Luang Pu Suk Kesaro

Luang Pu Suk Kesaro
Luang Pu Suk Kesaro
TitlePhra Khru Wimon Khunakorn
Personal life
BornSuk
1847 (1847)
Died23 December 1923(1923-12-23) (aged 75–76)[1]
NationalityThai
Other namesหลวงปู่ศุข เกสโร
OccupationBuddhist monk
Religious life
ReligionBuddhism
SchoolTheravāda
LineageMahānikāya
Dharma namesKesaro (เกสโร)
Ordination1869
Senior posting
TeacherPhra Athikan Choei Chantasiri
Based inWat Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Chai Nat Province
PostFormer Abbot of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao; Former Chief of Wat Sing District

Phra Khru Wimon Khunakorn (Thai: พระครูวิมลคุณากร), commonly known as Luang Pu Suk Kesaro (หลวงปู่ศุข เกสโร),[2] was a Thai Buddhist monk of the Mahanikaya order. He was born in 1847 during the late reign of King Rama III. In his youth, he married and had one child before entering the monastic life.[3]

Ordination

At the age of 22, Suk ordained as a monk at Wat Pho Thong Lang in Nonthaburi Province under Phra Athikan Choei Chantasiri as his preceptor. He resided there for some time, serving his teacher, who was strict in vipassanā meditation. Suk studied the Vinaya, meditation practices, and esoteric incantations.

Later, he moved to Wat Sam Ngam in Pathum Wan to further his studies in Pali and Buddhist scriptures. He subsequently relocated to Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchaworamahawihan in Bang Lamphu, where he met Luang Phor Ngern Phuttachot of Wat Bang Khlan in Phichit Province. The two became close companions and studied various disciplines together.

Residence in Chai Nat

In 1892 (BE 2435), Suk traveled on tudong (forest wandering practice) to his birthplace, Chai Nat Province, and resided at Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao. He renovated the deteriorated monastic buildings, gaining the deep respect of the local people, who admired his discipline and reputed magical knowledge.

Among his most prominent disciples was Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Prince of Chumphon, to whom Luang Pu Suk transmitted his esoteric teachings. According to legend, the Prince once distributed cloth blessed by Luang Pu Suk to Royal Thai Navy sailors for testing magical powers. A notable participant in this test was Yang Harnthale, a prominent naval officer.[4]

Death

Luang Pu Suk died on 23 December 1923 during the late reign of King Rama VI, at the age of 76, having spent 54 rains retreats (vassa) in the monastic order.

Notable disciples

  • Luang Phor Rung Tissaro – Samut Sakhon Province
  • Luang Pho Ia Kittiko – Prachinburi Province
  • Phra Khru Chum Phutthasaro, Wat Ratchakham, Ratchaburi Province
  • Phra Khru Bunyang Khongkasaro, Wat Nong Noi
  • Luang Pu Supha Kantasilo
  • Abhakara Kiartivongse
  • Phra Khru Samuh Phut Thammiko (Techatharo)
  • Luang Phor Nai, Wat Ban Chaeng, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

References

  1. ^ "When Luang Pu Suk Kesaro passed away". He passed away on 23 December 1923, at about 4 p.m.
  2. ^ Oceansmile: Luang Pu Suk of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao
  3. ^ "Biography of Luang Pu Suk, Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao". Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2011-07-22.
  4. ^ Jenjob Yingsumon (October 2010). 130 Years: Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Prince of Chumphon. DK Publishing. ISBN 978-616-7327-07-5. pp. 87–90.