Thailand. In 1949 (BE 2492), he was elevated to the rank of Phra Bhavana-Kosolthera, followed by the title Phra Mongkol-Rajmuni, and in 1957 (BE 2500), he was honored with the title Phra Mongkol-Thepmuni.

Vijja Dhammakaya, the revelation of Dhamma that Luang Phor attained, became the heart of his teaching. His daily routine reflected his dedication to Buddhism, spending day and night meditating with monks and nuns, leading ceremonies, teaching public meditation every Thursday, delivering sermons on holy days, and overseeing the Pali Institute.

Luang Phor's disciples numbered in the thousands, and his teachings reached far corners of the country, even to monks who had never met him personally but held him in high regard.

Luang Phor passed away on February 3, 1959 (BE 2502) at the age of 75. Though he departed from this world, his teachings endure, reminding all who follow the Noble Path of their obligations to pursue the Ultimate Righteous Truth. His legacy lives on through his profound contributions to meditation and the Dhamma.