Chao Khun Sri (CK Sri) Wat Suthat

Biography of Chao Khun Sri (Phra Mongkol Rajchamuni)

Birth Name: Unknown (commonly referred to as Chao Khun Sri)
Monastic Title: Phra Mongkol Rajchamuni (เจ้าคุณศรี มงคลราชมุนี)
Date of Birth: July 17, 1903 (B.E. 2446)
Place of Birth: Saraburi Province, Thailand
Family Background: Traditional Buddhist household; limited records of family lineage

Novice Ordination (Samanera):
- Ordained at age 13 at Wat Suthat Thepwararam, one of Bangkok’s royal temples.
- Began studies in Dhamma and Pali scriptures under the guidance of renowned monks.
Full Ordination (Upasampada):
- Year: B.E. 2466 (1923)
- Preceptor: Somdej Phra Sangharaja Pae, the Supreme Patriarch at that time
- Location: Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Education:
- Mastered Dhamma studies, Pali language, meditation, and Buddhist ritual practices.
- Trained under senior monastic figures such as Luang Por Phueng (Wat Suthat) and Luang Por Nak (Wat Arun).

Expertise Areas:
- Vipassana meditation
- Sacred chanting and rituals
- Creation and consecration of Buddhist amulets and images
Meditative Discipline:
- Renowned for strict observance of Vinaya (monastic code) and deep meditative insight.
- Taught various levels of meditation to monks and laypeople.

First Famous Amulet:
- Phra Kring Chaiwat (B.E. 2485–2486): Crafted during World War II to raise funds for temple restoration.
- Phra Kring Ruesi Face Model (B.E. 2486): Known for its spiritual protection and healing properties.
- Phra Chaiwat and Phra Sangkajai: Cast in small and large molds, often distributed to supporters of temple development projects.
Consecration Ceremonies:
- Collaborated with senior monks such as Somdej Phra Sangharaja Pae.
- Participated in major Buddha Abhiseka rituals at Wat Suthat and nearby royal temples.

Abbot Role:
- Although never officially the abbot of Wat Suthat, he held significant influence and was regarded as a leading figure in monastic reform and sacred sciences.
Monastic Title:
- Elevated to the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Mongkol Rajchamuni (Chao Khun Sri), a title granted to senior monks recognized for doctrinal and spiritual excellence.
Mentorship:
- Taught and guided many younger monks, several of whom later became prominent in their own right.

Date of Passing: January 16, 1952 (B.E. 2495)
Age at Passing: 49 years
Legacy:
- Chao Khun Sri’s teachings, meditative practice, and sacred objects continue to be respected.
- His amulets are considered highly sacred, and many of them are preserved by collectors and devotees.

Chao Khun Sri played a pivotal role during a formative era of Thai Buddhism, particularly in Bangkok’s monastic community.
His contributions helped bridge traditional Buddhist practices with social welfare efforts, especially through amulet creations used to fund temple restorations.