Archan Kong Lim Wat Noi, Chonburi

 

Biography of Phra Athikan Lim Brahmachoto (Luang Phor (Lp) Kong Lim)

Wat Noi, Ban Khot Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province

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1. Personal Background

• Monastic Title: Phra Athikan Lim Brahmachoto

• Common Names: Luang Phor Lim, Ajarn Kong Lim

• Lay Name: Lim Chitwises

• Parents: Mr. Hun Chitwises and Mrs. Mak Chitwises

• Date of Birth: Friday, 1st lunar month, Year of the Goat, B.E. 2426 (1883)

• Birthplace: Ban Khot Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province

In the Chonburi region, Luang Pho Lim was affectionately called “Ajarn Kong” by his disciples, many of whom were of Chinese descent. Unlike the more commonly used monastic honorifics “Luang Pho” or “Luang Pu,” his nickname reflected cultural familiarity and closeness with his followers.

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2. Ordination and Monastic Life

• Ordination Date: July, B.E. 2445 (1902)

• Ordination Location: Wat Pho, Ban Khot, Mueang District, Chonburi

• Preceptor: Phra Khru Chonthopammuni (Chiam), Wat Kamphaeng

• Kammavachacarya: Phra Winai Tharathan, Wat Khrueawan

• Residence Post-Ordination: Wat Noi, Chonburi

He began his Dhamma and meditation studies under Phra Khru Chonthopammuni and Phra Winai Tharathan. Deeply interested in Vipassana practice, he continued his studies under Phra Khru Phiphitthana Nirokit (Luang Pho Pan) of Wat Bang Hiea (now Wat Mongkhon Kothawas), Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan.

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3. Pilgrimage Practice

Luang Pho Lim frequently accompanied Luang Pho Pan on pilgrimages. Each year during the first lunar month, Luang Pho Pan would lead groups of monks from Samut Prakan to various provinces, including Chonburi, Si Racha, and Na Kluea, continuing northward to Saraburi and Phra Phutthabat.

According to the travel journal of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, he encountered one of these pilgrimages in B.E. 2443 (1900). It described a large group of monks, led by a venerable abbot named Phra Pan, traveling through rice fields, holding meditation and chanting sessions. Luang Pho Lim was often the leader of the Chonburi monks joining this group.

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4. Anecdotes and Spiritual Reputation

Luang Pho Lim was highly respected for his practice and simplicity. One well-known story tells of a visit to Luang Pho Chai of Wat U-Tapao in Nong Mai Daeng Subdistrict. On his return trip, he stopped by a disciple’s home. A heavy rain fell during his visit and continued as he returned to Wat Noi. Surprisingly, despite the downpour, his robes remained completely dry.

When questioned, he would simply respond, “It’s just an illusion. If you want to see the real thing, practice well,” emphasizing personal discipline and mindfulness over superstition.

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5. Temple Leadership

• Acting Abbot Appointment: 1939

• Officially Appointed Abbot of Wat Noi: 1940

As abbot, Luang Pho Lim was known for his leadership and devotion to the temple’s growth, spiritual discipline, and community service.

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6. Amulet Creation

During his lifetime, Luang Pho Lim created a variety of sacred amulets.

• First Image Amulet Series: Produced in B.E. 2490 (1947), featuring his likeness.

  These amulets are now considered rare and highly collectible due to their spiritual potency and historical value.

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7. Passing and Legacy

• Date of Passing: November 10, B.E. 2510 (1967)

• Age at Death: 85 years

• Years in Monkhood: 65 vassa (rains retreats)

Luang Pho Lim left behind a legacy of strong Dhamma practice, service to the community, and deep influence among Chinese-Thai devotees in Chonburi. His teachings and amulets continue to be honored and preserved by followers to this day.