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Luang Pho Kaew
History of Luang Pho Kaew Khrueawan Temple Chonburi Province
Luang Pho Kaew was born at the end of King Rama I's reign, around 1794, into a family of fishermen in Phetchaburi Province. Some texts indicate that he was a Bangkaew native from Ban Laem District in Phetchaburi Province. He was ordained at Wat Phra Song in Phetchaburi Province. Luang Por Kaew passed away in 1888 at the age of approximately 94 years.
When Luang Pho Kaew reached a certain age, his parents entrusted him to live with Sompara at a local temple. This opportunity allowed him to study both Thai and Khmer languages due to his remarkable intelligence and quick learning ability. Somphan recognized his potential and believed that if he were ordained as a novice monk, he would continue to contribute significantly to Buddhism.
After his novice ordination, he diligently immersed himself in studying various texts, particularly the Mulukaccaya Sutta. As he grew older, he eventually took full ordination as a Buddhist monk. His perseverance and patience led to a deep interest in mastering the teachings of Buddhism. He pursued studies in Pali grammar, which, according to ancient language, was known as studying at a prestigious school in Bangkok.
While studying in Bangkok, he also spent time meditating at Wat Ratchasittharam. At that time, Somdet Phra Sangkharat (Suk) was the head of the school since Somdej Phra Sangharaja Suk was already quite elderly. Somdet Phra Sangkharat Suk entrusted the responsibilities to Brahmamunijit, a meditation teacher and expert in dispelling various magical influences.
After completing his studies, Luang Pho Kaew embarked on a pilgrimage to various places. He ventured through the eastern region and eventually settled in an area within Chonburi Province. In those days, Chonburi Province was still covered in dense forests and a variety of mixed woodlands. The landscape was dominated by the vastness of the sea, as the aftermath of the war during King Taksin's quest for freedom left many temples in disrepair. The villagers in that area had limited access to education, which had suffered from neglect.
It remains uncertain whether it was merely luck or a twist of fate that attracted pilgrims to pass through this region. Nevertheless, it was Luang Pho Kaew's pure kindness that inspired him to consider burying his relatives and loved ones in that area to better comprehend the principles of Buddhism. Consequently, he settled there, earned trustworthiness among the villagers, and they provided food offerings as an act of merit.
Among these villagers were individuals known for their mastery of magical items. When they learned of Phra Rukkhamun's arrival, their practices were distinct from those of other pilgrims, drawing faith from their fellow villagers. They came to Phra Rukkhamun, seeking talismans.
When family and friends visited him, he extended a Dhamma-based invitation, as his gift was the Dhamma itself. When someone requested a magical item, he generously gave them a magical gift, often consisting of magical mantras. Since pilgrims would carry numerous items during their journey, they were unable to transport them all. Therefore, these pilgrims mainly sought magical mantras.
Luang Pho Kaew adhered to the principles of gratitude and generosity, guided by the Buddha's teachings. He provided mantras and offered prayers while paying homage to the Triple Gem. The growing faith of the local residents led him to initiate the restoration of an abandoned temple, which he accomplished through the collective effort and cooperation of the local community. The temple was restored to a usable condition, and it was named 'Wat Khrueawan,' possibly inspired by the vision of vines covering the temple.
Historical evidence suggests that Luang Phor Kaew regularly traveled to Phetchaburi, perhaps to visit his hometown and connect with his traditional relatives and acquaintances. He often arrived by boat and docked at the pier beneath a banyan tree near Wat Mahathat in Phetchaburi Province. Some sources even suggest that he may be associated with the Buddha image at Luang Por Kaew Temple in Wat Pak Thale, Phetchaburi Province.
He established Wat Khrueawan around the year 1797, during the reign of King Rama III. Wat Khrueawan is located at 749 Pho Thong Road, Makham Yong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province.
Video
Phrapidta Luang Pho Kaew Wat Khrueawan
"Phra Pidta" is another type of amulet that showcases unique Buddhist art. It prominently symbolizes the concept of "implication" or the "mystery" of Buddhist art, which involves the sealing or closure of the anus or the entry point to all the defilements. In the human body, there are nine openings, including two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, one mouth, and the two excretory passages at the front and back, collectively forming the "nine orifices." This serves to prevent external defilements from entering the inner self, particularly for the purpose of meditation practice.
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