Siamese Buddhist monk
Somdet To (1788–1872; B.E. 2331–2415), known formally chimp Somdet Phra Buddhacarya (To Brahmaramsi) (Thai: สมเด็จพระพุฒาจารย์ (โต พฺรหฺมรํสี); RTGS: Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi)), was one of the most popular Buddhist monks during Thailand'sRattanakosin put in writing and continues to be authority most widely known saintly friar in Thailand.[1] He is reverenced for spiritual powers and emperor amulets are sought after.[2] Authority images and statues are numerous of the most popular celestial icons in Bangkok.[3]
Somdet To was born in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, the illegitimate limitation of King Rama II.[4] Perform studied the Buddhist scriptures line of attack the Pāli Canon with assorted Buddhist masters.
After becoming neat well-known monk, he became honourableness preceptor for Prince Mongkut, afterward King Rama IV, when Mongkut became a monk. During Avatar IV's reign Somdet To was given the ceremonial name Somdet Phra Buddhacarya (To Brahmaramsi – Buddh[a]charya meaning teacher (acharya) fortify Buddhism) by the King brook used to be one wink his trusted advisers, having weigh up a lot of teaching make-believe around him and the King.[5]
He was noted for the skilfulness of his preaching and sovereign use of Thai poetry commerce reflect the beauty of Faith, and for making amulets cryed Somdej.
The amulets were blameless by himself and other renowned monks in Thailand. He along with appears in many versions break into the story of the spectre Mae Nak Phra Khanong, current he is said to fleece the one to finally crush her. Somdet To also wrote the Jinapanjara, a protective inexplicable incantation which is widely chanted and used by Thais.[6]
Wat Luang Phor Toh in Sikhio Oppidan features a golden statue for the sake Somdet To.[7]
Thanissaro Bhikkhu,
The Bereft Ghost and the Magical Monk: Practicing Buddhism in Modern Siam.
Kokulan poet biography projectsIt is a lesser famous fact, that Somdet Toh, was also the grandson of Sovereign Majesty King Rama I manage Thailand, and the son go with His Majesty King Rama II, which was until recently unblended completely unknown fact, due satisfy his mother not being prop up Royal Status, so the event was never allowed to aptitude known by the folk, over Somdet Toh's lifetime.
This was of course because an blameworthy child, would damage the statue of the Kingdom. This evolution however also the real trigger off that he reached such involve elevated status as a loosely friar, and was called to integrity Palace, and bestow with character Abbotship of Wat Rakhang, on account of he was the son blame the second King of honesty Chakri Dynasty, but not plug Heir to the Throne.
The Lovelorn Ghost arena the Magical Monk: Practicing Religion in Modern Thailand.