Luang Phor Chaeng Silapanyo
Wat Bang Phang (Wat Srirattanaram), Pak Kret, Nonthaburi
Born on Friday, 18 December BE 2428, corresponding to the twelfth waxing day of the first lunar month, Luang Phor Chaeng Silapanyo was the son of Mr. Sin and Mrs. Klip Rattanabunsin. He entered the monastic path early, ordained as a novice at twelve and later as a fully ordained monk at twenty. From the beginning, he showed deep devotion to Dhamma practice, meditation, and ancient esoteric disciplines.
During the World War II period, his name became known across provinces for his calm mind, meditative strength, and spiritual influence. He studied under many revered masters including Luang Phor Pan (Wat Bang Hia), Luang Pu Suk (Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao), and Luang Phor Pan (Wat Bang Nom Kho). The latter had a profound impact on his sacred artistry—especially in creating animal-shaped powder amulets symbolizing strength, loyalty, and protection.
As abbot of Wat Bang Phang, he cultivated a temple life centered on compassion and spiritual learning. Each day, villagers and merchants from neighboring regions would arrive to receive blessings, seek healing, and request sacred items. He insisted that any disciple first build a foundation through Samatha–Vipassana meditation before learning higher wicha, ensuring both purity of heart and clarity of mind.
His amulets were revered for their metta mahaniyom (loving-kindness), protective strength, and miraculous healing power. They appeared in national consecrations such as the Wat Ratchabophit ceremony (BE 2481) and the 25th Buddhist Century celebration (BE 2500). Each batch was carefully crafted from a mixture of shell-lime, five sacred powders, consecrated rice, flower pollen, soy oil binder, and holy sand from revered sites. The result was a soft golden surface that aged beautifully, revealing layers of sacred material beneath.
The first series of amulets was created in BE 2484 during the tense years of war, when disciples urged him to make objects of protection and hope. Funds raised helped develop the temple, but all sacred items were distributed freely—never sold. It is believed around 10,000 pieces were made over time, consecrated personally by Luang Phor himself.
After decades of teaching and selfless service, Luang Phor Chaeng passed away peacefully on 26 July BE 2500 at the age of seventy-two. His royal cremation on 11 May BE 2501 was presided over by Somdet Phra Sangharaja (Chuan) of Wat Makut Kasatriyaram. In his honor, diamond-shaped medallions were created, commemorating a monk whose legacy bridged the spiritual and material realms through compassion and sacred craft.
Today, the amulets of Luang Phor Chaeng remain cherished among collectors and faithful devotees alike—symbols of sincerity, protection, and enduring merit. His teachings continue to echo in the halls of Wat Bang Phang, where faith, discipline, and compassion unite those who walk his path.