Luang Pu Du (Lp Du / Lp Doo) Wat Sakae, Ayutthaya
Biography of Luang Pu Du Phrompanyo
(Phra Thammasinghaburacharn)
Wat Sakae, Ayutthaya Province
Early Life and Birthplace
Luang Pu Du Phrompanyo was born into the Nusri family. His birth name was Du, and he was born on Friday, April 29, 1904 (B.E. 2447), which coincided with Visakha Puja Day. His birthplace was Ban Sam Khao, Khao Mao Subdistrict, Uthai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. His parents were Mr. Phut and Mrs. Pueng, and he was the youngest of three siblings:
- Thongkham Sunimit (older sister)
- An Older Sister Who Relied on Merit
Unfortunately, he lost both of his parents at a young age. His nephew, Mr. Yuang Phuengkuson, recounted that his parents were farmers who also sold auspicious egg desserts outside of the rice farming season.
A significant event occurred during his infancy: while lying on a cushion outside his home, he accidentally rolled into a flooded area. Despite falling into the water, he miraculously floated instead of drowning and was eventually found by his mother after their pet dog alerted her. This incident led his mother to believe that he was a child of great fortune.
After his mother's passing when he was four years old, followed by his father's passing soon after, he was left orphaned and raised by his grandmother and older sister, Sum.
Education and Ordination
Despite his difficult childhood, Luang Pu Du was given the opportunity to study at several temples, including:
- Wat Klang Khlong Srabue
- Wat Pradu Songtham
- Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
At the age of 21, he was ordained as a monk on May 10, 1925 (B.E. 2468) at Wat Sakae, Ayutthaya Province. His ordination was conducted by:
- Preceptor: Luang Phor Klan, Abbot of Wat Phrayatikararam
- Kammavācācariya: Luang Phor Dae, Abbot of Wat Sakae
- Anusavanācariya: Luang Phor Chai, Wat Klang Khlong Srabue
After ordination, he studied Buddhist scriptures at Wat Pradu Songtham (then known as Wat Pradu Rongtham) under teachers such as Phra Chao Khun Nuea, Phra Khru Chom, and Luang Phor Rot (Suea).
He also deepened his meditation practice under Luang Phor Klan, his preceptor, and Luang Phor Pao, a highly respected disciple of Luang Phor Klan. In addition to his formal studies, he sought out knowledge from other revered monks across Suphan Buri and Saraburi provinces.
Pilgrimage and Meditation Practice
In his third year as a monk, Luang Pu Du embarked on a pilgrimage, leaving Ayutthaya for Saraburi to worship sacred Buddha images and footprints. His journey took him through Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, and Kanchanaburi, lasting about three months.
During this time, he focused on intensive meditation practice, and by 1947 (B.E. 2490), he decided not to accept invitations outside the temple, dedicating himself entirely to helping devotees and deepening his meditation.
One night, just before 1957 (B.E. 2500), after completing his evening prayers, Luang Pu Du had a profound vision in which he swallowed three bright stars. The experience left him shocked, but upon reflection, he realized that the stars symbolized the Three Jewels of Buddhism (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha). From that moment, he placed the Triple Refuge at the heart of his meditation practice.
Dhamma Teachings and Meditation Strategies
Emphasis on Self-Improvement
He often advised his disciples:
“We cannot fix other people. What we can fix is ourselves. Changing the external world is a worldly concern, but changing oneself is a spiritual endeavor.”
One instance of his unique teaching style involved a heavy drinker who visited him. The man objected to practicing meditation because of his drinking habits. Instead of rejecting him, Luang Pu Du encouraged him:
“If you want to drink, drink. But meditate for just five minutes a day.”
The man agreed, and over time, as he practiced consistently, he lost interest in drinking and eventually gave it up completely. Later, he even ordained as a monk.
Encouraging Ethical Living
When a villager hesitated to take the Five Precepts because his livelihood involved fishing, Luang Pu Du reassured him:
“You don’t know when you will die. You might leave my kuti and be bitten by a snake before catching even a single fish. Since you haven’t committed any wrong yet, take the precepts now. Even if you break them later, having taken them is still better than not taking them at all.”
Sacred Amulets and Spiritual Teachings
Although Luang Pu Du created and blessed sacred amulets, he emphasized that true power lay in one’s own actions and meditation practice. He stated:
“The most sacred thing is karma. No amulet is greater than one's own good deeds.”
However, he allowed the creation of amulets to help people find spiritual support. He explained:
“It is better to be attached to an amulet than to be attached to inauspicious objects.”
His amulets were known for protection, prosperity, and spiritual development, often serving as tools to help practitioners cultivate mindfulness.
Final Years and Passing
As Wat Sakae grew into a center for meditation, Luang Pu Du tirelessly dedicated himself to his disciples. Despite health issues, including a heart valve condition, he continued his teachings with immense patience and endurance.
In his final months (1989), he frequently spoke about preparing for his departure. On January 16, 1990, he welcomed a final visitor with an unusually radiant expression, saying:
“From now on, I will be free from pain.”
That night, he reminded his disciples:
“No matter what happens, never abandon your practice.”
At 5 a.m. on January 17, 1990, Luang Pu Du passed away peacefully at the age of 85, having spent 65 years in monkhood.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Today, Wat Sakae remains a major center for meditation, preserving the teachings of Luang Pu Du. His disciples and followers continue his weekly meditation programs, and even during times of crisis, online meditation sessions keep his legacy alive.
His final words serve as a guiding principle for all practitioners:
“Keep doing it.”
His teachings, amulets, and meditation practices continue to inspire countless devotees, ensuring that his wisdom and compassion live on for generations to come.
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