Luang Phor Phueng (Lp Phuang), Wat Koh, Bangkok

 

The Miraculous History of Luang Phor Phuang (Lp Phuang) of Wat Kok

, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok

Luang Phor Phuang of Wat Kok was born around BE2400 (circa 1857) in Samae Dam Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok. His father was named Mr. Phum, and his mother was Mrs. Phum (Phuyung). He had a younger brother named Rod. After his ordination, he was appointed as Abbot of Wat Samae Dam, and the villagers often referred to him affectionately as Luang Phor Rod.

From childhood, Luang Phor Phuang was known for his calm and obedient nature. He never caused distress to his parents, and he showed exceptional compassion toward people and animals. A diligent and inquisitive child, he frequently helped his parents with chores and expressed a strong desire to pursue knowledge. At the age of eight, he requested to be ordained as a novice monk to study reading and writing. Gifted with a sharp mind and excellent memory, he became highly respected by his teachers.

When he came of age, Samanera Phuang ordained as a monk at Wat Kok, near his home. His preceptor was Luang Phor Wat Hua Krabue, and his chanting partner was Luang Phor Khong of Wat Kok. He received the monastic name Thamchoti (Thammachoti or Thammachotik), meaning “one who understands and embodies the Dharma with clarity.” After ordination, he studied Vipassana meditation under the guidance of Phor Khong and his preceptor at Wat Hua Krabue.

Luang Phor Khong of Wat Kok was a renowned master of magic and esoteric knowledge in the Bang Khun Thian area. He passed on all his knowledge to Phor Phuang. Additionally, Phor Phuang traveled extensively on tudong pilgrimages to study meditation and Dharma with other revered monks, although specific records of those teachers are not available.

During his travels, Phor Phuang often disappeared for long periods. Upon hearing of Luang Phor Khong’s death, he returned to Wat Kok, where Phor Dit was then abbot. After Phor Dit disrobed, the temple committee and villagers unanimously chose Phor Phuang to become the new abbot due to his wisdom and moral authority. As abbot, he developed Wat Kok significantly and led it to prosperity.

Although reserved and quiet in manner, Phor Phuang was deeply compassionate and humble. Outsiders often perceived him as stern, but those close to him knew of his great kindness.

Phor Phuang was also the preceptor of Luang Phor Pai of Wat Kamphaeng, who deeply revered him and studied magic, invulnerability, and Metta Mahaniyom (universal loving-kindness) under his guidance. Even Luang Pu Iam of Wat Nang, a highly respected monk, praised him, saying: “This Upachaya Phuang of Wat Kok is truly skilled.”

Due to his exemplary conduct and spiritual authority, the Sangha appointed him as Phra Upachaya Phuang in BE2440 (1897), only 20 years after his ordination—a rare honor at the time. He became one of only three Upachaya (preceptors) in Bang Khun Thian, alongside Luang Pu Iam.

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Wat Kok and Its Origins

Wat Kok, located in Chom Thong Subdistrict, is an ancient Wat dating back to the Ayutthaya period. According to legend, the temple was founded by three meritorious laymen: Sena Kok, Sena Thepsak, and Sena Theparat, who established the Wat to preserve and promote the Buddhist faith.

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Sacred Amulets and Magical Mastery

Phor Phuang was widely known for the sacredness and power of his amulets, which were often praised for invulnerability, mercy, and popularity. Early in his life, he created takruds, cloth yantras, and protective amulets for disciples.

In BE2470 (1927), he produced rare palm leaf powder Buddha amulets depicting a seated Buddha in meditation. In BE2473 (1930), he created baked clay amulets mixed with sacred powders in 24 designs. In BE2478 (1935), he produced metal cast amulets in cloud-patterned brass, in both oval and round forms. Today, these are considered rare and of high value due to their effectiveness and beauty.

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Recorded Miracles and Testimonials

Nai Yuen Boonfak shared a story about how Phor Phuang saved his mother, Nang Plaek, from illness by instructing him to change doctors—demonstrating his clairvoyance. After following his advice, her condition improved immediately.

Phra Arun Aruno, once a disciple at Wat Kok, recalled that Phor Phuang never handled money and observed Vinaya strictly. In one instance, when disciples accidentally locked the key inside his kuti (monk’s hut), they returned to find him already inside—suggesting his use of magical abilities to bypass physical barriers.

Phor Nom, a later abbot of Wat Kok, recounted that during the creation of the BE2473 clay amulets, Phor Phuang foretold the death of Nai Tu Phuengphrom, which occurred the very next day—another example of his psychic insight.

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Miraculous Events

• Walking Unharmed in Heavy Rain: During a return from the royal palace, it rained heavily, but not a single drop fell on Phor Phuang. His robes remained completely dry, astonishing those with him.

• Calling a Boat Against the Current: After a boat drifted away due to a broken rope, Phor Phuang stood still, closed his eyes, and said, “Come back.” Miraculously, the boat returned against the current and stopped at its original place.

• Walking on Water: Luang Pu Ming of Wat Kok witnessed Phor Phuang walk across a pond’s surface to retrieve his robes during a rainstorm. This miraculous event deeply inspired Luang Pu Ming to pursue Vipassana under Phor Phuang’s guidance.

• Foreseeing Danger: After attending palace duties, Phor Phuang advised the guards to change boats for Luang Pu Iam, warning of a leak. Upon inspection, the boat was indeed found to be leaking—affirming his supernatural foresight. Luang Pu Iam himself remarked: “This Phor Phuang is truly skilled.”

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Final Years and Legacy

Luang Pu Yuen Bunfak, a devoted follower, once witnessed King Rama V offer money to Phor Phuang, who, upon realizing it was money, handed it away to a young Yuen. Throughout his life, Phor Phuang maintained a strict vegetarian diet and lived as a true ascetic, free from worldly attachments.

Luang Phor Phuang of Wat Kok passed away in BE2480 (1937) at the age of 80, having been in monkhood for 60 years. He left behind a legacy of profound virtue, spiritual power, and highly revered amulets that continue to protect and inspire devotees to this day.