Luang Pu Sun's Portrait Medal Gains Devoted Following
A revered northeast meditation master and educator, Luang Pu Sun gained widespread devotion through his strict Buddhist practice and teachings at Ban Sua Goke Temple in Maha Sarakham province before his death in 1961, with his portrait meda
Luang Pu Sun Tikhapanyo, also known as Phra Kru Sunthorn Saathukij of Ban Sua Goke Temple in Sua Goke subdistrict, Wapi Pathum district, Maha Sarakham province, was a revered old-era meditation master celebrated throughout the northeast. He was born into the Prasong Khun family in 1886 at Ban Plueai in Roi Et province, where his family worked as farmers like most northeastern farmers of that era. Later, the family relocated to Ban Sua Goke to seek livelihood. During his youth, he worked diligently for his family and tended water buffalo in the fields during spare time from farm work.
At age 18, while herding buffalo as usual, a bell hanging from an animal's neck fell and was lost. Fearing punishment from his father, and being naturally inclined toward Buddhist teachings, he asked a friend's father to ordain him at Ban Sua Goke Temple to escape the consequences. When his parents learned their son had entered the monastic order, they raised no objection and even shared in the merit. At age 20, he received full ordination with Phra Athikan Sa as his preceptor.
He studied Buddhist scriptures with unwavering diligence and practiced monastic discipline strictly, never missing dawn and evening chanting. After the midday meal, he would sit in meditation within his cell. Each year after the three-month rains retreat, he would undertake wandering practice through forests and mountains across the northeast seeking spiritual insight. He also studied ancient scripts from a celebrated Lao master, gaining proficiency in writing Lao, Khmer, and Thai scripts.
His reputation spread rapidly, and daily devotees from across the region traveled to pay respects, listen to his teachings, and receive blessed water and protective amulets. Yet he constantly taught: "Do not be careless and do not oppress one another, or life will bring you only suffering."
He was also a dedicated educator. Throughout his years at Ban Sua Goke Temple, he emphasized education as a pathway for poor northeastern youth. He taught Buddhist doctrine at the temple school, and his students studied intensively—sometimes until 9 p.m.—making the school renowned. Each year approximately 100 monks and novices came to study under him during the rains retreat.
From 1918 to 1951, he resided at Ban Sua Goke Temple until he performed a water ceremony at the ruins of an ancient Khmer shrine in a forest grove where the present Ku Sunthararum Temple now stands. Despite locals believing the forest was haunted and dangerous, he resolved to build a temple there with community cooperation. The temple was completed in 1957 as Ku Sunthararum Ban Sanam Temple. He remained there until his death.
Luang Pu Sun's health declined in his final years, and he passed away peacefully of old age on September 29, 1961, at age 76 after 56 years in robes. During his lifetime, few amulets and talismans were created, yet they became extraordinarily popular—particularly his portrait medals, first cast in 1957, commanding rental prices in the tens of thousands.
