The Sixth Realm of Merit – Luang Pho Wan Kusalachitta of Wat Khlong Khun, Phichit Province
Luang Pho Wan Kusalachitta, the revered abbot of Wat Khlong Khun in Phichit Province who became renowned throughout Thailand for his Buddhist scholarship and sacred amulets, passed away on May 11, 2564, at age 85.
Monday, May 11, 2569 marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of Phra Kru Phipidhammatra, or Luang Pho Wan Kusalachitta, the former abbot of Wat Khlong Khun in Tapan Hin District, Phichit Province, who was revered as one of the leading Buddhist scholars and teachers of Phichit.
Born as Wan Pannet on September 2, 2478 at Khlong Khun Village in Tapan Hin District, Phichit, to parents Nai Meuk and Nang Khot Pannet, his childhood was spent immersed in rural nature with a calm and peaceful spirit. He regularly attended temple activities with his parents and helped them raise chickens and pigs according to his abilities.
As he grew older, he received his education at Wat Khlong Khun School, completing the fourth grade of compulsory education. He then left school to assist his family by raising cattle and buffalo, continuing the agricultural tradition passed down through generations of his family.
He was ordained as a Buddhist monk on July 7, 2499, with Phra Kru Phiset Thammaratana of Wat Had Tangmo as his preceptor, Phra Bai Tikaanon of Wat Phai Luang as his ordination witness, and Phra Wachajarn and Phra Thammathornsang of Wat Sai Longkhon as his instructors. He received the monastic name Kusalachitta, meaning "one with a mind rooted in merit and virtue."
After three years of monkhood, he gained the trust of villagers and the sangha, who entrusted him with training junior monks. In 2503, he was appointed acting abbot, and in 2505, he was officially installed as the abbot of Wat Khlong Khun, a position he held for many years.
He studied ancient Buddhist texts and sacred knowledge from various masters, including Luang Pu Chan of Wat Khlong Khun and Luang Pu Pho of Wat Wang Ma Nao. He became renowned for his exemplary conduct and strict observance of monastic discipline, earning the deep respect and reverence of people throughout Tapan Hin District and neighboring provinces.
His daily routine involved receiving visitors with warm hospitality, performing auspicious ceremonies, and blessing devotees. He provided various services including astrological consultations, blessing of new homes, ordination ceremonies, and daily ritual baths for people seeking blessings and good fortune.
In 2545, he was granted a royal title elevation to the rank of Phra Kru Sanyabaht Chani Aek with the ecclesiastical name Phra Kru Phipidhammatra.
His reputation grew extensively, and he became well-known throughout the region, receiving invitations to consecrate sacred objects and preside over important Buddhist ceremonies across the central provinces and throughout Thailand. The amulets and talismans he created were highly sought after, including Buddha images bearing his likeness and commemorative medals. He was also famous for his powerful magical objects such as sacred knives and protective talismans.
On March 21, 2564, due to age-related decline, he was admitted to Wang Sai Phoon Hospital for medical care. On Tuesday, May 11, 2564, he developed fever, low blood pressure, reduced oral intake, and diminished urine output, with an increasing lung infection. Tests revealed acidosis and electrolyte imbalance in his body.
