Archan Pleang Bunyuen - The Great Magician of Southern Isan

 

Biography of Archan Pleang Bunyuen: The Great Magician of Southern Isan

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Early Life

Ajarn Pleang Bunyuen was born on Tuesday, June 7, 1921 (2nd waning moon of the 7th month, Year of the Rooster) in Amphoe Tha Tum, Surin Province. He married Nang Yon Bunyuen, and they had seven children together:

1. Pol. Lt. Phadung Bunyuen (deceased)
2. Mr. Saneh Bunyuen
3. Mrs. Sanae Bunyuen
4. Mr. Worawut Bunyuen
5. Pol. Lt. Thongyu Bunyuen
6. Mr. Worasak Bunyuen
7. Mrs. Pensri Bunyuen

Ajarn Pleang passed away at Surin Hospital on February 16, 2009, at 5:20 PM due to severe pneumonia at the age of 87.

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Time in the Forest and Training in Magic

During a period of political unrest, Ajarn Pleang fled into the forest to escape accusations of being a communist. In the forest, he encountered Ajarn Pha, a Khmer monk renowned for his magical knowledge. Ajarn Pha invited him to ordain, and Ajarn Pleang agreed, spending over 10 years on a pilgrimage through the deep forests of Surin, Sisaket, Cambodia, and Laos.

He lived a life of austerity, surviving on taro and sweet potatoes, meditating in caves surrounded by cobras. Ajarn Pleang’s protective magic kept him safe from harm. Despite Ajarn Pha’s request for him to remain a monk for life, Ajarn Pleang disrobed in 1949 to return to lay life and provide for his family.

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Civil Service and Continued Spiritual Practice

Six months after disrobing, Ajarn Pleang passed the teacher’s examination and began a career in civil service, eventually becoming a high school director. Although his spiritual practices were discreet during this time, his reputation grew due to his ability to heal and help others.

One famous event was at the Mun River Bridge opening ceremony, where his chanting caused fish to leap onto the boat, astonishing the attendees.

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Creation of Amulets and Sacred Objects

Ajarn Pleang was renowned for creating amulets imbued with metta mahaniyom (loving-kindness), protection, and prosperity. Among his most famous creations:

1. Khun Phaen Amulets:

   • First Edition - Khun Phaen Maha Saneh: Crafted using over 108 sacred herbs, ghost powders, and Phaya Wan plants. These were blessed for over 3 months until they exhibited movement, symbolizing their potency.
   • Subsequent editions included Khun Phaen Chom Talat, Khun Phaen Subdue Mara, Khun Phaen Sakod Thap, and Khun Phaen Phrai 59 Ton.

2. Rak-Yam (Beeswax Charms): Blessed to enhance business success, attract customers, and guard homes.

3. King of the Pythons Amulet: Attracts wealth and fortune effortlessly, symbolizing the way prey comes to a python without resistance.

4. Diamond Amulet: Known for its ability to turn misfortune into blessings.

5. Takrut Tone: Offers protection, charm, and prosperity.

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Famous Incidents and Abilities

1. Healing a Snakebite Victim:
   Ajarn Pleang once saved a child who was bitten by a venomous snake. Through chanting, he neutralized the poison, gaining a reputation as a healer who could cure snakebites.

2. Kindness and Love Charms:
   He helped a friend win the affection of a woman he loved, using his magical abilities to fulfill the request.

3. Ghost Powder:
   Ajarn Pleang used ghost powder ethically, ensuring that the spirits involved were voluntary participants and given precepts and blessings. The amulets created with ghost powder were renowned for their charm and protection.

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Legacy

Ajarn Pleang’s creations gained international fame, attracting devotees from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong. Despite his mystical abilities, he maintained humility, ensuring that every amulet and charm he created was meticulously crafted and properly blessed.

His first Khun Phaen amulets remain highly sought after, praised for their powerful charm, popularity, and wealth-attracting properties. He emphasized ethical practices, combining human and spiritual collaboration for mutual benefit.

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Conclusion

Ajarn Pleang Bunyuen’s life reflects a blend of mysticism, compassion, and dedication. His spiritual legacy lives on through his meticulously crafted amulets and the countless lives he touched with his abilities. He remains a revered figure in both domestic and international spiritual communities.