Ariyadhamma Lokum the Sixth – Commemorating 12 Years Since the Passing of Khruba Boontha Yatikro

On Saturday, May 2, 2569, a memorial service commemorated 12 years since the passing of Khruba Boontha Yatikro, former abbot of Wat Chedi Sam Yod in Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province, a venerable Buddhist master of northern Thailand.

Born on June 22, 2475, in Nong Gerd village, Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province, he completed fourth grade education in his village school at age 11. His family then entrusted him to study under Khruba Sao of Wat Nong Gerd, an important spiritual teacher of Pa Sang District at that time. Khruba Sao taught him to read and write the Lanna script, practice chanting, and deliver dharma teachings until he became proficient and fluent.

At age 15, he entered the novice monastery, studied under Khruba Sao, and received instruction in meditation practice. At age 22, he received higher ordination and moved with Khruba Sao to oversee Wat Tha Tum. He spent the rainy season there studying with his preceptor and other monks, after which he traveled as a wandering monk throughout northern Thailand.

Four years later, he was invited to serve as abbot of Wat Hua Khwang, where he remained for more than ten years. Eventually desiring solitude, he resigned from the abbacy and traveled to Chiang Dao District to practice meditation alone in the forest.

Upon learning of Khruba Sao's death, he returned to pay respects. After the funeral, Khruba Som, the abbot of Wat Chedi Sam Yod and his senior fellow disciple, invited Khruba Boontha to stay for the rainy season to assist with temple development work.

When Khruba Som eventually passed away, Khruba Boontha, having earned the faith and reverence of the local community through his virtuous conduct and dedicated practice, was appointed as abbot of Wat Chedi Sam Yod, a position he maintained until his passing.

He was a monk of calm temperament, thoughtful demeanor, who carefully considered every word before speaking, maintained constant mindfulness, and showed compassion to all disciples. Simultaneously, he was firm and resolute in his monastic discipline, never failing in his daily chanting and meditation practice. He preferred solitude and rarely accepted social invitations.

When others attempted to document his biography, he spoke little and remarked that "I have no interesting stories—what would you do with them?" making it difficult to compile detailed accounts of his life.

He was a Buddhist preceptor who strictly adhered to the dharma and vinaya, studying Buddhist doctrine and various teachings according to the Buddha's way and the traditions of northern Thai masters. He was considered a venerable monk worthy of deep respect and faith.

Regarding amulets and sacred objects, he never formally commissioned any. Instead, those who created such objects would seek his blessing and consecration. Buddhist consecration ceremonies for amulets and sacred objects throughout northern Thailand regularly required his presence and blessings. Remarkably, he never created his own sacred objects.

During consecration ceremonies, he would hold amulets in his hand and rotate them in all directions throughout the ritual, surprising those who served him closely. Even before completing the full consecration chant, merely from his brief breathing patterns, those present would become confident in the efficacy of the blessed objects.

After concluding the brief ceremony, he would explain to his disciples: "To receive the power of Buddha's grace, Brahma's grace, and the devas' grace, as well as the merit of the bodhisattvas from the venerable teachers invited to participate in this ceremony, who surround this temple in all directions."

As a monk of exemplary conduct, when invited to perform ceremonies, he would apply himself with complete physical and mental dedication, focusing his consciousness and unwavering spiritual power to ensure the successful completion of the work.