Luang Pu Moon (Lp Moon) Wat Ban Jan

Biography of Luang Pu Moon Bhuridhatto (หลวงปู่หมุน ฐิตสีโล)

Birth: May 15, 1894 (Thursday)
Death: March 11, 2003
Temple: Wat Ban Jan, Kantararom, Sisaket Province, Thailand

Early Life and Ordination

Luang Pu Moon Bhuridhatto was born into the Sri Songkram (Kaew Pak Pin) family in Ban Jan, Kantararom, Sisaket Province. His parents, Mr. Dee and Mrs. Ua, were poor farmers, but young Moon was known for his intelligence and deep interest in spirituality. Recognizing his potential, his father encouraged him to ordain as a novice monk at the age of 14 under the guidance of Luang Pu Sida, the abbot of Wat Ban Jan.

Luang Pu Sida, a master of meditation and powerful magical sciences, provided young Moon with a strong foundation in Buddhist teachings. At the age of 23 (in 1917), Moon was fully ordained as a monk with the Pali name "Thitasilo," meaning "The Lawful Person." He continued his studies with local monks for four years before embarking on a lifelong journey of spiritual exploration.

Journey of Spiritual Growth

Adventures and Challenges

In 1921, Luang Pu Moon set out on foot to deepen his spiritual knowledge. His journeys took him through dense forests, dangerous terrains, and remote regions, where he faced ghosts, wild beasts, and other challenges. His determination led him to the Taksila Academy of Ban Jik Yai in Piboonmangsahan, Ubon Ratchathani Province, where he studied the Maha Buddhakom Tome, the foundational texts for advanced spiritual sciences such as Patamang Tome, Itthijay Tome, Maharat Tome, and Trinisinghe Tome.

Studies Across Thailand

Between 1932 and 1939, after completing his studies at various academies, Luang Pu Moon traveled to Bangkok, where he studied at renowned temples:

Thep Thidaram Temple: Completed Parian 5 and the Mulgadjaiyana Sut Tome.
Sutat Temple: Learned advanced skills from Luang Pu Pae, the Buddhist Pope of Thailand.
Arunratchawararam Temple: Studied under Phra Pimoltham.

Luang Pu Moon also taught the Mulgadjaiyana Sut Tome (Pure Pali) for many years before accompanying Luang Pu Thong Dee on a wandering journey to the north, including a year-long stay in Myanmar. He then traveled south, training under Luang Pu Tim of Wat Chang Hai and exchanging meditation techniques and magical skills.

Mastering Sacred Sciences

Luang Pu Moon further enhanced his spiritual knowledge through studies with other renowned monks and teachers:

Father Klai Wajasith of Wat Suan Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat: Received the Chan Mark Med Yai relic.
Luang Pu Si Chantasiri near Nong Khai Province: Learned the Lob Phong Si skill, rooted in the traditions of Somdej Buddhajan To.
Phra Arjan Man Puritatto: Studied advanced meditation techniques and Samanatham (deep and complex meditation).

Connection to Somdej Loon

Luang Pu Moon is considered a descendant of the Sai Wet Witthaya Buddhakom lineage, originating from Somdej Loon of Nakhon Jampasak, Laos. This lineage is renowned for extraordinary mystical powers, such as walking on water, transformation, and controlling the elements.

Luang Pu Moon sought to inherit these skills and studied under Teacher Chan and Luang Pu Dam, both descendants of Somdej Loon. To qualify, he underwent rigorous tests, competing with over 50 monks, but only three—including Luang Pu Moon—were selected. The training was grueling, requiring intense discipline and mental strength, but Luang Pu Moon mastered the foundational and advanced elements of this mystical tradition.

Later Life and Contributions

Restoration of Temples

In 1977, after decades of wandering, Luang Pu Moon returned to Wat Ban Jan to repair and restore the 200-year-old temple. His efforts extended to other temples, including Wat Nong Lom, Wat None Phueng, and Wat Sub Lumyai. These temples became spiritual centers for devotees seeking his blessings.

Retirement and Meditation

In 1944, at the age of 50, Luang Pu Moon retired from administrative positions to dedicate his life entirely to meditation and Dhamma practice. His wanderings brought him to many remote areas, where he continued teaching and spreading the Dhamma.

Teachings and Legacy

Luang Pu Moon emphasized mindfulness, morality, and the integration of meditation with everyday life. He was also renowned for creating powerful amulets, which are highly sought after for their reputed abilities to provide protection, prosperity, and spiritual guidance.

Renowned Teachers and Influences

Throughout his life, Luang Pu Moon studied under many revered monks, including:

Somdej Phra Sangkarach Pae (Sutat Temple)
Luang Pu Waen Sujinno (Doi Mae Pang Temple)
Luang Pu Derm (Nong Po Temple)
Luang Pu Tim (Chang Hai Temple)
Phra Arjan Man Puritatto

Final Years and Passing

Luang Pu Moon passed away peacefully on March 11, 2003, at the age of 111. His life remains a testament to unwavering dedication, spiritual mastery, and the power of faith. Today, his teachings, amulets, and restored temples continue to inspire and benefit countless devotees.

Key Contributions

Amulets: Renowned for their extraordinary spiritual power and craftsmanship.
Temple Restoration: Revitalized numerous temples across Thailand.
Teachings: Left a lasting legacy of wisdom and discipline for future generations.
Mystical Sciences: Preserved and propagated the ancient Sai Wet Witthaya Buddhakom tradition.

Luang Pu Moon Bhuridhatto remains a revered figure in Thai Buddhism, symbolizing wisdom, compassion, and spiritual excellence.

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