Luang Pu Thong (Lp Thong) Wat Rachayota

Luang Pu Thong (Lp Thong) Wat Rachayota
BE2363 - BE2480
(11 Years old)

龙婆通 (Luang Phor Tong Wat Rachyota) 是泰国早期的一位德高望重的高僧，与著名的崇迪阿赞多大师属于同一时代。当年，崇迪阿赞多曾跟随Wat Manichonkarn寺庙的阿姜成大师学习法术，而龙婆通也曾拜阿姜成为师，因此他们的法脉有一定的关联。然而，与崇迪阿赞多不同的是，龙婆通除了制作崇迪佛牌外，还制作过其他法相的圣物，如必达佛（掩面佛）。那个年代的僧人在制作佛牌时，特别强调心法和圣粉的重要性，没有如今常见的金银等奢华材料。因此，在泰国佛教界能有名望的高僧，都是法力非常出众的，而龙婆通正是其中之一。

龙婆通后来培养了许多后来成为名师的僧人，这些弟子中包括了大城府Wat Natangnok寺的招财鱼大师龙婆钟、Wat Paknam寺九大圣僧之一龙婆术、Wat Bang Nom Kho寺的财富第一和神兽崇迪的创始人龙婆班、Wat King Keow寺的龙婆不，以及Wat Suan Kan寺的波禅该等。

龙婆通在117岁高龄时圆寂，成为泰国佛教历史上僧侣生涯最长、寿命最久的一位高僧。以下是曾跟随龙婆通学习的著名僧人：

1. 龙普勒 Wat Saochango, Chachingsao
2. 龙婆钟 Wat Natangnok, Ayuthaya
3. 龙婆孔 Wat Bangkrapong
4. 龙婆查 Wat Bangkrabao
5. 龙婆术 Wat Paknam Paicharoen
6. 龙婆开 Wat Suan Kan, Nakonsrithamarak
7. 龙婆通宇 Wat Mainongpraong, Samut Sakorn
8. 龙婆义 Wat Sattaheep（龙普勒的弟子）
9. 龙婆波 Wat Rayotha（第二任主持）
10. Phraku Kitti Witmon Wat Rayotha（第三任主持，龙婆通的侄子）
11. 龙婆班 Wat Bangnomko, Ayuthaya
12. 龙普福 Wat King Keow（亲传弟子）
13. 龙普罗 Prachinburi
14. 龙普巴 Wat Samplum

相传，龙婆通所在的寺庙附近居民大多不是佛教徒，常有人到寺庙的鱼塘偷鱼。龙婆通施法，让那些人抓到的鱼变成了人的骨头，吓得他们不敢再偷。此外，在瘟疫爆发时，龙婆通用圣水治愈了许多患者，拯救了很多生命。

龙婆通最出名的能力之一就是驱鬼。据说，很多中了降头或被鬼灵骚扰的人都会前来求助，龙婆通则用特制的药草和药粉为信徒驱邪治病，效果显著。

Luang Pu Thong, the first abbot of Wat Rachayota in Bangkok, is a revered but relatively lesser-known monk despite governing the temple for nearly a century. He is considered one of the greatest monks that few people have heard of, as he chose a simple life, strictly following Lord Buddha’s teachings and practicing meditation. During the reign of King Rama IV, Luang Pu Thong was one of the most respected monks of his era. He was a disciple of Phra Acharn Seng of Wat Manichonkarn (Lopburi), who was also the teacher of the famous Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh of Wat Rakang.

Though many details of his early life remain unclear, including his exact birthplace and year of birth, it is known that he was ordained at Wat Ngernbangprom in Bangkok's Talingchan District, with Jao Kun Vinaikijjarithera as his preceptor. He remained at the temple for several years, studying sacred sciences diligently under his mentor. His dedication led to his invitation to become the abbot of Wat Rachyota, where he continued to serve for the remainder of his long life.

Luang Pu Thong lived to the remarkable age of 117, making him one of the longest-living monks in Thai history. He studied meditation and sacred sciences alongside Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh and created unique amulets, distinct from those of his renowned teacher.

One of Luang Pu Thong's lesser-known legacies is that he mentored and taught many of the most famous monks in Thai history, including:

1. Luang Pu Ler of Wat Saochango, Chachingsao
2. Luang Phor Jong of Wat Natangnok, Ayutthaya
3. Luang Phor Kong of Wat Bangkrapong
4. Luang Phor Chat of Wat Bangkrabao
5. Luang Phor Sod of Wat Paknam Paicharoen
6. Luang Phor Klai of Wat Suan Kan, Nakonsrithamarak
7. Luang Phor Thongyu of Wat Mainongpraong, Samut Sakhon
8. Luang Phor Yee of Wat Sattaheep
9. Luang Phor Poch of Wat Rayotha (2nd abbot)
10. Phraku Kitti Witmon of Wat Rayotha (3rd abbot and nephew of Luang Pu Thong)
11. Luang Phor Parn of Wat Bangnomko, Ayutthaya
12. Luang Pu Preak of Wat King Keow
13. Luang Pu Rod of Prachinburi
14. Luang Pu Patch of Wat Samplum

Luang Pu Thong’s most famous amulets were in the form of five Buddha images, known as Somdej Ha Pra Ong. Though his amulets were often associated with Somdej Toh, they bore no resemblance to Somdej Toh’s designs. This connection is why amulets found at Wat Bung Praya Suren were also called Pra Somdej, as they shared similarities with LP Thong's work.

Amulets blessed by Luang Pu Thong are now highly sought after for their heritage, beauty, and unique craftsmanship. His influence extended beyond amulets; he was known for summoning spirits to protect the temple grounds, once scaring away thieves who attempted to steal fish by making the fish transform into leaves or bones.

During a cholera outbreak, many sought his help, and his sacred water was said to have saved countless lives. Luang Pu Thong was also renowned for his exorcisms, curing those affected by ghostly hauntings or black magic through the use of sacred herbs and spells. His compassionate acts and spiritual strength continue to inspire and be revered by many today.