Luang Pu Yim (Chantachoti)
Wat Nong Bua (Wat Upalaram), Kanchanaburi • พระครูญาณวิลาศ “หลวงปู่ยิ้ม จันทโชติ”
Born 1844 CE (BE 2387) — Passed 1910 CE (BE 2453) • Age 66
At-a-Glance
- Lay Parents: Mr. Ying & Mrs. Piem — bamboo traders on the Mae Klong River
- Birthplace: Kanchanaburi Province
- Ordination: Wat Thung Samo, Phanom Thuan District
- Preceptor: Phra Ajahn Kleep (Wat Nong Bua)
- Chanting Monks: Phra Ajahn Daeng (Wat Nuea) & Phra Ajahn In (Wat Thung Samo)
- Dhamma Name: Chantachoti (จันทโชติ)
Early Life & Formation
Records preserved by Phra Sobhon Samachar (Rian Suwannachoti), a close disciple and successor abbot, describe Luang Pu Yim as born in 1844 (Year of the Horse) in Kanchanaburi to a family of bamboo traders. From youth he gravitated to study and practice, entering the monkhood at Wat Thung Samo under Ajahn Kleep, with Ajahn Daeng and Ajahn In officiating the chanting.
Post-ordination, he applied himself to Khmer script and Pali, studying standard monastic texts such as Mongkol Theepani, Mulakajayan, Phra Chao Sip Chat, and Sutra Santhi. By his second rains retreat, he could fluently recite the Patimokkha.
Advanced Study in Sacred Arts
Following his teachers’ counsel, he traveled to Samut Songkhram for deeper training. Under Luang Pho Phra Palat Tim (Wat Bang Li Noi) he learned the preparation of sacred water and the craft of protective flags. Rivers and tidal flats along Mae Klong were his classrooms, where ritual circles of rattan, the making of Mak Tui (sacred betel confection), and other rites formed a living curriculum.
He later continued with Luang Phor Klat (Wat Bang Phrom), who taught invulnerability rites, consecrated handkerchiefs and waist ropes, and the making of snake-bone amulets; and with Luang Phor Chaeng (Wat Pradu Amphawa) in traditional medicine and the famed sacred ropes known as “Fire Centipede” or “Hanuman’s Intestines.”
Forest Practice & Reputation
A rigorous ascetic, LP Yim often went tudong after the rains, seeking solitude and sharpening meditation. Oral traditions say he could discern animal speech. His renown reached Bangkok’s elite; the Prince of Chumphon Khet Udomsak reportedly visited twice, studied certain methods, and received a ritual knife for spirit-subduing and protection. Though the Prince was a disciple of LP Suk (Wat Makham Thao), mutual respect connected these lineages; LP Suk himself is said to have sojourned at Wat Nong Bua, exchanging knowledge with LP Yim.
Despite mastery of esoteric disciplines, LP Yim remained characteristically humble, keeping the heart of his teaching anchored in precepts, compassion, and diligence.
Notable Disciples
- Phra Sobhon Samanakit (Rian), Wat Upalaram
- Phra Thep Mongkhonrangsi (Di), Wat Thewasangkharam
- Phra Kanchanawatwibun (Son), Wat Lat Ya
- Phra Sobhon Samanakit (Hang), Wat Nuea
- Phra Khru Watthasanasophon (Dokmai), Wat Don Chedi
- Phra Ratchamongkhonwuthachan (Chai), Wat Sadet
- Phra Athikan (Chaem), Wat Chulamani, Amphawa
- Phra Khru Sakonwisutthi (Muean Rattanasuwan)
Sacred Objects & Amulets
Collectors and devotees prize his work for protective force and compassionate grace. Representative forms include:
- Phra Pidta (Ao Chula mold)
- Phra Sangkachai — large and small molds
- Overlapping-leg molds — small & large
- Looped-knee molds
- Diamond-cut mold
Lineage Threads & Later Years
His journey, as preserved in local accounts, includes learning from LP Puang (Wat Ling Khob) and teachers along the Mae Klong, culminating in advanced practice at Wat Khao Or. He subsequently studied with the legendary LP Klin, famed in lore for feats such as “disappearance” and “earth-diving,” and teacher to renowned masters including LP Suk, LP Pan, LP Tha, LP Bun, LP Niam, and LP Muang. Tradition states that upon LP Klin’s passing—said to be at the remarkable age of 117—LP Yim was appointed his successor abbot.
Luang Pu Yim passed away in 1910 CE (BE 2453), aged 66. He is widely remembered as the third principal teacher of the Prince of Chumphon (introduced via LP Ngern of Bang Klan), and as a Kanchanaburi master whose teaching married scholarship, ascetic practice, healing arts, and compassionate protection.