News Update: Commemorative Medal for Luang Pho Ruay's Ecclesiastical Rank - Wat Tako
Luang Pho Ruay Pasatiko, a revered Buddhist monk from Wat Tako, was honored with commemorative medals marking his ecclesiastical advancement in 1970, becoming famous nationwide for his amulets and spiritual guidance before his death in 2017
Luang Pho Ruay Pasatiko, also known as Phra Mongkolsitthajarn, was a distinguished Buddhist monk and scholar from Wat Tako in Don Yai Nang subdistrict, Pachi district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, renowned for his expertise in Buddhist scripture and meditation. Born in December 1907 to parents Mi and Sinla Sritit, he grew up like typical rural children, helping his parents with agriculture and animal husbandry. At age 16, he ordained at Wat Tako under Phra Somulbunchuy and dedicated himself to studying Buddhist doctrine, eventually achieving first-class ecclesiastical academic certification.
At age 20 in 1941, he received his full ordination at Wat Tako with Phra Kru Sunthorathammawidit (Luang Pho Chuean) as his preceptor. He continued his studies in Buddhist texts and by 1944 had achieved advanced academic ranks. After completing his doctrinal studies, he turned his attention to meditation practice and sought instruction from renowned masters including Luang Pho Chuean of Wat Pachi and Luang Pho Chaem of Wat Daeng Nuea, who generously shared their knowledge of Buddhist mystical sciences.
He served as abbot of Wat Tako from 1949 and as district sangha leader from 1953. Known for his strict adherence to monastic discipline, simple lifestyle, and equal compassion for all who sought his blessings regardless of social class, he became a leading ecclesiastical figure. His amulets and sacred objects, particularly his wriststrings and talismans, were highly sought after for their spiritual power. In 2015, he was honored with an ecclesiastical rank of Phra Ratchakana (third class) and given the title Phra Mongkolsitthajarn.
He produced amulets beginning before 1969, with significant production from 1970 onward across many batches that became highly popular and valuable. As a leading national monk, he was regularly invited to preside over amulet consecration ceremonies. His name, considered auspicious, led believers to trust that those who made merit with him would prosper. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at Vichaiyut Hospital in Bangkok at age 95 after 75 years of monastic life.
His most renowned amulets are his wriststrings, but equally popular are his first-edition medals created on April 18, 1970, commemorating his elevation to the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Kru Sannyabat (second class). The medal features a relief portrait and bears an inscription with his name.
