Revered Luang Pho In's First-Edition Amulet Highly Sought
Collectors highly prize first-edition amulets of revered Thai monks, particularly those of Luang Pho In from Trang, created in 1972 as funeral memorials and consecrated by eminent monks from his lineage.
A Buddhist saying holds that the path to enlightenment exists, but it is realized through practice, according to Luang Pho Cha Suphadtho of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Luang Pho In Inthasaro, known as Pho Tan In, was the former abbot of Wat Yan Sueah in Kantang District, Trang, and a celebrated Buddhist teacher in the province. While devotees seek various sacred objects associated with him, including woven cloth amulets, the most eagerly pursued item is his first-edition amulet.
Luang Pho In's first-edition amulet was created in 1972 as a memorial for those who attended his funeral. The amulet has an oval shape, crafted in dark brass and mixed metal, with the front depicting Luang Pho In seated in full meditation. The top of the front side bears the inscription "Luang Pho In Inthasaro, Wat Yan Sueah, Trang," while the back features Khmer script. Although these amulets were not personally consecrated by Luang Pho In himself, several eminent monks from his lineage participated in the consecration ceremony, which significantly boosted their popularity.
Luang Poo Samlee Suddajitto, abbot of Wat Tham Khu Ha Wari in Wang Sapung District, Loei Province, initiated a project to build the "Chanthasaro Memorial Chedi" but faced funding shortages. He therefore created an amulet modeled after the first edition in oval form with undrilled ears. The front features a half-length image of Luang Poo wearing draped robes, with his name inscribed below. The amulet was produced in various materials including polished gold, gold with sacred yantra, silver with gold facing, polished silver, and silver facing with tin, among others. This amulet is expected to become highly sought after.
Luang Pho Thong of Wat Khao Takrua in Bang Krok Subdistrict, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province, is a revered Buddha image known for its miraculous power and veneration. Amulets associated with Luang Pho Thong are produced in numerous types, all highly popular and sought after. The most well-known is the "stamped amulet of 1925," but the true first-edition amulet was created in 1922 as a "square cast amulet featuring a stupa," made during the tenure of Phra Akharn Hoi as abbot.
Luang Pho Thong's first-edition cast amulet from 1922 was made of brass with a connected loop and raised borders on both sides. The front depicts Luang Pho Thong seated in the Mara Vijaya pose above a double lotus pedestal with a supporting base beneath. The back bears three lines of Khmer script reading "I sava sumi no chey ya." This amulet is now extremely rare.
In 1972, Wat Geoy Chai Nuea (Boromadat) in Geoy Chai Subdistrict, Chum Saeng District, Nakhon Sawan Province, created a Chakra-wheel-edged amulet during the tenure of Luang Pho Thong Yai Pantavat Thano, the former abbot, who was promoted to the rank of Phra Kru Sannyabat Chao Khana Tambon Class One. The amulet was produced in relatively large quantities, initially around 2,000 pieces. Due to high demand, the supply quickly ran out, leading to the creation of an additional 5,000 amulets.
The Chakra-wheel amulet features sharp-edged indentations resembling fish teeth arranged in a chakra pattern with 16 points and a connected loop. The front bears the name Phra Kru Niraphon Witethasuch, with colored enamel inlays on the indented ridges. A ring loop is attached at the ridge corresponding to the head, and each amulet features different colored enamel. The back displays an image of the main pagoda in the center.
