Wat Asokaram Samut Prakan
| Wat Asokaram | |
|---|---|
วัดอโศการาม | |
Wat Asokaram | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| Sect | Dhammayuttika Nikaya |
| District | Mueang Samut Prakan district |
| Province | Samut Prakan province |
| Location | |
| Location | Na Mae Khao area |
| Country | Thailand |
| Architecture | |
| Established | 1955 CE (B.E. 2498) |
Wat Asokaram (วัดอโศการาม) is a Theravāda Dhammayuttika Buddhist monastery located in Thai Ban Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province, Thailand.[1] The temple occupies about 53 rai of land that was originally known as Na Mae Khao. The land was donated by Mrs. Kim Hong and Mr. Sumet Kraikan for the establishment of a monastery in 1954–1955 (B.E. 2497–2498).[2]
History
Wat Asokaram was founded by the revered meditation master Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo.[2] In 1954 he began establishing a forest monastery on the donated land.[2] The first residence consisted of Phra Khru Baidika That and five other monks, totalling six in the initial community.[2] After the 1955 rains retreat and the funeral of Somdet Phra Maharatchamangkhlachan, Phra Ajahn Lee moved to reside here permanently.[2]
During this period he began planning the celebration of the 25th Buddhist Century (B.E. 2500). After his death in 1961 (B.E. 2504), development continued. The monastery expanded eastward, where the Suddhidhammaransi Vihara now stands, and construction of the Phra Thudong Chedi—a group of thirteen stupas housing relics—was completed according to his design.[1]
Name
According to Ajahn Lee’s biography, the name “Asokaram” combines two Pali/Sanskrit words:[2]
- Asoka (อโศก) – “without sorrow”
- Arama (อาราม) – “park” or “pleasure garden”
The meaning is therefore “a joyful place free from sorrow,” reflecting the serene, forested environment of the temple.
Practices and Features
Wat Asokaram is a center for meditation and strict monastic discipline (kammatthana). It does not provide cremation or funeral services, emphasizing contemplation of impermanence. Each year from 24–26 April, disciples gather to commemorate the passing of Ajahn Lee with meditation retreats, ordinations, sermons, and merit-making activities, without entertainment or festivities.[1]
Abbots
- Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo (1954–1961)
- Phra Yan Sittacharn (Sim Buddhacaro) (1961–1965)
- Phra Thep Moli (Samrong Khunawuttho) (1966–1991)
- Phra Yan Wisit (Thong Chantasiri) (1991–2016)
- Phra Phawanavajrasuddhacharn (Samruan Punnayso) (2017–present)[1]