Luang Pu Kham Bu (Lp Khambu) Wat Kudchumpoo, Ubon Ratchathani

 

Biography of Luang Pu Khambu (Phra Khru Phibul Nawakit)

Master of Wicha Akom and Vipassana Meditation, Wat Kudchumpoo, Ubon Ratchathani Province

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1. Early Life and Ordination

Luang Pu Khambu Kuttajitto (หลวงปู่คำบุ คุตฺตจิตฺโต) was born on Monday, February 15, 1922 (B.E. 2465), at Ban Kudchumpoo, Phibun Mangsahan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. His birth coincided with the 15th waxing day of the 3rd lunar month in the Year of the Dog.

He was the youngest of six siblings born into the Khamngam family, where his parents, Mr. Sa and Mrs. Hom Khamngam, earned their livelihood through rice farming and orchard cultivation.

At the age of 17, in B.E. 2482 (1939), he ordained as a novice monk (samanera) at Wat Kudchumpoo, under the tutelage of Phra Khru Yanwisutthikhun (Khong) of Wat Takpho, his preceptor.

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2. Full Ordination and Monastic Education

Upon reaching the age of 21, he received full ordination as a monk in B.E. 2486 (1943) at Wat Mujalin Tharam (Wat Donjik), Suphan Buri Province. His preceptor was Phra Khru Sathudhammajari (Sa). He was given the monastic name "Kuttajitto" (meaning "one whose mind is well-trained").

After ordination, Luang Pu Khambu diligently studied:

• Dhamma and Vinaya (discipline)

• Wicha Akom (sacred sciences and protective spells)

• Vipassana Kammatthana (insight meditation)

His spiritual development was profoundly influenced by Phra Khru Wirot Rattanamon (Luang Pu Rod Nantaro) of Wat Thung Si Muang, a revered monk with a direct lineage from Samret Lun of Champasak, Laos—a legendary master of mystical sciences.

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3. Training and Lineage

Luang Pu Khambu is widely recognized as one of the foremost disciples in the esoteric lineage originating from Samret Lun. His practice was a blend of strict Vinaya observance, deep meditative insight, and mastery over ancient mystical spells (katha and yantra).

He spent significant periods in forest retreats (tudong) across northeastern Thailand and Laos, practicing meditation in wilderness areas, caves, and cemeteries to strengthen his mind against fear and defilements.

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4. Role at Wat Kudchumpoo

In B.E. 2494 (1951), Luang Pu Khambu was appointed Abbot of Wat Kudchumpoo, succeeding the previous generations who had maintained the temple's humble tradition.

At the time of his appointment, Wat Kudchumpoo was a modest and sparsely developed forest monastery. Under his leadership:

• He led major temple development, including the construction of the ubosot (ordination hall), sala (assembly halls), and monks' dwellings (kuti).

• He promoted intensive Dhamma study and meditation among both monks and laypeople.

• He organized merit-making events to sustain the temple’s growth while maintaining its forest monastery discipline.

In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the ecclesiastical title "Phra Khru Phibul Nawakit" in B.E. 2523 (1980), later elevated to higher monastic ranks in B.E. 2528 (1985).

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5. Later Years and Passing

In his later years, Luang Pu Khambu continued to serve as a spiritual refuge for devotees throughout Thailand and neighboring countries. Despite his advanced age, he remained highly active in guiding meditation and giving Dhamma teachings.

Luang Pu Khambu passed away peacefully on February 11, 2014 (B.E. 2557) at 2:51 PM at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, due to heart failure complicated by pulmonary bleeding. He lived to the age of 91 and had served in the monkhood for 71 years.

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6. Legacy

Luang Pu Khambu is remembered for:

• His unwavering observance of the monastic code

• His profound spiritual attainments

• His exceptional mastery of Wicha Akom and sacred object consecration

• His enduring compassion and patience toward all beings

He is highly venerated in Ubon Ratchathani and across Thailand, with many considering him among the last generation of truly great forest masters.

Amulets and sacred objects blessed by Luang Pu Khambu are highly prized for their reputed protective powers, loving-kindness, and effectiveness in meditation support.