Ariya Loke the Sixth – Commemorating 43 Years Since the Passing of Luang Pu Khao Analayo
Devotees marked the 43rd anniversary of Luang Pu Khao Analayo's death on May 16, honoring the renowned forest meditation master from Nong Bua Lamphu Province who spent decades practicing Buddhist teachings across Thailand and inspired anima
On Saturday, May 16, 2569, devotees commemorated the 43rd anniversary of Luang Pu Khao Analayo's passing, a celebrated forest meditation master from Wat Tham Klong Phaen in Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province. Originally named Khao Korathai, he was born on December 28, 1888, in Ban Bo Chaneang, Amnat Charoen Province, to a family of farmers and merchants. At age 20, his parents arranged his marriage, and he fathered three children before the couple eventually separated. Characterized by unwavering determination and deep faith in Buddhist teachings, he underwent ordination at age 31 in 1919 at Wat Phi Sri, with Phra Khru Phutisak as his preceptor and Phra Ajahn Bunchan as his ordination witness.
After spending six Buddhist Lents at Wat Phi Sri, inspired by his faith in the teachings of Luang Pu Man Bhuridatto, he requested to become a dhamma disciple in 1925 at age 37 at Wat Phothisombhorn in Udon Thani Province, with Phra Thammajedee (Choom Panthulo) as his preceptor. He spent eight years practicing in Udon Thani before traveling with Luang Pu Man to practice the Dhamma in various locations across nearly every region of Thailand. He also spent many years practicing with other renowned forest masters including Luang Pu Fen Ajaho, Luang Pu Waen Sucitto, Luang Pu Tae Achalodhamma, and Luang Pu Chop Thanasmo.
Having spent decades developing spiritual merit in the forest, he accumulated remarkable experiences with wildlife. Animals appeared to respond to his contemplation—when he thought of an elephant that had not visited in some time, the elephant would arrive that very night and walk directly to his dwelling. Similar phenomena occurred with tigers, which would prowl near his monastery in response to his mindful recollection.
He maintained exceptionally strict discipline, particularly regarding walking meditation. After morning chanting, he would walk in meditation as an offering to the Buddha until afternoon, then from 2 PM to 4 PM as an offering to the Dhamma, and finally from the completion of evening duties until 4-5 PM as an offering to the Sangha before retiring to continue meditation.
He devoted himself to disseminating the Dhamma through travels to many locations until age 70, when he took permanent residence at Wat Pa Tham Klong Phaen. In his final years, he suffered from illness for nine years, including blindness from cataracts and hearing loss from calcium deposits on bone, yet his mental well-being remained sound, and he maintained a cheerful and humorous temperament. He was able to predict the time of his own death.
His teachings emphasized: "Why are living beings not all the same? Their differences arise from their actions and conduct. Those who practice virtue, observe the precepts, give alms, and listen to teachings develop wisdom and good education. Wherever they go, only good arises. When the mind is empty and at peace, because the mind is unified and undisturbed by emotions, it becomes clear and pure. The cooled mind knows only ease and understands the nature of conditioned things and reality. Such a mind does not waver before anything—whether death approaches or suffering and pain arrive, there is no wavering."
He passed away peacefully on May 16, 1983, at the age of 95, having completed 64 Buddhist Lents. On Saturday, February 11, 1984, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presided over the royal cremation ceremony.
