Lp Maha Sila (Phra Ratcha Watcharathammasophon) Wat Pa Si Saat

🧘‍♂️ Biography of Luang Pu Sila (Phra Ratcha Watcharathammasophon)

📍 General Profile

• Birth Name: Sila Nilchan (nicknamed Bin, later called Hin)

• Date of Birth: October 14, 1945

• Age: 79 (as of 2024)

• Birthplace: Ban Beid, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province

• Lineage: Thammayut Nikaya

• Current Title: Abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin, Kalasin Province

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🧎‍♂️ Monastic Journey

📌 First Ordination

• Year: 1957 (Age 12) as a novice monk

• Temple: Wat That Prathap, Chiang Khwan, Roi Et Province

• Preceptor: Luang Pho Phim

📌 Second Ordination

• Year: 1966 (Age 21)

• Temple: Wat Burapha Phiram, Roi Et Province

• Preceptor: Phra Siriwuttimethi (Phutta Siriwuttho)

• Dharma Name: Sirichantho

Disrobed in 1978 to care for his ill relatives and work as a school assistant.

📌 Third Ordination

• Date: February 8, 1979 (Age 34)

• Temple: Wat Maluwakanaram, Roi Et Province

• Preceptor: Phra Samuh Pe Punyo

• Dharma Name (reused): Suriyajitto

• Alternated residency between Wat That Prathap and Wat Non Duea

Disrobed briefly in 1996 due to family matters.

📌 Fourth Ordination

• Date: December 22, 1996

• Temple: Wat Saeng Prathip, Roi Et Province

• Preceptor: Phra Khru Witthansamanakit

• Dharma Name (reverted): Sirichanto

• Current residence alternates between Wat That Prathap and Ban Phran Muean, Udon Thani Province

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🎓 Education in Buddhism

• Began Dhamma studies in 1957 (Age 12)

• Passed Dhamma levels 3 to 1 between 1958–1960

• Passed Pali levels 3–6 from 1963–1972 at Wat Burapha Phiram, Roi Et

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🔮 Spiritual Practice & Pilgrimage

• Disciple of Phra Khru Silakhan Sangwon (Onsi Sumetho), a direct student of Luang Pu Man Phurithatto

• Studied Isan and Lao Dhamma from Phra Thammarachanuwat (Kaew Kantopaso)

• Undertook forest pilgrimages throughout Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Chaiyaphum, and into Laos

• Studied under senior masters like:

  • Luang Pu Thongma Thawaro (Roi Et)

  • Luang Pu Maha Bunmi Sirindhorn

  • Luang Pu Likusontharo

  • Close friends with Luang Pho Saman Tham Rakkhitto, Luang Pu Nu Inthawanno, Luang Pu Somsit Rakkhisilo, and Luang Pu Lom Sila Sangvaro

• Expert in Vipassana meditation and palm-leaf scripture (Isan and Lao traditions)

• Studied texts from Somdej Lun in Lao PDR

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🕯️ Later Years

Since 2007 (B.E. 2550), Luang Pu Sila has retreated for solitary meditation in abandoned cemeteries and forest temples. He later accepted the invitation to stay at Wat Pho Si Sa-at, where disciples built a forest hut (kuti) for him in the tranquil area of Ban Kae Pae.

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🛕 Appointment and Recognition

In 2024, Luang Pu Sila was formally appointed as Advisor to the 9th Region of the Thammayut Sangha by the SSC. He is celebrated for his humble practice, extensive knowledge of scriptures, and long-standing devotion to the Dhamma.