Luang Phor Kasem Khemako (Lp Kasem) Trilak Cemetery, Lampang

 

Biography of Luang Phor Kasem Khemako

---

1. Early Life

• Birth: November 28, 1912, in Lampang Province, Thailand.
• Family Background: Born into a royal lineage of the Lanna Kingdom, son of Prince Gamlue and Princess Khamon.
• Early Education: Attended local schooling before entering monastic life.

---

2. Entry into Monastic Life

• Novice Ordination: Entered Wat Bunyeun as a novice at the age of 13 after his uncle's passing.
• Education:
  • Studied Buddhist scriptures and Pali in Bangkok and Lampang.
  • Passed advanced levels of Pali studies with distinction.
• Full Ordination:
  • Date: At 21, in 1933.
  • Ordination Location: Wat Bunyeun.
  • Monastic Name: Khemako Bhikkhu.

---

3. Spiritual Development

• Meditation Training: Studied under Luang Phor Krubah Gaen, a renowned meditation master, practicing Vipassana Kammatthana (insight meditation).
• Ascetic Practices:
  • Meditated in cemeteries and forests.
  • Lived a life of extreme simplicity, dedicating himself fully to spiritual discipline.

---

4. Leadership and Transition

• Abbot of Wat Bunyeun: Took on the responsibility of managing Wat Bunyeun for a period.
• Resignation:
  • Year: 1949.
  • Reason: To focus entirely on meditation and ascetic practices.
  • Moved to the Trilak Cemetery, a secluded location in Lampang, for solitary meditation.

---

5. Life at Trilak Cemetery

• Rigorous Meditation:
  • Meditated under open skies, enduring harsh weather conditions without shelter.
  • Known to meditate continuously for up to three months at a time.
• Austerity:
  • Minimal food intake.
  • Bathed only once a year.
  • Practiced complete detachment from material comforts.
• Health:
  • Despite his ascetic practices, he remained free from illness and physical discomfort.

---

6. Reputation and Teachings

• Renown:
  • Revered as a monk of extraordinary discipline and spiritual depth.
  • Attracted devotees from across Thailand and beyond.
• Teachings:
  • Emphasized Vipassana meditation and detachment from worldly desires.
  • Inspired practitioners with his humility and unwavering commitment to the Dhamma.

---

7. Passing and Legacy

• Date of Passing: January 15, 1996.
• Age: 83 years.
• Legacy:
  • Left behind a profound influence on Thai Buddhism.
  • Remembered for his humility, dedication to meditation, and ascetic lifestyle.

---

8. Key Highlights

• Ascetic Lifestyle:
  • Practiced extreme simplicity to demonstrate the essence of renunciation.
• Influence on Devotees:
  • Many devotees attribute spiritual inspiration and personal transformation to his teachings.
• Amulets:
  • His amulets are considered highly sacred and are sought after for their reputed spiritual and protective powers.

---

Luang Phor Kasem Khemako’s life serves as a testament to the transformative power of meditation, discipline, and detachment. His unwavering commitment to spiritual practice continues to inspire generations.