Phramongkolthepmuni
Phramongkolthepmuni
4. Dhammakaya Attainment Site
Wat Bote-bon is located in Bangkuvieng, Nonthaburi
Wat Bot Bon
the site of rebirth with the Dhammakaya
Mid-Lent, 15th day of the 10th Lunar month
Have practiced meditation in the chapel. By setting the intention
Meditated until attainment of Dhammakaya. At Wat Bot Bon, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province
The 15th day of the 10th waxing moon in 1917 (10 October 1917) marked a turning point in the Great Master’s life. It was the eleventh year of his monkhood. He reflected on the fact that he had been ordained for eleven years and had never missed a day of Dhamma study and meditation practice, still he had yet to attain the Truth realized by the Lord Buddha. That day, he was determined to put forth his energy to meditation until he attained even a small portion of the Truth.
On that night, after several hours of deep concentration, Candasaro’s mind finally came to a perfect standstill. Going deeper he could see the transcendental nature of himself–a crystal clear “astral body” that resides within every human being. As his mind continued to be perfectly calm and still, several transcendental bodies appeared, one after another, each new one bigger, brighter, and more beautiful than the previous one. Until, finally, a supremely bright and pure image resembling that of the Buddha appeared. It is of the form of the Buddha sitting deep in meditation, the crest of his crown shaped like a lotus bud, an image brighter, clearer, more beautiful, and more marvelous than any Buddha image in the world. This was ‘Dhammakaya’ –the Body of Enlightenment. Feeling elated, Candasaro muttered to himself:
“Ah, it is so hard like this…how can anybody perceive it? Perception, memory, thought, cognition…all these things must come to a standstill and be united at one single point. Once the mind “stops,” these things cease to be. Once they cease to be, attainment can be realized. This is where the link is. Everything must come to the right point of balance before attainment can happen.
• The Significance of the Wat Bot Bon Memorial in Bang Khu Wiang
The Ubosot of Wat Bot Bon in Bang Khu Wiang, Nonthaburi Province, is a sacred place where Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro) achieved enlightenment through his deep meditation practice. By dedicating his life to the principle of “not dying, just being still,” he attained the Dhammakaya, which is within him and discovered that this Dhammakaya exists within everyone. He then brought light to the world, illuminating it with the Triple Gem.
Phra Mongkolthepmuni’s Contribution: He helped close the doors to lower realms and opened the paths to heaven and Nirvana for us. Therefore, today we must earnestly practice the Dharma and offer special devotion to create a path of immense merit for ourselves.
Honoring the Supreme Teacher: Honoring someone of such supreme worth expresses deep gratitude towards this great teacher and publicly acknowledges their significance to the world. This recognition demonstrates how important the teacher is.
Inspiration for Future Generations: In the future, when people study the history of Phra Mongkolthepmuni’s merit-building journey, inspired by his path, they will be motivated to build their own merits and practice to realize the Dhammakaya within themselves. This will lead to a more prosperous life, genuine happiness, and the continuation of true peace and pure teachings of the Buddha. The knowledge of Dhammakaya will be passed down through generations, and our contributions will help the world recognize and encounter this true refuge. Phra Mongkolthepmuni has shown the path to this sacred refuge—the Dhammakaya within us. Therefore, he is immensely valuable to us and the world, and such a person is truly deserving of the highest respect.
Creating a Beautiful Legacy: Today, as we reflect on his greatness and come together to create a beautiful historical moment, our actions are but a small token compared to his great virtues. The important thing is to follow his path and practice to achieve the Dhammakaya within ourselves, thus fulfilling true devotion. Regularly think of Phra Mongkolthepmuni with reverence and respect, honoring him with sincere faith in his practices. His famous words, “Not dying, just being still; the flesh and blood will dry up, but do not die, just be still,” reflect his profound dedication.
Conclusion: Each of us who has the opportunity to visit the place where he achieved enlightenment is very fortunate. To honor him properly, we must practice to achieve enlightenment ourselves, aligning with his example. This genuine practice is what pleases him and will generate immense merit. Therefore, let us remain steadfast in our practice.
Luang Por Dhammajayo
• Video About the Memorial Site
• Participate in Meditation and Take Historical Group Photos
The Dhammayatra Participates in Meditation Practice and Historical Group PhotographyIn the Dhammayatra Project In Gratitude to the Great Teacher Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), the Vanquisher of Mara At 7 Memorial Sites, Year 12 On January 16, 2024 At Wat Bot Bon, Nonthaburi Province
• Ceremony of Lighting Oil Lamps as an Offering to the Buddha
Ceremony of Lighting Lamps in Reverence to the Buddha and the Great Teacher Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro) In the Dhammayatra Project In Gratitude to the Great Teacher Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), the Vanquisher of Mara At 7 Memorial Sites, Year 12 On January 20, 2024 At Wat Bot (Bon), Bang Khu Wiang, Nonthaburi Province
