Inside the Monastic Circle – The Luang Pho Yid Amulet
A revered ascetic teacher, the late Luang Pho Yid, presided over the 1995 consecration of an ancient Dvaravati-period Buddha image at Wat Nong Jok in Prachuap Khiri Khan, creating amulets that remain treasured among collectors for their spi
"Practice is about swimming against the current, against the inclinations of our own hearts," reflects Venerable Luang Pho Cha Suphattho from Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. Rewind to 1994: the late Luang Pho Yid Chantsuvanno from Wat Nong Jok in Kuiburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, a renowned ascetic teacher, presided over the installation of an ancient sandstone Buddha image from the Dvaravati period, which became the principal Buddha image "Luang Pho Thep Nimit." The official ordination ceremony and sacred object consecration took place over three days, April 7-9, 1995.
The Luang Pho Yid amulet features a spherical design with loop ears and no rim. The front displays a half-figure relief with Khmer script reading "U Pu Tho Ya" on the robe. The right side shows a raised image of Sangkachai, while the left features Sivali. Below the figure, Thai script reads "Luang Pho Yid, Wat Nong Jok." The back resembles a pan-shaped surface with a turtle yantra in the center, surrounded by various mystical designs including the Nang Kwak figure, guru yantra, and closed-eyed Buddha images. Below bear Khmer script and Thai letters identifying "Kuiburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan," stamped with the Khmer code "U."
Prat Pathom Chedi amulets from Nakhon Pathom remain highly popular. Beyond the celebrated "first edition Prat Pathom Chedi medal from 1922," the "Khandara Ratsadon cast flat amulet" created by Venerable Dhammavarodom (Luang Pho Choti) using ancient casting methods with mixed metal in an inverted boat shape, featuring peacock patterns on both sides, commands equal admiration. The front displays a standing Buddha in rain-requesting pose, supported by a lotus dais, with the right hand raised and left hand open to receive rainfall. The back features raised Khmer script yantra, making it a valuable historical treasure.
"Luang Phu Songkhom Kantdhamma," a revered teacher at Wat Ban Sai in Ban Mee District, Lopburi, created the first edition "Brahma Wealth Amulet" to fund temple restoration. All sacred objects are numbered and coded individually. The amulet features a square rice-grain shape design with solid loop ears. The front shows a full seated meditation figure with Thai script reading "Wat Ban Sai, Lopburi" beside it and "Luang Phu Songkhom" below, with Thai numerals "102-2557." The back has bordered edges with Khmer script underneath, centered with Four-Faced Brahma yantra containing the merchant's heart symbol guarded by directional incantations—another amulet worthy of respect.
"Luang Pho Plod Suphattho" from Wat Nong Mor in Nakhon Sawan created sixteen "hand-blessed protection amulets" for disciples assisting temple work. He insisted, "Preserve these well—this is the final edition." The egg-shaped design features no loop ear, with the front border showing a half-figure relief in yellow glaze bearing Khmer script and yantra on the robe. Thai and Khmer script identify the monk. The back shows a plain surface with handwritten yantra and Khmer script. All sixteen amulets were blessed by Luang Pho Plod's own hand before distribution, making them highly sought after by collectors despite the absence of any disciples willing to part with theirs.
