Phramongkolthepmuni
Phramongkolthepmuni
6. Site of the Advance Meditation Workshop and Propagation of the Dhammakaya Knowledge
Wat Paknam is located in Basicharoen, Bangkok
Wat Paknam, Royal Monastery, Bhasicharoen District, Bangkok,
Research and Propagation of Vijja Dhammakaya.
In 1918, he was assigned to be the acting abbot of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen,
, which was in a semi-abandoned temple. He did not give up, thinking of restoring Wat Paknam to prosperity.
He spread the Dhammakaya until many disciples gained access to the Dhammakayaand passed away on February 3, 1959, at the age of 74 years, 3 months, 24 days, and 53 years.
Classified as a royal temple of the third tier, Wat Paknam is an older temple commissioned for construction by the monarch during the middle Ayutthaya period (1488-1629 CE or 2013-2172 BE). When the Great Master took over as abbot in 1918, Wat Paknam was almost half-deserted. He instituted rules in accordance with the Monastic Discipline for everyone to abide by and he enforced these rules strictly. He began teaching Dhamma and meditation to the residents of the temple as well as the general public on a regular basis. Eventually, he raised the status of the temple to become one of the most sought after teaching institutes for scriptural studies and meditation training in the country.
Although managing the temple was a massive undertaking and the daily affairs were plenty, the Great Master never strayed from his meditation practice or the propagation of the Dhammakaya Knowledge, because he believed this is the most important task. Even as the Great Master carried out profound research on the Dhammakaya Knowledge and taught others on the way to attain Dhammakaya, he dedicated his time to the meditation workshop reserved for the super-advanced meditators. He would select monks, novices, upasaka and upasika, to carry out the investigation of the spiritual world that lies beyond the path to Dhammakaya and to ultimately vanquish Mara.
The Significance of the Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen Memorial Site
Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen is a place of significant importance where the Most Venerable Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), the Conqueror of Mara, waged a spiritual battle against Mara. When he became the abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen, he served both as a teacher and a student. As a teacher, he instructed meditation, leading to many people attaining the Dhammakaya. As a student, he continued to explore and deepen his understanding of Dhammakaya knowledge.
At the age of 47, he began an internal battle, a true battle that did not involve physical weapons or separation but was a pursuit of happiness and joy through genuine struggle against defilements and internal Mara. He studied and researched day and night, dividing his time into two shifts: six hours of study during the day and six hours at night.
This period of intense research coincided with World War II, during which he continued his studies, addressing human suffering and striving to resolve conflicts. His aim was to alleviate the misunderstandings that led humans to fight each other, driven by defilements and ignorance, obscuring their true purpose in life and their inherent unity. He worked diligently with his team, which included both laypeople and monks, to continue their Dhammakaya practice.
Our revered teacher was recognized for her exceptional role during this time. She was praised by the Most Venerable Phra Mongkolthepmuni as “second to none,” a statement supported by multiple witnesses. She was responsible for explaining both the coarse and subtle aspects of the internal and external struggles, ultimately contributing to the resolution of the global conflict.
The study of Dhammakaya knowledge is profound and intricate, requiring a pure mind free from attachments to worldly things. It is a matter that goes beyond ordinary reasoning or evidence and is not typically understood by conventional Buddhist scholars. Just as the Buddha once compared the number of leaves in his hand to those in a forest, Dhammakaya knowledge is vast and complex, far exceeding ordinary understanding.
Dhammakaya knowledge, akin to leaves in a large forest, is difficult to grasp without dedicated and profound study. It is crucial for overcoming Mara and achieving true peace and harmony in the world. Without it, genuine peace and happiness cannot be realized.
Ultimately, by participating in the activities honoring the Most Venerable Phra Mongkolthepmuni, such as the Dhammayatra, with respect and devotion, individuals can attain the highest merits. This leads to rebirth in noble families, respect and veneration from others, and a reputation that spreads widely. It ensures rebirth in the presence of the Dhammakaya teachings, steadfast faith, and virtuous qualities, along with the attainment of great spiritual and material blessings. This path promises a fortunate rebirth and the rapid attainment of Nirvana.
Luang Por Dhammajayo