Ariya World 6 - Commemorating 120 Years of Luang Por Lee's Birth

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, a memorial will be held to commemorate the 120th birth anniversary of "Luang Por Lee Dhammatharo" or "Than Por Lee" from Asokaram Temple in Tai Ban Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province. He was one of the primary disciples of the Vipassana meditation tradition under "Phra Ajahn Mun Puritatto", a legendary forest monk. Luang Por Lee initiated and built Asokaram Temple, which has flourished and become renowned to this day. He was deeply respected by his disciples and local community, to the extent that even Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram, a former Prime Minister, became his student. He created numerous sacred amulets, both during his lifetime and posthumously, which remain highly popular. Born on January 31, 1906, in Nong Song Hong Village, Muang Samsip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, he was a challenging child who was sickly and difficult to raise. At age 12, he began learning Thai, but was constantly thinking about merit and sin, with a strong desire to become a monk. When he turned 20 in 1925, he was ordained in the Mahanikai sect. After meeting and listening to teachings from "Phra Ajahn Bot", a disciple of Phra Ajahn Mun, he became deeply inspired and decided to follow the forest meditation tradition. Throughout his life, he practiced intense meditation, eventually becoming a highly respected meditation master known for his strict practice and spiritual attainments. In 1957, he was granted the ecclesiastical title of Phra Suddhidhammarungsi. On the morning of Wednesday, April 26, 1961, he passed away peacefully at the age of 55, after 35 years as a monk, leaving a profound impact on his disciples and the Buddhist community. Asokaram Temple continues to be developed and expanded to this day.