Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon (Lp Thap) or Phra Uttara Thera, Wat Chana Songkhram

 

The Mystical Legacy of Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon and the Secret Masters of the Forest Tradition

The mysteries and wonders of Buddhism have endured across generations, often challenging the boundaries of modern science. Yet these supernatural phenomena typically occur as personal, direct experiences—what monks refer to as “paccattang”. Among the countless miraculous stories told within the realm of Buddhism, one particularly enduring account is that of Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon. His story continues to captivate followers of the faith, especially among meditation practitioners.

The legend of Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon has persisted for over 60 years. Numerous individuals claim to have had spiritual experiences related to him—offering him alms, witnessing him in dreams or visions, or hearing his teachings. He is described as a mysterious monk who appears and disappears without a trace, assuming many forms, endowed with extraordinary psychic abilities, and believed to have lived for hundreds or even thousands of years. His real name is unknown; “Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon” is considered a pseudonym.

Many theories exist about Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon’s identity. Some believe he is the last monk to receive the Ehi Bhikkhu Upasampada ordination directly from the Buddha and was entrusted with upholding Buddhism for 5,000 years. Others suggest he is Phra Upakut Thera, a monk who had attained high levels of meditative insight (abhiññā) and was commanded by the Buddha to remain and protect Buddhism before entering Nirvana. Even today, communities in northern Thailand, including the Shan, Burmese, and Mon peoples, believe Phra Upakut is still alive and appears to bless devotees on full moon Wednesdays, a day known as Wan Peng Phut. Ritual offerings are still held at midnight in his honor.

Another belief holds that Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon is actually Phra Uttara Thera, one of two monks dispatched by Emperor Ashoka to propagate Buddhism in Suvarnabhumi (present-day Southeast Asia). It is believed that Phra Uttara continues to reside somewhere in the region, protecting the Dharma.

What unites all these interpretations is the belief that Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon is not a spirit or myth, but a monk of supreme spiritual attainment who remains alive to this day. He is said to be hundreds, even thousands of years old—tasked with preserving the Buddha’s teachings through the 5,000-year life span of the religion.

Historically, numerous Vipassana masters and forest meditation monks—those known for their supernatural powers—have reported contact with a mysterious monk. This monk often appeared in dreams, in visions, or was met during pilgrimage in remote jungles. Among them are Somdej Phra Sangkharat Suk Kai Theun, Somdej Phutthachan To Phrommarangsi, Luang Pho Ngern of Wat Bang Khlan, Luang Pu Suk of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Luang Pho Klan of Wat Phra Yati, Luang Pu Yen of Wat Sa Prien, Luang Pu Ngoen Sorayo of Wat Phra Phutthabat Khao Ruak (Phichit), Luang Ta Ploy of Wat Makkasan, Luang Pho Apichito Bhikkhu (teacher of Colonel Chom Sukhantharat), Luang Pu Kob of Khao Sarika (Lopburi), Luang Pho Opasi of Bang Mot Hermitage, and Luang Pho Yi of Wat Dong Takon Thong.

According to those experienced in meditation, Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon is often referred to as “Luang Pu Yai” or “Luang Ta Dam.” These titles suggest that there may be not just one monk with this name, but a whole lineage or sect of forest monks known as the Lok Udon sect. These monks are characterized by their spiritual powers and secretive nature, moving unseen and guarding the faith. The head of this lineage is referred to as Luang Pu Yai.

Five particularly famous figures from this sect are often named:

1. Luang Ta Dam – the highest-ranking master.

2. Khrua Siabat – younger brother of Luang Ta Dam.

3. Luang Pu Prong Pho – the chief disciple of Luang Ta Dam.

4. Khrua Kaem Daeng – an alchemical master skilled in mercury.

5. Khrua Khi Thao – a kasina (elemental meditation) expert, especially in fire.

These five masters were believed to possess extremely advanced psychic and meditative abilities. They could alter their physical form, split their consciousness, and appear wherever needed—bypassing physical and temporal limitations. All five were revered as supreme teachers with many disciples.

Among them, Luang Pu Prong Pho, known for his youthful face and white hair, often took the form of Phra Khru Phrom Singkhaburi, another well-known figure from the Lok Udon tradition. According to Colonel Chom Sukhantharat, Luang Pu Yai (Luang Ta Dam) often appeared in the form of Luang Pu Prong Pho or Phra Khru Phrom Singkhaburi to help devotees.

Luang Ta Dam is believed by many to be Phra Uttara Thera, who has lived for millennia. Khrua Siabat, his disciple, is believed to possess immense merit and power. Luang Pu Prong Pho, authorized to act on behalf of Luang Pu Yai, would often intervene to help those in need. He required no permission to exercise his supernatural gifts.

Khrua Kaem Daeng was skilled in the Eight Levels of Samadhi and expert in mercury alchemy. He could preserve life for millennia by mastering the four elements and divine mercury. He held the mercury in his cheek, causing a reddish hue—hence the name “Red-Cheeked Master”. He is said to have gifted mercury to worthy ascetics, and hidden it on sacred cliffs for future discovery.

It is speculated by many that Luang Pho Opasi, who had a birthmark on his cheek, may have been a reincarnation of Khrua Kaem Daeng. Opasi’s known practice of mercury-making and his fearless feats—such as leaping from pagodas unharmed—mirrored Kaem Daeng’s legends. Similar traits were observed in Luang Pu Chey of Khao Raet and others who demonstrated mercury-powered agility.

Another of the five, Khrua Khi Thao Phao Laek Laen, was known for his disregard for monastic formality. He constantly burned offerings, similar to Luang Pu Kob, Luang Pho Opasi, and Luang Pu Suang of Phu Tabeng—all known for their fire kasina practices. These monks often sat in squatting positions and wore robes casually, displaying behaviors beyond social norms.

Luang Pu Thong Ayana of Wat Ratchayotha is also noted in this tradition. He always kept a candle burning—rain or wind never extinguished it. His practice suggests deep mastery of the fire kasina, marking him as another spiritual giant in the tradition of flame-focused ascetics.