Revered Buddhist Amulet: First Edition Luang Pu Ma Medal
Luang Pu Ma Ñāṇavaro's first-edition portrait medal from 2517, commissioned by disciples to honor the revered vipassanā meditation master from Roi Et, remains one of Northeast Thailand's most sought-after Buddhist amulets due to its single
A true Buddhist practitioner is one who follows the teachings of the Buddha, as noted by Luang Pho Cha Subhaddo of Nong Pa Pong Temple, Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Pu Ma Ñāṇavaro, former abbot of Wat Santi Vihāra in Roi Et and a celebrated vipassanā meditation master of the Northeast, created the highly popular first-edition portrait medal of 2517. Disciples commissioned it to honor his ecclesiastical rank as Phra Kru Sārdham Nidēt. The medal is oval with a loop, bird-pattern borders, and a centered full-body meditation image with curved script around the edge bearing his name. The reverse features prosperity and millionaire yantras, with the temple name and date (13/3/17) inscribed below. It underwent a single Buddhist consecration and remains Roi Et's most coveted medal. The 12th Supreme Patriarch, Somdet Phra Ariywongsa Katyanan Somdet Phra Sangharāj (Pae Tissathero), based at Wat Suthat, is renowned for his skill in crafting Thailand's sacred bells, particularly the famous Chiang Tung bell of 2486. The Reverend Luang Pho Chang Achayo, former abbot of Wat Khuen Phet in Phetchaburi, is celebrated for bone-setting expertise and the collection of amulets, especially his first-edition medal from 2513 commemorating the temple abbot's anniversary—an oval portrait with Thai numerals below, now increasingly rare and valuable. Luang Pu Solās Yosotharo (Phra Kru Tham Rongbodhi) of Wat Khok U Thong in Prachuap Khiri Khan, a student of famous masters, created the acclaimed nine-sided diamond medal first edition and its retro version from 2548, featuring a nine-sided form with copper-patina casting of 500 pieces, his half-length portrait, and mystical yantras on reverse.
