Buddhist Amulet News – Luang Pho Jad Medal B.E. 2495 from Wat Bang Krabaow, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

During the Indochina War era, four renowned Buddhist masters with countless devoted disciples were particularly sought after for their sacred amulets, known for their exceptional mystical powers and protective qualities—stories that continue to circulate today.

These single-syllabled masters are famously known collectively as 'Jad-Jong-Kong-Ee,' consisting of Luang Pho Jad Khangkhonsaro of Wat Bang Krabaow in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Luang Pho Jong Putthosaro of Wat Nangdang Nok in Ayutthaya, Luang Pho Kong Thammacho of Wat Bang Kapom in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram, and Luang Pho Ee Putthosaro of Wat Sattahip in Chachoengsao.

Luang Pho Jad, or Phra Kru Sitthi Samkun, was a brilliant meditation master at Wat Bang Krabaow in Ban Sarang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Originally named Jad Wongkampuch, he was born on March 17, B.E. 2415, corresponding to a Tuesday in the fourth lunar month of the year. In his youth, he was adopted by the respected family of Mr. Thin and Mrs. Klin Sisang from Ban Sarang.

At age twenty, his adoptive father brought him to study under a respected teacher at Wat Ban Sarang to learn Buddhist chanting and serve the monastery. On April 13, B.E. 2436, he was ordained with proper ceremonies at the Buddhist monastery, with Phra Kru Prachanamuni of Wat Luang Prichakul as his preceptor.

He later traveled to care for his father at Wat Koh Kaew Weluwan before spending the Buddhist Lent there. During his retreat, he studied under the renowned Phra Ajarn Jan, a respected elder known for his meditation instruction. In his second year, he followed Phra Ajarn Uan to study scriptures with Phra Ajarn Yu at Wat Kraisiha in Bangkok. By his fourth year, he returned to spend Buddhist Lent at Wat Bang Krabaow.

Following this, he spent several years in forest retreat, encountering many notable monks including Luang Pho Ee of Wat Sattahip, Luang Pho Jong of Wat Nangdang Nok, and Luang Pho Chaem of Wat Tak Gong in Nakhon Pathom. He studied various teachings including protective chants, loving-kindness meditation, and advanced meditation practices until around age forty, when he returned to spend Buddhist Lent at Wat Bang Krabaow.

He became renowned for his exceptional meditation expertise, particularly in powerful protective practices, though he never boasted of his abilities and only used his knowledge when necessary. During the Southeast Asian War, countless sacred amulets were created, with the most significant production occurring in B.E. 2483 when accomplished masters throughout the country crafted amulets for soldiers.

He was later invited by Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram to consecrate protective talismans, creating full-figure seated Buddha medals with a Great Buddha image seated on a lotus flower behind, made in both silver and copper. His reputation became widespread when French aircraft dropped bombs without anyone being injured—a miracle attributed to his protective powers, earning him the title 'Deity of the East.'

He served as an exemplary model for monks and was deeply respected by senior elders, particularly the Supreme Patriarch. He served as district abbot of Ban Sarang from B.E. 2447 to 2457, as preceptor from B.E. 2461, and received a promotion to the rank of Phra Kru Sitthi Samkun (Second Class) in B.E. 2470. He passed away peacefully on November 10, B.E. 2499, at the age of eighty-five.