Luang Phor Yim (Lp Yim) Wat Nong Bua, Kanchanaburi

Luang Phor Yim (Lp Yim) Wat Nong Bua, Kanchanaburi

 

Biography of Luang Pu Yim Chantachoti, Wat Nong Bua (Wat Upalaram), Kanchanaburi


According to records from Phra Sobhon Samachar (Rian Suwannachoti), a close disciple and successor abbot, Luang Pu Yim Chantachoti was born in 1844 (Year of the Horse) in Kanchanaburi Province, to Mr. Ying and Mrs. Piem, who were bamboo traders along the Mae Klong River.


Ordination and Monastic Education


He was ordained at Wat Thung Samo, Phanom Thuan District, under:

  • Preceptor: Phra Ajahn Kleep, Wat Nong Bua

  • Chanting Monks: Phra Ajahn Daeng (Wat Nuea) and Phra Ajahn In (Wat Thung Samo)

    He received the Dhamma name: Chantachoti.


Post-ordination, he mastered studies in Khmer script, Pali, and texts such as Mongkol Theepani, Mulakajayan, Phra Chao Sip Chat, and Sutra Santhi. By his second year, he could recite the Patimokkha fluently.


Advanced Study in Occult and Sacred Arts


Motivated by his interest in esoteric knowledge, he followed his teacher’s advice and sought advanced studies in Samut Songkhram Province, beginning with:

  • Luang Pho Phra Palat Tim, Wat Bang Li Noi: taught him sacred water and protective flag-making.

  • Rituals at Mae Klong involved practices like drawing circles with rattan to transform seawater into fresh water, and “Mak Tui” sacred betel candy for summoning fish and animals.


He further studied:

  • Luang Phor Klat, Wat Bang Phrom: invulnerability, sacred handkerchiefs, waist ropes, snake bone amulets.

  • Luang Phor Chaeng, Wat Pradu Amphawa: traditional medicine and sacred ropes known as “Fire Centipede” or “Hanuman’s Intestines”.


Wandering Practice and Reputation


A strict ascetic, Luang Pu Yim frequently entered the forest post-Lent for solitude and meditation. He was said to understand animal languages, and his fame spread even to the Bangkok elite, including Prince of Chumphon Khet Udomsak, who twice visited him, learned from him, and received a magic knife with the power to subdue spirits and protect against invulnerability.


Even though Prince Chumphon was a disciple of Luang Pu Suk of Wat Makham Thao, he still greatly revered Luang Pu Yim. Notably, Luang Pu Suk once stayed at Wat Nong Bua and exchanged knowledge with him.


Despite his deep knowledge of magic, Luang Pu Yim remained humble and unattached to such power.

Notable Disciples

  1. Phra Sobhon Samanakit (Rian), Wat Upalaram

  2. Phra Thep Mongkhonrangsi (Di), Wat Thewasangkharam

  3. Phra Kanchanawatwibun (Son), Wat Lat Ya

  4. Phra Sobhon Samanakit (Hang), Wat Nuea

  5. Phra Khru Watthasanasophon (Dokmai), Wat Don Chedi

  6. Phra Ratchamongkhonwuthachan (Chai), Wat Sadet

  7. Phra Athikan (Chaem), Wat Chulamani, Amphawa

  8. Phra Khru Sakonwisutthi (Muean Rattanasuwan)

Sacred Objects and Amulets


Luang Pu Yim created numerous amulets highly prized by collectors and devotees, including:

  • Phra Pidta (Ao Chula mold)

  • Phra Sangkachai – both large and small molds

  • Overlapping leg molds – small and large variants

  • Looped knee molds

  • Diamond-cut mold

Later Years and Legacy


He passed away in 1910, aged 66. He is remembered as the third principal teacher of Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak, introduced by Luang Phor Ngern of Bang Klan.


His spiritual journey included studies with:

  • Luang Pu Puang, Wat Ling Khob

  • Teachers at Mae Klong

  • Final advanced practice at Wat Khao Or, followed by study under Luang Pu Klin, famed for mystical abilities like disappearance and earth-diving. Luang Pu Klin taught legendary masters including Luang Pu Suk, Luang Pu Pan, Luang Pu Tha, Luang Pu Bun, Luang Pu Niam, and Luang Pu Muang.


Upon Luang Pu Klin’s death at age 117, Luang Pu Yim was appointed his successor as abbot.

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