Biography of Luang Pho Pan | Wat Panprasittharam

Luang Pho Pan

Wat Pan Prasittharam (Wat Pak Ka)

Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province

Biography:

Luang Por Pan is a revered figure in the lives of the people of Klong Dan today. He was a well-known Phra Ajarn, born in Bang Heiy Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province in 1825 during the reign of King Nang Klao Chao Yu Hua (King Rama 3). His father's name was Nuchin and his mother's name was Tan. Luang Pho Pan had five siblings from the same parents, namely:

The first person's name Thep
The second person's name Tat
The third person's name Pan (Luang Pho Pan)
The forth person's name Chan
The fifth person's name Jam

During the reign of King Rama V, a royal decree on surnames was issued and adopted. The descendants of Luang Pho Pan adopted the surname "Nuthep," using the name of the previous generation as the family name.

Why is it called Bang Heiy?

Luang Pho Pan's ancestors migrated from Ayutthaya when the city fell to Burma for the second time (in 1767 B.E.) to settle in Ban Sanam Ruean, also known as Khok Setthi village, as those who had emigrated at that time were all wealthy people. However, the area was still covered by forest. There was a river flowing through this jungle which emptied into the sea at Bang Heiy. Every time the tide rose, saltwater spilled into various rivers and canals, causing perpetual hardship for the villagers living in the area. The area where sea water and fresh water met was home to both terrestrial and aquatic animals. Among the most abundant animals were crabs and fish for food, as well as "water monitors". In order to prevent saltwater from mixing with fresh water and to prevent the abundance of reptiles from spreading along various canals, the villagers named the village "Ban Bang Heiy" and named the river "Bang Heiy River" to reflect the reality of the place.

There is also a story that has been passed down through generations that among the wealthy who immigrated at that time, there was a rich family with a son who was dearly loved. He loved and pampered his children very much. He came up with the idea of using gold to make a statue of a water monitor the size of a child, which his child could drag and play with. It is rumored that the story continues with the golden lizard that the rich man's son dragged around to play. This sub-district is affectionately known as "Bang Heiy Subdistrict".

There are two temples in Bang Heiy: Bang Heiy Nok (Wat Mongkolkothawat) and Bang Heiy Nai (Wat Kotharam). Both temples are located along the water and are separated from each other periodically.

Luang Pho's early education

Luang Pho's parents sent him to Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Wat Chaeng) temple in Thon Buri Province and entrusted him to the abbot, Chao Khun Si Sak Sunthon. Later, Luang Pho was ordained as a novice at Wat Chaeng, where he studied Dhamma and discipline with Than Chao Khun, who was the preceptor for many years. Luang Pho developed a strong interest in meditation, which is a unique aspect of Buddhism that cleanses the mind of erroneous views and purifies it. Meditation is also the foundation for immersing the mind in the teachings of the Lord Buddha, or Dharma.

Returning to Hometown

After completing his meditation studies, Luang Pho bid farewell to Somdet Phra Si Sakyamuni, who was both his teacher and abbot at Wat Chaeng, and returned to his hometown at the Bang Heiy Nok Monastery. Accompanying him was another monk named Luang Pho Reụxn, whom he often traveled with. Upon arriving at the monastery, Luang Pho Pan was appointed as the caretaker of the novice monks by the abbot at the time, Luang Pho Than. Phra Ajarn Im was assigned as his assistant to help with practice and education.

Luang Pho Pan was diligent in protecting the novice monks and provided strict guidance in their practice, teaching them meditation techniques and encouraging them to meditate daily. His own conduct was also exemplary, earning him the respect of the novice monks.

His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)

Around the beginning of 1909, the water gates that blocked the Bang Heiy River, now known as "Pratunam Chonlaharn Phichit" or commonly referred to as Pratunam Klong Dan, could not be closed despite the efforts of skilled craftsmen to repair them. Pratunam suffered damage every year, causing concern among local officials. They brought the matter to the attention of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, requesting his visit to address the issue.

During that time, King Chulalongkorn was a powerful monarch. His visits brought prosperity and good fortune to the people. Upon learning of the officials' request, he graciously accepted and visited the area as desired by the people.

Pratunam Chonlaharn Phichit, known today, can be considered one of the important water gates in the past. During the Grand Royal Barge Procession, King Rama V traveled along the Bang Heiy River for three days, which allowed the people of Bang Heiy to deeply understand His Majesty's significance. He renamed the Bang Heiy Subdistrict to Khlong Dan Subdistrict, and the Bang Heiy River became the Klong Dan River. He also changed the Bang Heiy District to Bang Bo District. Even today, the residents of Klong Dan still remember the legacy of His Majesty's graciousness, and it is a great fortune that His Majesty bestowed his own name without any request from the people. This act deserves to be remembered and appreciated by future generations. The people of Bang Heiy sub-district should feel proud that their home was once favored by the King, and they should always remember His Majesty's grace.

History of Wat Mongkolkothawat (Bang Heiy Nok Temple)

According to historical records from the Department of Religious Affairs, Wat Bang Heiy Nok was constructed in the year 2300 during the late Ayutthaya period, which was the capital at that time. Later, King Chulalongkorn Rama V visited the area in early 1909 and saw the water gate in the Bang Heiy River. His Majesty gave the people of Bang Heiy the new name "Khlong Dan" and renamed Wat Bang Heiy Nok to "Wat Mongkolkothawat". Additionally, His Majesty bestowed a royal name and ecclesiastical title to Luang Pho Parn, naming him "Phra Khru Phiphatnirodthakit". Luang Pho Parn was known for his incomparable abilities as a monk during that time, and we will discuss his supernatural stories later.

Sequence of Famous Phra Ajans

Wat Mongkolkothawat (Wat Bang Heiy Nok) is a temple where many famous monks have resided. For instance, during the tenure of Luang Pho Than, a resident of Khlong Nang Nhong village, Khlong Dan sub-district, he was ordained at Wat Bang Heiy Nok and later became its abbot. During his time as abbot, there were many distinguished senior monks who were qualified teachers, such as:

- Luang Pho Pan (Phra Khru Phiphatnirodthakit)
- Luang Pho Reuxn (Former preceptor at this temple)
- Luang Pho La (A shaman and holy water healer)
- Phra Ajarn Im (A meditation master and teacher who taught pilgrimage to monks and novices wishing to go out into the woods)
- Luang Pho Thong (Phra Kru Suthirat)
- Luang Pho Laos (He was dead, but his body did not decay.)
- Master Bua
- Phra Samuh Nim (When he was a novice)

Teach meditation

Luang Pho Pan was known for his intelligence and as a teacher, he would introduce different dharmas to his novice monks each day. One of the teachings he shared was about the five aggregates, which are:

1. Form
2. Feeling
3. Perception
4. Mental formations
5. Consciousness

The body is made up of the four elements - earth, water, air, and fire. Feeling refers to emotional states, whether it's pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Perception is the ability to recognize forms, tastes, smells, sounds, tactile sensations, and emotions that arise in the mind. Mental formations are the mental states that arise, which can be good or bad, and are central to our being. Consciousness refers to the knowledge of the emotions that arise when we perceive something through our senses.

Luang Pho Pan would also teach his novices about the four elements of meditation: the earth element, the water element, the fire element, and the wind element. The earth element represents stability, the water element represents adaptability, the fire element represents energy, and the wind element represents movement. By considering these elements, novices could cultivate mindfulness and awareness.

Luang Pho Pan, who was known for his intelligence, used to introduce various dharmas to different novice monks each day. He would often let the novices study the verses of the five aggregates, which include:

1. Form (the physical body), which is made up of the four elements - earth, water, air, and fire.
2. Feeling (emotional response to sensations), which includes happiness, suffering, and indifference.
3. Perception (mental recognition of objects and experiences).
4. Mental formations (volitional actions that lead to karmic results).
5. Consciousness (awareness of sensory experiences).

Luang Pho Pan would also ask the novices to consider the four elements of meditation together, which are:

1. The earth element (associated with solidity and stability).
2. The water element (associated with cohesion and liquidity).
3. The fire element (associated with heat and energy).
4. The wind element (associated with movement and vibration).

The novices were instructed to focus on whichever element was strong within them, and contemplate on it. For example, the earth element is internalized in the hair, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, ligaments, bones, muscles, spleen, heart, liver, lungs, and intestines.

Luang Pho Pan believed that practicing meditation on the elements in our body helped to strengthen our physical and mental faculties, thereby enabling us to develop telepathy and other supernatural abilities.

In one instance, during the reign of King Rama V, Luang Pho Pan was invited to meet the king and was asked to bring a tiger's fang as well. Upon arriving, Luang Pho Pan informed the king that the tiger had already died by jumping into the water on the way. To prove his point, Luang Pho Pan used clay pigs impaled on a swinging stick to lure the tiger out of the water, which convinced the king of his supernatural abilities until the king said "That enough Luang Ta"

Luang Pho Pan's tigers were very famous during his time and are considered precious items that are rare to find nowadays. These tiger amulets were made from real tiger teeth and only a few were produced. When someone owns one, they often keep it private and do not reveal it to others. Hollow tiger fangs were believed to possess magical properties that could endure and protect its owner, similar to solid pig's fangs. The ancient masters used hollow tiger fangs to create talismans for numerology, character writing, and for the heart of Buddha. These talismans were believed to have invulnerable power, mahaud, and the ability to use superpowers, thanks to the tiger's status as the king of the forest with immense strength. The Luang Pho Pan tiger amulet is particularly famous and can be found at the Bang Hiey Nok Temple (Wat Mongkhon Kotharam), located in Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province.

The appearance of the Luang Pho Pan tiger amulet is that of a sitting tiger with its knees bent. They come with both open and closed mouths, and eyes that are made to look like circles. The bottom of the base is often decorated with the carving of "Tạw," curling its head and tail. Under the base, a hole is carved to fit the hollow tiger fangs. Therefore, the cross-sectional area is small, and it is popularly known as "Nakoya." Additionally, the legs, chin, and body of the tiger amulet are engraved with Thai numerals.

To find a genuine Luang Pho Pan tiger amulet today, one must rely on their knowledge of the artisan's carving skills, the age of the tiger fang used, and the appearance of the amulet.

During King Rama V's reign, he abolished slavery and implemented reforms to improve governance that reached the people. He personally visited towns to observe the happiness of the people and was loved by his subjects. When he arrived at Bang Heiy house, he was moved by the suffering of the people and showed concern. After completing his mission, he gave Luang Por Pan a sentence that said, "Let the monks go first, and the sky will follow later." This statement was difficult to comprehend by both Luang Por Pan and his disciples, but its meaning became clear after King Rama V's passing. Luang Pho Pan passed away on August 29, R.E. 129 (1910), and not long after, King Rama V passed away on October 23, R.E. 129 (B.E. 2453). King Rama V's words meant that Luang Pho Pan's passway would come first, followed by the king's own passing. He had an intuition that it was time for both him and Luang Pho Pan to leave their physical bodies. Losing the king was a significant loss for the country, and people mourned his passing. However, his legacy and benevolence live on.

Moving the body, found a good spell

While moving Luang Pho Pan's body on the second night after his death, Mr. Nak, or Pu Nak Phuakwatana as the villagers called him because he was Luang Pu Pan's grandson, discovered a handwritten spell on a piece of paper that was tucked into a hole on the pole that was leaning against the coffin.

Pu Nak revealed that he was Luang Pho Pan's biological grandson and was also the host of the funeral. However, he did not arrive on the second day of the burial and saw that the burial setting was improper because of the leaning pole. He then moved the coffin to a new funeral machine and noticed the round hole where he found the message with the handwritten spell.

The spell was written by Luang Pho Pan himself and was titled "Consecrated water to sell things," with the incantation: "Na Cha Li Te, Sang Kha Li Te, Na Cha Li Ti, Sang Kha Li Ti, Pha Si Racha, Sap Phe Cha Na
,Pha Hu Cha Na." Grandfather Nak remembered that it belonged to Luang Pho Pan and kept the piece of paper with the incantation.

Luang Pho Pan passed away on August 29, 1910, at the age of 86, due to an old disease at Wat Mongkhon Kotharam (Wat Bang Hiey Nok), Khlong Dan Subdistrict. His body was cremated at Wat Mongkolkotawat on April 9, 1910, after a burial was set up on Thursday, April 6, 1910, the 8th day of the waxing moon, 5th month, Year of the Pig.

Pu Nak, who is now 88 years old, shared the story with the abbot of Wat Mongkolkothawat during a visit. He expressed his joy in sharing the incantation because anything that would benefit the public was always welcomed.

Moving the body, found a good spell While moving Luang Pho Pan's body on the second night after his death, Mr. Nak, or Pu Nak Phuakwatana as the villagers called him because he was Luang Pu Pan's grandson, discovered a handwritten spell on a piece of paper that was tucked into a hole on the pole that was leaning against the coffin.

The spell was written by Luang Pho Pan himself and was titled "Consecrated water to sell things," with the incantation: "Nachalite Sangkhalite Nachaliti Sangkhaliti Pasiracha Sabbachana Phahuchana." Grandfather Nak remembered that it belonged to Luang Pho Pan and kept the piece of paper with the incantation.

Verbal Excellence

When Luang Pho Pan was alive, he was merciful and had excellent speech. This made him revered by many people in the neighborhood. Even the Gor. Khor. Lottery gangsters of that time came to ask for his advice. All of Luang Pho's disciples, whether monks, novices, or laypeople, had to behave virtuously because he had high standards of speech. If Luang Pho deemed anyone evil, that person was thought to have bad karma. Luang Pho Pan was careful with his words. He never scolded anyone unnecessarily, as he believed that his disciples would see him as a good person if he spoke kindly to them. He is regarded as one of the most complete Brahma Vihara Dharma teachers.

Knowing Ahead of Time

Once upon the end of the Buddhist Lent, Luang Pho Pan used to go on a hike every year. Monks from various temples came together at Bang Heiy Nok Temple (Wat Mongkolkothawat) to go on a pilgrimage with Luang Pho Pan. Luang Pho Pan was an elder monk appointed to be the ruler of the sangha in that area and was endowed with the ability to know the consciousness of others, also known as "Che To Pariya Yan" He could also sense events in the future. However, he did not disclose this information directly as he feared causing regret.

In one such pilgrimage, Luang Pho Pan prepared to rest in Chonburi province. Before leaving, monks who were to follow him had to report to him first. If Luang Pho waved his hand, they could leave. If he forbade them to go, they could not. At that time, a monk named Phra Pew approached Luang Pho Pan. Luang Pho Pan instructed him to return to the temple and collect the bowls instead of going on the pilgrimage. The monk was very sad and cried because he had hoped to accompany Luang Pho. However, Luang Pho Pan assured him that the trip was difficult and the other monks accompanying him were strong. He did not want Phra Pew to encounter any trouble. Two days after Phra Pew returned to the temple, he fell ill with smallpox and passed away. People believed that Luang Pho Pan sent him back because he had known in advance that he would die in two days. If Phra Pew had died during the journey, it would have caused trouble for others, and Luang Pho would have been blamed for not protecting his disciples. Luang Pho Pan knew in his heart that when death was imminent, it could not be avoided. No one could delay death. When this happened, Luang Pho returned the Buddha image to prevent any accusations from arising.

Teaching Subjects

Luang Pho Pan was a strict and serious monk who was dedicated to the dharma and discipline. He had a muscular figure, a huge square face, puffy eyes, a thick mouth, and spoke loudly. He taught his disciples meditation by focusing on things such as candle lights, water in the alms bowl, and the Pathavi element until their mental strength was strong and they were not shaken. He also taught walking meditation. Phrakhru Kosol (Pasathiko), a disciple of Luang Pho Pan from Bang Heiy Temple, recounted that when Luang Pho Pan walked, the robe men tended to spread the soil continually, so his path was clear.

Magic Stone

Luang Pho Pan of Wat Bang Heiy Nok is a monk who possesses magical abilities. He can create power that appears to his followers. Luang Pho Pan is known to be a pilgrimage monk who seeks solitude in the forest, where he focuses on practicing the Dharma. However, he also practices the Dharma regularly with other monks and novices.

During his meditation pilgrimage, Luang Pho Pan discovered a shiny green object known as the "magic stone." It was the size of a black pea and was located next to a stone turtle carved from sandstone, slightly reddish-brown in color. Luang Pho Pan knew that he would attain this object even before setting off on his pilgrimage. He brought it back to Bang Heiy Nok Temple, located in Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province.

Secret Court

Phra Khru Kosol (Pasathiko) revealed that Luang Pho Pan never shared the details of the magic stone with anyone. Instead, he placed it in a shrine within the temple area, where Buddha statue are often enshrined. The shrine is also a dwelling place for the deities who guard the monastery.

Luang Pho Pan brought the magical turtle to the shrine, where anyone who came to worship the Buddha statue would see it. The stone turtle disappeared once, and no one was more interested than paying respect to Luang Pho Pan in court. While it appeared to be an ordinary object, it was worth noting that every time the turtle disappeared, Luang Pho Pan would also disappear.

Everyone assumed that Luang Pho Pan went hiking in the forest. However, they wondered why he would bring the heavy and difficult-to-maintain stone turtle with him. Two days later, Luang Pho Pan returned to the temple, and the stone turtle was back in its place. A young novice who was suspicious of the turtle's behavior watched it to see where it disappeared and who took it, even though it was so heavy.

Flying Stone Turtle

The young novice put in a great effort to hide and secretly observe the behavior of the stone turtle with bright green stone eyes on both sides. Lu ang Pho Pan had already noticed that the novice suspected that the stone turtle had disappeared. He came to see the young novice's wisdom quietly and discovered the wonders of the Flying Stone Turtle.

During the full moon, on the waning day, Bang Heiy's house was in danger. As it grew dark, the kerosene lamp would glow dimly, and most of the lights would be extinguished. Suddenly, the novice saw the stone turtle move and crawl out of place. The Stone Turtle miraculously flew into the air, disappearing from sight. The novice tried to keep his eyes open and waited for the stone turtle's return.

At about 4 a.m., the novice was astonished again. The bright green-eyed Stone Turtle flew back and crawled into the same place as if nothing had happened. The novice went back and touched the stone turtle to see that there was nothing wrong. It was just a stone carved out of ordinary sandstone that could crawl and fly through the air only if someone was psychic.

Location of the Island

Luang Pho Pan secretly watched the young novice for several days to observe his patience and wit in solving his doubts. He observed the behavior of the stone turtle with the young novice. The little novice watched the stone turtle disappear by floating up and flying at 4 a.m. and would return to the old place every day of the fifteenth lunar night. Finally, the young novice was prepared to go on an adventure with the Flying Stone Turtle.

When the time came, the bright green-eyed Stone Turtle crawled down from its place towards the ground and floated up. The young novice hugged the big stone turtle tightly as it rose up and flew through the air. They finally arrived at an island, but the novice did not know where it was located. Looking around, they saw a cool and delightful light that was mesmerizing.

It's not a Dream

The stone turtle slowly floated down, and they went to the bamboo forest to find bamboo shoots to eat. The young novice saw bamboo shoots near them and tried to use his left hand to break one off as a souvenir. The stone turtle ate dozens of bamboo shoots along the way until it was time to fly back. On the way back, the novice couldn't remember the way at all and feared being left behind. They finally arrived at the original area, and the little novice took the bamboo shoot back to his cubicle. The stone turtle returned to its place, and the young novice realized that the adventure was real, not just a dream.

It's real, not a dream

The stone turtle slowly descended and landed on the ground before making its way to the bamboo forest to find some shoots to eat. The turtle ate voraciously but never seemed to get full. The novice accompanying it saw some bamboo shoots nearby and tried to break one off as a souvenir, but his doubts disappeared when he witnessed his own disappearance. We were on an island, but it was not a dream. The stone turtle ate its way through dozens of shoots as we traveled, and the novice clung tightly to its back, afraid of being left behind. When we arrived back at the starting point, the novice took the bamboo shoot he had broken off back to his quarters, and the stone turtle returned to its own place.

Take off the magic eye

Luang Pho Pan had carefully considered the secret story of how to obtain the stone turtle with eyes made of green stone. He emerged from hiding and went straight to the turtle, carving out its magical eyes from the bright green stone. From that day on, the stone turtle made of sandstone, which Luang Pho Pan had found in the forest on his pilgrimage, was no longer able to fly.

Today, this stone turtle can still be seen at a temple in a nearby province. I learned that Luang Pho Pan gave the magic eyes to King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, because this extraordinary object could not be entrusted to ordinary people. Only the reigning prince of the land would be able to protect it. The bright green stone is shaped like a small oblong and is about the size of a black bean. It has beautiful colors and sparkles like a diamond, as Phra Khru Kosol (Pasathiko) has told me.

Try it and you'll find it

Once, while on a pilgrimage to Prachin Buri Province, Luang Pho Pan stopped at Wat Pho Si. When he arrived, the abbot was stretching a drum, and Luang Pho Pan immediately offered to help. After they finished, the abbot invited him up to the cloister, and as they chatted, he formed a round clay ball in his hand. After a moment, he threw it into the air, and it transformed into a horse with a doll chasing a falcon in the sky. Luang Pho Pan saw this and laughed, but he didn't say anything.

When he got down from the cloister, he told the other monks at the temple that good things were coming. As he finished speaking, he turned into many rabbits that ran around the courtyard, too fast for anyone to catch. It was a miracle that amazed those who saw it.

Therefore, if you ever go on a pilgrimage, you must head to Si Maha Pho District in Prachinburi Province because the area is full of monks with magical abilities. Even if you haven't learned a particular kind of magic, you may be able to study it further and reach a higher level.

Life is short, but there are many stories of Khun Wiset and Luang Pho Pan. Venerable Phra Kru Kosol (Pasathiko) shared the following tale: Luang Pho Pan was skilled in mental matters and highly respected by his relatives. After visiting Lae Lae City and experiencing the properties of a magical stone turtle, he intensified his meditation practice and realized the importance of taking advantage of the time he had left in life. His goal was to make his mind bright, cheerful, and strong, with the ability to concentrate and follow through on his intentions. His contemplation of the state of Dharma and the truth of Watta helped him relieve the suffering of aging, pain, and the fear of death.

Luang Pho Pan understood that everything in the world is impermanent because the mind clings to it. The cause of suffering arises from the mind, and to suppress chaos and attain happiness, one must have a big heart that can suppress the mind and achieve the desired results.

In his role as an administrator of novice monks, Luang Pho Pan used Brahma Viharn Dhamma to promote compassion, kindness, mudita (rejoicing when others do well), and upekkha (equanimity in the face of others' misfortunes). Novice monks were expected to memorize all 7 legends and 12 legends before being allowed to stay at the temple, and discipline was strictly enforced.

Luang Pho Pan was known for his holy water, which he carried in a teapot and poured out for villagers along his route. Though there was little water in the teapot, it was said to be very holy and capable of bringing auspiciousness to families and easing childbirth. Villagers reserved his route as a personal pilgrimage path, and the power of Luang Pho Pan's charisma led to the construction of many temples in his honor, including Wat Si Chantraram, Wat Sawang Arom Pan Prasittharam Temple, Song Klong Temple, and Hong Thong Temple.

Luang Pho Pan's legacy lives on through his Brahma Vihara Dharma and the temples that were built in his honor. Wat Mongkhon Kotharam in Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province is the location of his statue, which was enshrined in 1974 after being jointly renovated by the local people while maintaining the original location and style.

Statue of Luang Pho Pan

Before Luang Pho Pan's death, people who worshipped him all had the same idea: to cast a statue of Luang Pho Pan at the same level as his real statue. This was because Luang Pho Pan usually went on a pilgrimage every year near the Buddhist Lent and would rarely stay at the temple itself, preferring to go hiking in different places on a regular basis. When villagers paid their respects at the temple, they were often disappointed as Luang Pho Pan was not there. So, the villagers united to cast a statue in his place, which they could pay their respects to when he was away.

However, after the statue was cast, Luang Pho Pan rarely went to the temple. He instead retreated to Phra Pathom Bodh, another place where he practiced regularly, located south of the temple and not too far away.

The reason Luang Pho Pan did not want to go to his temple was probably because he knew in advance the time of his death. Even though he knew, he dared not speak to anyone about it. However, it was a vision that was a sign that he did not want to enter that temple. This was because if he did, he knew that his physical life would cease and decay, just like everyone else's. When relatives came to ask him to come to the temple, Luang Pho Pan refused, saying that if he entered, he would die. Luang Pho Pan's word was his bond, and his statue was his representative. There was no need for him to have a physical life sustained by cooked rice. Fish was enough to sustain him, but even that would eventually decay and be unsustainable, causing sorrow for those left behind. Luang Pho Pan instead directed people to worship Ai Dam Man Ut. Nowadays, the statue of Luang Pho Pan, which he called Ai Dam, is enshrined at Wat Mongkhon Kothawat, in the cubicle that has been renovated for him.

Supernatural Statue

Luang Pho Pan's statue is as sacred as his real body. People who have faith in him, no matter where they are, come to pay homage to his handsome image. The story of the magical and sacred image of Luang Pho Pan is well-known to the people of Klong Dan Subdistrict and nearby areas, as well as to foreigners who live far away. Some people come to pray and ask for holy water from him to eat, in order to recover from various illnesses, which seem to disappear as if by prayer, while some are lying sick. Reverend Father incites them to take holy water from him for treatment without having to go to the doctor anywhere.

Once, the son of a Klong Dan villager named Mr. Pricha fell ill. He was taken to Chulalongkorn Hospital for treatment because of a very serious illness. He stayed in the hospital for two days, but the doctor still could not diagnose the fever. With concern for their child, Mr. Pricha prayed to Luang Pho Pan. That night he had a dream in which Luang Pho Pan told him to drink his holy water and have him take the gold that is covering his lips, rub it on the forehead of the sick, and bring him home, and he will be healed. Mr. Pricha followed the dream faithfully, and it appeared that the illness of his son was so severe that the doctor could not analyze the disease. He was allowed to lie in the hospital for two days and then gradually recover from the disease. There are still many people who have experienced the supernatural events of the sacred Luang Pho Pan statue at Wat Mongkhonkotawat, which even the senior monks of those days, if doing business at this temple, must pay homage to the statue of Luang Pho Pan first.

Sometimes, the handsome image of Luang Pho Pan still incites the previous abbots to always light incense and candles, as it is regarded that he has wealth and sanctity that have not diminished in any way. It is a handsome statue made when Luang Pho Pan was still alive, and therefore, it is regarded as the first replica of the statue that is enshrined at Wat Mongkolkothawat to the present day.

As for the statue enshrined in various temples, it was created from the faith and devotion in Luang Pho Pan, and therefore, it was thought to replicate the statue of Luang Pho Pan at Wat Mongkhon Kotharam in many places, because of the respect of the people, which there are many. However, the real and original image is the statue that is enshrined at Wat Mongkolkothawat, Klong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province, which is considered authentic to this day.

In those days, Luang Pho Pan was not just known for his miracles and ability to speak alone, but also for his kindness towards those who suffered. Once, there were many deserted soldiers who came to be ordained at Wat Luang Pho Pan together, and with mercy to those who believed, Reverend Father managed to meet their will. After being ordained, this was known to the Army Regiment, and the Regiment reported to the Sangha. The primate of the province in those days used to be replaced instead of the primate of the province as it is today. Therefore, the preceptor's conduct must be ordained as a descendant who has no obligation. A person who escaped from government service or escaped from imprisonment could not be ordained. But Luang Pho considered that he ordained for merit, and whoever has a heart of merit and charity can be ordained.