Breaking News on Sacred Objects – Medal, 25th Series of Luang Pu Fhan from Wat Pa Udom Somphon, Sakon Nakhon
Luang Pu Fhan, a revered vipassana meditation master from Sakon Nakhon's Wat Pa Udom Somphon, passed away in 1977 after decades of forest practice and founding monasteries throughout Northeast Thailand. A new medal in his 25th commemorative
Luang Pu Fhan Ajaro of Wat Pa Udom Somphon in Phon District, Sakon Nakhon Province, was a master of vipassana meditation widely revered throughout the Northeast, with countless disciples. Born Fhan Suanrongka on August 20, 1885, in Phan District, Sakon Nakhon, he initially studied at Wat Phothchai under teachers Chuai Chaiyachombu and Phra Achan Ton Wuttisarn. After completing his education, he intended to enter government service and apprenticed as a district official under Upphong Khian in Khon Kaen. However, witnessing brutal executions, torture, and chaos in the judicial system profoundly affected him, instilling a sense of life's impermanence that led him to abandon government service and enter monastic life.
He was ordained at Wat Phon Thong and received full ordination at Wat Sethbangkom under Phra Kru Pong as his preceptor. After his ordination, he studied meditation practices under the renowned Phra Achan Man Bhuridatto, who became his principal teacher. Phra Achan Man directed him toward solitary forest practice with unwavering determination, avoiding worldly entanglements.
During his early practice, he contracted severe influenza while in solitude but cured himself through meditation. He later changed his monastic status and received additional ordination at Wat Photisomphon in Udon Thani Province. From 1954 to 1965, he regularly spent the Buddhist Lent in Tham Kham cave, which he loved for its conduciveness to celibate practice. Highly respected by senior monks and teachers for his humility, purity of conduct, strict adherence to Buddhist discipline, and wisdom, he traveled extensively establishing monasteries and became known throughout the Northeast as a "god of dhamma."
He maintained the strict practices of his teacher Phra Achan Man, living simply as a forest dwelling practitioner. He was demanding of his disciples, particularly unsparing in dismissing those lacking sincerity. He passed away peacefully on January 4, 1977, at the age of 78.
