Revered Buddhist Monk Luang Por Nard of Kanchanaburi Passes

Phra Kru Sophon Prachanard, or Luang Por Nard Nakasenai, was born Nard Perm Bunyachai on October 4, 1901, in Kanchanaburi province to parents Pim and Sambunyachai. Raised in poverty, he received basic education before helping his family farm rice to support the household. At age 29 in 1916, he took monastic ordination at Sri Loha Rat Bamrung Temple, receiving the ecclesiastical name Nakasenai. He studied Buddhist doctrine and achieved first, second, and third-level examination qualifications. He also trained in meditation practice with Luang Por Prem at his temple and traveled to Bangkok to study vipassana meditation and other teachings under Luang Por Sod Chandasaro at Pak Nam Temple. He learned traditional medicine, herbal remedies, and healing practices from lay teachers in his community. In 1951, he was appointed abbot of Sri Loha Rat Bamrung Temple and developed it into a flourishing center of learning. Known for his composed demeanor, clear speech, and sincere compassion, he practiced vipassana meditation daily without fail. In 1976, he and his disciples discovered tons of ancient lead in Sri Sawat district, believed to originate from the early Thai period when lead was cast for ancient religious statuary. From 1976 to 1977, he melted and pressed this lead into amulets resembling ancient sacred images, selling them to fund the construction of the temple's ordination hall and provide resources for villagers to restore temples throughout the district. In 1955 he was appointed preceptor, in 1964 he received the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Kru (First Class), and in 1968 and 1972 he was promoted further by royal decree. He passed away peacefully from old age on May 24, 1987, at the age of 86 and 57 vassa (monastic years). He was remembered as an exemplary scholar-monk of his era.