The Sixth Ariyadhamma – Luang Pu Noy Somjitto, A Forest Monk in the Lineage of Ajarn Di
Luang Pu Noy Somjitto, a revered forest monk in the lineage of Ajarn Di, died on May 4, 2012, after 54 years of exemplary practice dedicated to strict monastic discipline and insight meditation. His 14th death anniversary is commemorated th
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the 14th anniversary of the passing of Phra Kru Vimolsilabhon, known as Luang Pu Noy Somjitto of Wat Pa Non Saen Kham, is commemorated. He was a forest monk and dedicated practitioner of insight meditation who scrupulously observed monastic discipline, earning the deep respect and faith of Buddhists for decades.
Born on Friday, September 17, 1937, as Noy Mulsutup in Kut Hae Village, he attended school from age seven but suffered from chronic illness causing him to miss three months. At age 11, he completed fourth grade and left school to help his parents farm. During that era, continuing education required traveling to distant places, which was difficult, so he had to help support his family.
When he reached age 20, his parents presented him with monastic robes to Ajarn Di Channo, a senior disciple of Ajarn Sao Kantasilo and Ajarn Man Bhuridatto, requesting that he be ordained in the forest meditation lineage. After three months of novice training, he received full ordination on May 20, 1957, at Wat Pa Suntharam with Phra Kru Patthakunathorn as preceptor, Phra Ajarn Singtong Papakon as the ceremony conductor, and Phra Somuh Uay as the assistant.
He regularly studied the Dhamma under Ajarn Di Channo, the abbot of Wat Pa Suntharam. Each rainy season retreat, he would undertake extended meditation practice, though his health eventually declined, leading him to remain at Wat Pa Non Saen for his practice.
He was known for his exemplary moral conduct and strict adherence to monastic discipline. He was serene, dignified, and refined in his practice of the precepts. He consistently taught that maintaining moral precepts and observing the monastic rules were the heart of Buddhism, requiring constant vigilance with every breath—this was an absolute duty with no exceptions, even for minor precepts. He demonstrated through his own exemplary practice rather than mere words.
Even when ill or in poor health, he never complained to relatives, and few knew of his physical suffering. Some communities even invited him to travel great distances, which demanded tremendous endurance.
Ultimately, he passed away peacefully from acute kidney failure on Friday, May 4, 2012, at Wat Pa Non Saen Kham at the age of 74 with 54 years of monastic life.
