Luang Pu Si (Lp Si) Wat Tham Khao Bunnak, Nakhon Sawan Province
Biography of Luang Pu Si Chantasiri
Temple: Wat Tham Khao Bunnak
Province: Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
Monastic Title: Phra Khru Suwansaratham
Dharma Name: Chantasiri
Born: Circa B.E. 2392 (1849 CE)
Passed Away: B.E. 2526 (1983 CE)
Age: Approximately 134 years
Years in Monkhood: Over 100 vassa (rains retreats)
Early Life and Ordination
Luang Pu Si was born during the reign of King Rama IV, in a time when Siam was still heavily rural and spiritual traditions were deeply ingrained in daily life. His birthplace is believed to be in the central region of Thailand.
He entered the monkhood at a young age, and his early years were dedicated to intense study and Vipassana (insight) meditation under the guidance of forest meditation masters.
Spiritual Training and Practice
Luang Pu Si was a great wandering ascetic monk (Dhutanga) and spent decades in the forests and mountains, particularly in the regions of Nakhon Sawan and nearby provinces.
He studied meditation, samadhi, and advanced Buddhist practices under several great teachers of the Kammaṭṭhāna (forest tradition). Among the teachers he studied with were:
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Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta Thera (some sources claim brief encounters)
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Luang Pu Suk of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Tao
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Other renowned meditation masters from the early 20th century
He became known for his mastery in Dhamma, psychic abilities (abhinnā), and knowledge of traditional Buddhist magic and blessings.
Abbotship at Wat Tham Khao Bunnak
Later in life, Luang Pu Si settled at Wat Tham Khao Bunnak, a secluded temple on a hill with a sacred cave. The temple became a center for spiritual practice due to his presence.
Despite his age, he maintained a disciplined monastic routine, meditating long hours daily and providing blessings and guidance to laypeople and monks alike.
He was respected for his ascetic lifestyle, humility, and silent wisdom. He was known to avoid publicity and rarely gave sermons, preferring to teach through example.
Longevity and Passing
Luang Pu Si lived an extraordinary lifespan of over 130 years, widely regarded as one of the longest-living Thai monks in recorded history.
He passed away peacefully in B.E. 2526 (1983), leaving behind a legacy of spiritual purity, humility, and devotion to the Dhamma.
Amulets and Legacy
Luang Pu Si blessed a limited number of sacred objects, especially in his final decades:
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Phra Pidta, Phra Somdej, and Takrut
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His amulets are believed to offer protection, longevity, metta (kindness), and mindfulness
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Many pieces are revered for their spiritual power and are highly valued by collectors and faithful followers
Wat Tham Khao Bunnak continues to be a pilgrimage site, and Luang Pu Si is still venerated as one of the great forest tradition saints of Thailand.
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