Luang Phor Phat Naratho (Lp Phat), Wat Phatthanaram

 

Biography of Luang Phor Phat Naratho

Former Abbot of Wat Phatthanaram, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province

Born: Wednesday, June, B.E. 2405 (1862)

Passed Away: July 11, B.E. 2485 (1942)

Early Life

Luang Phor Phat was born in B.E. 2405 (1862) in Ban Don Market, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province, into the Phatthanaphong family. As a child, he received his early education from Phra Ajahn Phong of Wat Phra Yok, studying local dhamma teachings suitable to his age and his teacher’s guidance.

In his adolescence, he married Nang Lamom. Sadly, shortly after giving birth to their daughter, his wife passed away. Grief-stricken, he chose to renounce worldly life and enter the monkhood.

Ordination and Monastic Life

At the age of 25, in B.E. 2430 (1887), he was ordained at the ubosot of Wat Phra Yok.

• Preceptor (Upachaya): Phra Khru Suwanrangsi (Mee), abbot of Kanchanadit District and Wat Pho

• Kammavacacariya (Ceremonial Instructor): Luang Phor Klom, Wat Pho

• Anusavanacariya (Dhamma Instructor): Luang Phor Kham, Wat Bang Bai Mai

He received the monastic title “Naratho” and resided at Wat Phra Yok for several years. Known for his discipline, wisdom, and leadership, he played a major role in guiding young monks and managing temple affairs.

Contribution to Education

In addition to his religious duties, Luang Phor Phat was a strong advocate for education. Around B.E. 2440 (1897), he helped establish the first school in Kanchanadit, promoting both secular and monastic learning in the region.

Leadership and Renunciation

He served as abbot and preceptor in Ban Don District (then part of Mueang Chaiya) for 4–5 years. However, due to his preference for asceticism, he resigned from both posts to pursue a pilgrimage and deeper spiritual practice.

Spiritual Training and Teachers

Throughout his life, Luang Phor Phat studied under several respected masters:

• Phra Khru Suwanrangsi, his preceptor

• Luang Phor Klom, his kammavacacariya

• Luang Phor Kham, his anusavanacariya

• Phra Ajarn Suk, a wandering monk from Wat Khao Hua Lamphu in Hua Sai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, who shared with him deep knowledge in vipassana, magic inscriptions, and the creation of sacred objects (e.g., takrut, cloth yantras)

Sacred Creations and Amulets

Luang Phor Phat was known for crafting sacred objects such as:

• Kasin Buddha statues made from baked clay and sacred herbal powders

• Kasin coins, which became highly revered and sought after by devotees

These items were believed to carry powerful protective and spiritual properties.

Final Years and Passing

In his later years, Luang Phor Phat handed over the care of the temple to his younger brother, Luang Phor Chiew Siri Suwanno. He then retreated into solitude, residing in a funeral pavilion within a cemetery, dedicating his life to intense meditation and dhamma practice.

On July 11, B.E. 2485 (1942), at approximately 8:43 AM, Luang Phor Phat passed away peacefully while meditating. His death brought immense sorrow to his disciples and the broader Buddhist community.

Posthumous Miracle

Remarkably, his body did not decompose even after 6–7 years, an occurrence that many believed to be a testament to his spiritual attainment and profound meditative discipline.