Wat Khao Samphot

Wat Khao Samphot (วัดเขาสมโภชน์) is a Buddhist temple located in Bua Chum Subdistrict, Chaibadan District, Lopburi Province, Thailand.^[1]

Wat Khao Samphot is situated at Khao Samphot, a large mountain surrounded by lush forests. The temple occupies 200 rai of land at Ban Tao Khanom Chin, Moo 5, Bua Chum Subdistrict, Chaibadan District, Lopburi Province. The area is encircled by mountains on three sides, with temple grounds divided between the mountain slopes and the foothills.

The temple was first established in 1937 (B.E. 2480). The surrounding mountains contain numerous caves of varying sizes, many with unique names and several stupas. The temple later fell into disuse but was revived in 1973 (B.E. 2516) when Luang Phor Khong Chattamalo (หลวงพ่อคง จตฺตมโล) came on pilgrimage to meditate in one of the caves believed to be inhabited by arahants (enlightened monks). At that time, the site was known as the Khao Samphot Cave Monastery.

On 23 September 1982 (B.E. 2525), the Sangha Supreme Council officially recognized it as Wat Khao Samphot. Luang Phor Khong served as the chief meditation master and abbot, with Phra Khru Phawanawisutthi (Phra Phiu Wannagutto) as acting abbot.

The mountain contains over 19 caves, such as the Great Cave, Stupa Cave, Diamond Cave, Lion Cave, Circle Dance Cave, and Celestial Well Cave, each with beautiful natural stalactites and stalagmites.

The temple is famous for its unique practice known as “Opening the World,” symbolically referring to insight into the three realms — not as a supernatural vision, but as self-reflection. Meditators observe the causes of their physical or emotional suffering — for example, seeing karmic connections from past lives.

Practitioners may experience visions of their past existences (such as being soldiers in King Taksin’s era). By understanding and forgiving those karmic causes — whether as victims or perpetrators — they aim to end the cycle of vengeance and suffering.

Wat Khao Samphot is therefore a center for understanding karma and meditating on past-life causes. Notable features include:

1. Teaching about the law of karma.
2. Visiting the arahant statues turned to stone atop the mountain.
3. Paying respects to the incorruptible body of Luang Phor Khong Chattamalo, preserved in a glass coffin.
4. Offering food to the growing population of monkeys living around the temple.
5. Exploring natural caves and mountain scenery.
6. Staying overnight — full facilities are provided (beds, blankets, mosquito nets).
7. Vegetarian meals only; no meat is served.

Currently, the abbot is Phra Phawana Samnakhun Wi (Phra Maha Thong Thanakuno, Pali IX), who also serves as Deputy Ecclesiastical Governor of Lopburi Province.^[2]

• World-Opening Dhamma Meditation Practice

• Luang Phor Khong Chattamalo photo – Wikimedia Commons