Luang Pho Sunthon Chandathero
Luang Pho Sunthon Chandathero | |
|---|---|
| Title | Phra Khru Sophon Thirakhun |
| Other names | Luang Pho Sunthon |
| Personal | |
| Born | Sunthon Wattanasakhon 2 March 1933 |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| School | Theravāda |
| Lineage | Mahanikaya |
| Education | Nak Tham Ek (Highest Ecclesiastical Examination) |
| Other names | Luang Pho Sunthon |
| Dharma names | Chandathero (จนฺทเถโร) |
| Temple | Wat Nong Sadao |
| Senior posting | |
| Ordination | March 2, 1965 |
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Phra Khru Sophon Thirakhun (Thai: พระครูโสภณถิรคุณ), commonly known as Luang Pho Sunthon (หลวงพ่อสุนทร), Dharma name Chandathero (จนฺทเถโร), is a respected Thai Buddhist monk and meditation master. He serves as the abbot of Wat Nong Sadao in Nong Khae District, Saraburi Province.
A monk known for his simplicity and frugality, Luang Pho Sunthon is soft-spoken and avoids accumulating wealth. He donates nearly all offerings received toward the maintenance of temples and the support of education for monks both at his monastery and nearby temples, as well as for various temple-related expenses.[1]
Biography
Phra Khru Sophon Thirakhun was born Sunthon Wattanasakhon on Monday, March 2, 1933,[1] the third child of Mr. Khong Wattanasakhon and Mrs. Rim Khongkhon. He completed his primary education (Grade 4).
At age 13, he was ordained as a novice at Wat Nong Hua Nok, Nakhon Nayok Province. Later, he traveled to Cambodia to study Vipassanā meditation and traditional esoteric disciplines. Upon returning to Thailand, he continued his studies at Wat Nong Hua Nok, where he completed the Nak Tham Ek (advanced Dhamma) qualification. He later moved to reside at Wat Nong Sadao in Saraburi Province.
He was fully ordained as a monk on March 2, 1965, at the age of 31, with Phra Khru Sarakitpichan (Phan) as preceptor, and received the monastic name Chandathero.[2]
After the former abbot, Phra Khru Suwan Khemako, left the monastic order, Luang Pho Sunthon became the abbot in 1972 (B.E. 2515). He built new temple structures, including the ordination hall (ubosot), and donated land to establish a local school.
Ecclesiastical Title
- Initially appointed as Phra Palat (assistant abbot)
- On December 5, 1988 (B.E. 2531), he was promoted to Phra Khru Sophon Thirakhun, an ecclesiastical title of honor.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Somboon Tiaocharoenchai (6 April 2015). "'Luang Pho Sunthon' of Wat Nong Sadao, the pure monk worthy of reverence". Kom Chad Luek. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ↑ Open Chronicle Program, episode “Luang Pho Sunthon, Wat Nong Sadao, Nong Khae District, Saraburi Province.”
- ↑ "Announcement of the Prime Minister's Office regarding ecclesiastical titles" (PDF). Royal Gazette. Secretariat of the Cabinet and Royal Gazette Publishing Office. 105 (207 Ng (Special Issue)): 18. 9 December 1988. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
