Luang Phor
Tong was the first abbot of Wat Rachyota, Bangkok, and although he governed the
temple for almost one hundred years he is today relatively unknown.
In fact he is probably one the greatest monks
that very few people have heard of. Not surprising as he chose to live a simple
existence strictly following Lord Buddha’s Dharma and practicing meditation at
his temple.
However
during the time of King Rama 4 he was one of the most respected monks of his
era . He was the disciple of Phra Acharn Seng of Wat Manichonkarn (Lopburi),
Phra Acharn Seng was also the teacher of Somdet Phra Buddhachan Toh of Wat
Rakang.
His background is not that well known. His
place and year of birth for example have never been recorded. Fortunately it is
well documented that he was ordained as monk at Wat Ngernbangprom, Talingchan
District, Bangkok, by JaoKun Vinaikijjarithera, former abbot of Wat
Ngernbangprom, who acted as Pra Upacha.
It is also known that he remained at the
temple for several years studying sacred sciences under the guidance of JaoKun
Vinaikijjarithera. He studied diligently and as a result he was invited to take
up the position of Abbot of Wat Rachyota by the founder of the temple. Luang
Phor Tong passed away aged 117 years and even to this day is one of the longest
living monks in Thai history.
Luang Phor Tong is known to have studied
meditation and sacred sciences from the same teacher as Pra Somdej Buddhachan
Toh. When he created his own amulets at a later date they were truly unique, he
did not copy those of Somdej Toh or even use them as prototypes for his own
design.
Also a fact little known, even amongst
experts, is that LP Tong has been master or taught sacred sciences to many of
the most famous monks that have ever lived, these include amongst many others:
1) LuangPu
Ler Wat Saochango Chachingsao
2) Luang
Phor Jong Wat Natangnok Ayuthaya
3) Luang
Phor Kong Wat Bangkrapong
4) Luang
Phor Chat Wat Bangkrabao
5) Luang
Phor Sod Wat Paknam Paicharoen
6) Luang
Phor Klai Wat Suan Kan Nakonsrithamarak
7) Luang
Phor Thongyu Wat Mainongpraong Samutt Sakorn
8) Luang
Phor Yee Wat Sattaheep (Disciple of LuangPu Ler)
9) Luang Phor
Poch Wat Rayotha (2nd abbot)
10) Phraku
Kitti Witmon Wat Rayotha (3rd abbot and nephew of LuangPu Thong)
11)
LuangPhor Parn Wat Bangnomko Ayuthaya (Learn knowledge of Kom)
12) LuangPu
Pheuk Wat King Keow (Close disciple)
13) LuangPu
Rod Prachinburi
14) LuangPu
Patch Wat Samplum
His most
famous amulets were in the form of five Buddha images, also known as Somdej Ha
Pra Ong. Initially these amulets were known as Pra Somdej Prajao Ha Pra-ong
because it was widely known that he studied under Somdej Toh, this was despite
the fact that his amulets did not resemble those of his master in the
slightest.
This is also
the reason that amulets discovered at the Kru at Wat Bung Praya Suren were also
called Pra Somdej, as the designs were very similar to those created by LP
Tong. Incidentally there is no direct evidence that LP Tong did bless the
amulets discovered at Wat Bung Praya Suren, but most experts agree that it’s a
distinct possibility.
Nowadays
amulets blessed by Luang Phor Tong are highly desirable not only because of
their heritage, beauty and unique designs, but also because LP Tong is still
highly respected by many people.
Decades ago
the temple was surrounded by many migrants from India most of whom were non
Buddhist. They often entered the temple grounds to steal fish from the pond.
Luang Phor
Tong is known to have summoned spirits to protect the habitat, and thereafter
thieves would only trawl bones of the deceased. This was sufficient to frighten
would be thieves away. It is also said that many of the fish transformed into
leaves, gaining considerable respect for the monk.
Many suffering from a deadly outbreak of
Cholera visited Wat Lard Buakhao (Wat Rachyota) to ask for help from the sacred
monk. It was recorded that his sacred water saved countless lives from the
deadly disease.
One of LP Tongs most renowned abilities was
the exorcism of those haunted by ghosts or cursed with black magic. It is
recorded that many people would visit his temple to seek a cure from such
inflictions.
Even a youngster was cured by the great monk
who used a sacred Thai herb “Plai” whilst reciting sacred spells.
