5. First Dhammakaya Propagation Site

Bang Pla Memorial Site, Bang Len District, Nakhon Pathom Province
This site holds great significance as it marks the place where we collectively established a memorial to honor Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), the Vanquisher of Mara. It serves as a declaration of his profound discovery of the Dhammakaya and his selfless act of sharing this knowledge with humanity throughout his merit-building years.

Around the year 2460 BE (1917 CE), three fortunate monks and four laypeople practiced according to Phra Mongkolthepmuni’s teachings and attained the Dhammakaya at Wat Bang Pla. This event affirmed his realization witnessed at Wat Bot Bon in Bang Khu Wiang, Nonthaburi Province. This testimony revealed that “Dhamma is real, good, and already exists within every person.” All humans, regardless of nationality or language, inherently possess the Dhammakaya.

Thus, the Bang Pla Memorial Site is a sacred place where the Dhamma was first proclaimed by Phra Mongkolthepmuni. In the future, it will attract virtuous individuals from around the world seeking inner knowledge. Upon visiting, they will be inspired to practice diligently to realize the Dhammakaya within themselves, as did the three monks and four laypeople in Phra Mongkolthepmuni’s time.

This sacred site is of great importance. We are creating merit with the extraordinary person of the world and the universe, expressing our gratitude and devotion to Phra Mongkolthepmuni, who possesses immense merit. If one had less merit, they could not vanquish Mara. The task of vanquishing Mara involves eradicating the root causes of suffering, and this mission continues until Nirvana is attained. Hence, Phra Mongkolthepmuni is no ordinary person but one of profound wisdom and immeasurable power.

Today, we come together to honor and venerate the Dhamma along the path of the Vanquisher of Mara at the Bang Pla Memorial Site. The extraordinary and boundless merit generated from this event will bring profound blessings. This merit will ensure that, regardless of future rebirths, we will always be under the protection of the Buddha’s teachings and Dhammakaya. We will be born into noble families, respected and revered by many, and receive great acclaim. Our reputation will spread far and wide, and we will be loved by both humans and devas. Our faith in the Triple Gem will be steadfast, and our devotion to the Dhammakaya will be strong. We will possess right view and radiant wisdom, enjoying superior human qualities, including wealth and virtue, and will have an abundance of treasures.

With wealth, we will generously give, have the opportunity to make excellent merit with benefactors, and attain heavenly realms as a destination. We will quickly reach the path to Nirvana and gain deep understanding of the Dhamma. Whatever Phra Mongkolthepmuni has attained, we will also share in that realization. Therefore, let everyone dedicate their heart and soul to creating merit to the fullest, and the immense, boundless merit will manifest for all of us.