Luang Pu Phueak Paññādaro

Phra Khru Karunawihari, also known as Luang Pu Phueak (12 August 1869 – 29 March 1958), was a famous meditation master of Samut Prakan Province during the mid-Buddhist era. His amulets were believed to possess great spiritual power, bringing experiences of loving-kindness, protection from danger, and fulfillment of wishes. He was known for his mastery of Itthaje powder, Pathomang powder, the Na Metta yantra, the Ruesi yantra, etc., which he had learned from Luang Pu Thong Ayana of Wat Ratchayotha. His contemporaries included Luang Pho Phak of Wat Bueng Thong Lang, Luang Pu Pan of Wat Saphan Sung (Bang Sue), and Luang Pho Phueak of Wat Lat Phrao.

Luang Pu Phueak Paññādaro was born on 12 August 1869, the first year of the reign of King Chulalongkorn, in Ban Khlong Samrong, Samut Prakan Province. His father’s name was Thongsuk, and his mother’s name was Khai Boonsukthong. He had eight siblings and was the fifth child.

In 1890, at the age of 21, he was ordained at Wat King Kaew. His preceptor was Luang Pu Thong Ayana (the former abbot of Wat Lat Buakhao). Phra Ajahn Im Intasaro of Wat King Kaew acted as his kammavācācariya. He received the monastic title Paññādaro. He resided at Wat King Kaew throughout his life, studying Thai until proficient, then moving on to Buddhist scriptures, Khmer characters, and Vipassanā meditation under the guidance of Phra Ajahn Im.

In 1899, Phra Ajahn Im Intasaro died. The monastic community and local villagers unanimously agreed to appoint Luang Pu Phueak as the new abbot at the age of 30. Once he became abbot, he began extensive renovations and construction at Wat King Kaew, with the support and contributions of the community and disciples.

On 1 March 1938, he was formally granted the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Karunawihari by royal decree.^[1]

In 1953, he began suffering from chronic illness, and he died on 27 March 1958 during the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at the age of 88 (67 vassa), after serving as abbot for 59 years.

1. Tasanaphon Jangpanichyakul, Collection of Eminent Monks.
2. List of Abbots of Wat King Kaew
3. First batch of Luang Pu Phueak coins Archived 2011-08-03 at the Wayback Machine
4. Biography of Luang Pu Phueak, Wat King Kaew

• Wat King Kaew School
• Luang Pu Phueak’s Amulets