Luang Phor Yim (Lp Yim) Wat Jao Jit, Ayutthaya

 

Luang Phor Yim  (Lp Yim) Wat Jao Jit, Ayutthaya

The Life and Legacy of Luang Phor Yim, Wat Chao Chet Nai, Ayutthaya Province

Introduction

Luang Phor Yim, a highly revered monk of Wat Chao Chet Nai in Sena District, Ayutthaya Province, was a contemporary of Luang Phor Pan of Wat Bang Nom Ko and Luang Phor Chong of Wat Na Tang Nok, forming a trio affectionately referred to as the "Three Tigers of the Old Capital." Known for his strict adherence to precepts and his dedication to meditation and Buddhist teachings, he played a pivotal role in preserving the Dharma and guiding his disciples.

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Early Life

• Birth: May 15, 1875 (B.E. 2418), on a Saturday during the Year of the Pig, in Tambon Chao Chet, Sena District, Ayutthaya.
• Family:
  • Parents: Mr. Uam and Mrs. Sut Krajang.
  • Siblings:
    1. Mr. Chang Krajang.
    2. Phra Khru Phrommawihankhun (Yim Sirichoti).
    3. Mr. Choti Krajang.
• Childhood: His family were farmers, and he was raised in the rural community of Chao Chet.

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Ordination and Monastic Life

• Novice Ordination: At the age of 12 (B.E. 2430), he ordained as a novice monk.
• Full Ordination: In B.E. 2438, at the age of 20, he was ordained as a monk at Wat Chao Chet Nok.
  • Preceptor: Phra Ajahn Sin of Wat Pho.
  • Kamma Vajajarn: Phra Ajahn Jad.
  • Anusavanachan: Phra Ajahn Sun.
• Education: He studied the Dharma, Vinaya, and sacred incantations under Phra Ajahn Chin and Phra Ajahn Jad. He also trained in meditation and sacred rituals at Wat Kradong Thong under Luang Phor Bunmee.

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Contributions and Achievements

1. Leadership at Wat Chao Chet Nai:
   • Succeeded his preceptor, Upachaya Pan, as abbot.
   • Managed three sangha groups at Wat Chao Chet Nai, overseeing its growth and stability.
   • Served as the Northern Sangha Chief of the region.
2. Ecclesiastical Titles:
   • In 1950, he was conferred the title Phra Khru Phrommawihankhun.
   • Acted as an upachaya monk and led the temple’s education committee.
3. Dharma Practice:
   • Focused on Vipassana (insight meditation), renunciation, and living a life free of worldly attachments.
   • Emphasized teaching the Five Precepts and the importance of offering alms as an act of reverence to the Triple Gem.

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Amulets and Supernatural Abilities

• Famous Amulets: He was renowned for consecrating amulets such as Phra Ngob Nam Aoi, which were highly sought after for their protective and auspicious properties.
• Psychic Powers:
  • Demonstrated clairaudience, hearing conversations from great distances.
  • Practiced meditation at profound levels, enabling him to share merit with deceased relatives of his disciples.
  • Known for his ability to heal, bless, and provide spiritual guidance with great compassion.

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Personality and Approach

• Frugality and Discipline: Unlike his contemporary Luang Phor Pan, who was generous in public works, Luang Phor Yim was known for his strict financial discipline, keeping all donations for the temple’s future use.
• Criticism and Integrity:
  • Often misunderstood as stingy, he maintained that temple funds were meant for the Sangha, not personal use.
  • Advocated for respecting the Dharma and Vinaya over worldly gains.
• Teachings:
  • Encouraged disciples to focus on inner conduct rather than outward appearances.
  • Advised against accumulating wealth and titles, emphasizing spiritual practice instead.

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Final Years and Passing

• Death: October 1, 1956 (B.E. 2499), at the age of 82, after 61 years of monkhood.
• Legacy:
  • Remembered as a strict yet compassionate monk who upheld the Dharma.
  • Regarded as one of the most influential monks of the Ayutthaya region during World War II and the Indochina War.
  • Revered alongside Luang Phor Pan and Luang Phor Chong for their collective contributions to Buddhism in Ayutthaya.

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Important Historical Context

• During the Indochinese War (1942), Luang Phor Yim and his contemporaries played pivotal roles in blessing sand that was dispersed across Thailand as a spiritual defense against foreign invasion.

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Conclusion

Luang Phor Yim’s life exemplified unwavering dedication to the Dharma and the Vinaya. His unique personality, blending strict discipline with profound compassion, earned him the respect of his peers and disciples. Today, he remains a celebrated figure in Thai Buddhism, inspiring faith and reverence through his teachings and spiritual legacy.