Luang Phor Charan Thitthammo (Lp Charan) Wat Amphawan, Singburi
Biography of Luang Phor Charan Thitthammo
(Phra Thammasinghaburacharn)
Wat Amphawan, Singburi Province
1. Birth and Early Life
Luang Phor Charan Thitthammo, also known as Phra Thammasinghaburacharn, was a highly revered monk renowned for his dedication to Vipassana meditation and Dhamma teachings. He was born on August 15, 1928, in Ban Khok, Tambon Muang Mu, Amphoe Mueang, Singburi Province.
Family Background
His father was Mr. Choti Thitthaviriyakul, and his mother was Mrs. Chuen Thitthaviriyakul. He was the fifth of seven siblings in the family.
2. Education and Ordination
Early Education
Luang Phor Charan attended Wat Phikunthong School and Singburi School for his basic education. However, due to financial difficulties in his family, he was unable to complete his formal schooling.
Determined to pursue knowledge, he continued his studies at Wat Phromburi’s Dhamma School in Singburi Province. This marked the beginning of his serious commitment to Buddhist studies and Dhamma practice.
Ordination as a Monk
At the age of 20, he entered the monkhood on July 15, 1948, at Wat Phromburi. His ordination ceremony was presided over by:
- Phra Thammatrailokachan (Ngern Chanthasuwanno) – Preceptor
- Phra Khru Prasat Worakit – Kammavachacharn (Ordination Teacher)
- Phra Khru Siwihankarn – Anusavanacharn (Recitation Teacher)
3. Mastery and Propagation of Vipassana Meditation
Dedicated Practice
After ordination, Luang Phor Charan diligently studied Buddhist scriptures and practiced Vipassana meditation intensively. He received guidance from renowned meditation masters, including:
- Luang Phor Yai, Wat Ban Kluai
- Luang Phor Mien, Wat Pho
- Phra Khru Wichit Thammaphan (Phra Maha Suphon Kittiwanno)
Additionally, he sought further meditation training under the lineage of Phra Khru Sutthithammarangsri (Luang Phor Sod, Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen), one of Thailand’s most respected meditation masters.
Spreading Vipassana Meditation
In 1960, after becoming the abbot of Wat Amphawan, Luang Phor Charan began teaching Vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana 4). His teachings attracted large numbers of practitioners, making Wat Amphawan a well-known meditation center.
4. Contributions and Development of Wat Amphawan
Luang Phor Charan was not only a dedicated meditation teacher but also an influential temple developer. He initiated several projects to enhance Buddhist education and practice, including:
✅ Establishing a Meditation Center – To accommodate lay practitioners interested in Vipassana meditation.
✅ Transforming Wat Amphawan into a Buddhist Learning Hub – To preserve and promote Buddhist teachings.
✅ Founding a Buddhist Studies School – Providing opportunities for monks and novices to study the Dhamma.
5. Core Teachings of Luang Phor Charan
"Mindfulness is Life"
Luang Phor Charan emphasized the importance of mindfulness in daily activities, stating:
"If you have mindfulness, you will truly live. If you lack mindfulness, your life is lost."
"Do Good, Think Good, Speak Good"
He strongly encouraged the observance of the Five Precepts and emphasized that ethical living is the foundation of a peaceful life.
"Meditation is a Tool for Purifying the Mind"
According to Luang Phor Charan, Vipassana meditation is the key to wisdom and inner peace, helping practitioners eliminate mental impurities.
6. Passing and Legacy
Luang Phor Charan passed away peacefully on January 25, 2016, at the age of 87, having spent 67 years in monkhood.
He left behind an extraordinary spiritual legacy, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide thousands of practitioners worldwide.
7. Summary
Luang Phor Charan Thitthammo of Wat Amphawan was one of Thailand’s most revered monks. He played a significant role in popularizing Vipassana meditation and was deeply committed to Buddhist education and temple development.
✅ If you seek proper meditation guidance, studying Luang Phor Charan’s teachings is an excellent foundation for Dhamma practice.
🙏 His disciples continue to uphold his teachings, and Wat Amphawan remains a key center for Vipassana meditation in Thailand. 🙏
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