Buddhist Amulet Collecting: Rare Talismans from Northeast Thailand
Collectors in northeast Thailand seek rare Buddhist amulets featuring revered monks, including coins from the 1960s-1980s cast in various metals and inscribed with protective yantras to fund temple construction projects.
Meditation is about cultivating correct thoughts without causing harm to oneself or others, according to Luang Por Cha Suphatto of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. The article surveys several notable Buddhist amulets, beginning with coins bearing the likeness of Luang Pu Sathu Sukdhamma of Wat Ban Leh in Maha Sarakham, created in 1966 in both large and small versions. The front features the monk's portrait with text reading "First Edition," while the reverse bears a mystical yantra and the date January 1, 1966, with some pieces showing inscription marks. Another featured item is a cast figure of Luang Por Od Panyataro, former abbot of Wat Jan Sen in Nakhon Sawan, created in 1988 in four different metals—silver, brass, copper, and lead—to fund construction of a reliquary chamber. The article also highlights a rare metal coin of Luang Por Saeng Thammaro of Wat Tham Phra Phutthagosei in Trang province, issued in 1979, featuring the monk's portrait wearing glasses on the obverse and a personal yantra on the reverse, now sought after in southern Thailand. Additionally covered is a powder amulet of Luang Por Tho from Wat Tap Tan in Uthai Thani, created in 1972 by Luang Por Sanga Chittasangwaro to raise funds for public benefit, featuring a relief image of the revered teacher in a pose resisting Mara seated on a divine platform.
