Somdej Phra Buddhakosajarn (Charoen), Wat Rakhang Khositaram, Bangkok

 

Biography of Somdej Phra Buddhakosajarn (Charoen), Wat Rakhang Khositaram, Bangkok

Disciple of Somdej Toh

Somdej Phra Buddhakosajarn (Charoen) was one of the most important disciples of Somdej Phra Buddhacarya (To Phrommarangsi), the renowned abbot of Wat Rakhang Khositaram. When Somdej Toh passed away, Charoen was still a novice monk. He had been ordained for three years at that time and had been under Somdej Toh’s guidance to study Buddhist teachings and modern letters. Somdej Toh even predicted that Charoen would become an influential force in Buddhism, a prophecy that was later fulfilled.

Early Life and Education

Born as Mom Rajawongse Charoen Isarangkun on Monday, August 17, 1857, corresponding to the 12th waning moon of the 9th lunar month in the Year of the Snake, Charoen was the son of Mom Chao Thuek, a descendant of Somdej Phra Sampanthawongse, Prince Kes, Kromkhun Isaranurak. His early years were spent in Ban Bang Ao, Nakhon Nayok Province, before he moved to Bangkok with his father.

Initially, he was educated by his father and later studied Pali with a Chinese monk. At the age of seven, he became a disciple of Mom Chao Phra Somdej Phra Buddhacarya (That Seniwong) while he was still residing at Wat Rakhang. Charoen also studied under various other respected teachers, including Phra Amormethajan (Kes), Mom Chao Chumsaeng, his uncle, and Phra Horathibodi (Chum).

Ordination and Monastic Life

Charoen was ordained as a novice monk in B.E. 2413 (1870) in the Year of the Horse, and by the age of 14, he passed the third level of Buddhist scriptures. In B.E. 2419 (1876), he passed another level, becoming proficient in Pali studies.

He was ordained as a monk in the Year of the Tiger (1878) at the Ubosot of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, with Mom Chao Phra Buddhacarya as his preceptor. In B.E. 2425 (1882), he passed the fifth level of Pali studies.

Role and Contributions

When the Sangha Administration Act of 1878 was enacted, Charoen, then known as Phra Thammatrailokachan, was appointed abbot of Nakhon Sawan Province and received his certification at the Ubosot of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram on July 19 of that year. However, he later faced a conflict with Somdet Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Vajirananavarorasa, which led to disciplinary actions from King Rama VI. Despite these challenges, his contributions to Buddhism were significant.

Charoen was an expert preacher, particularly in the Mahachat Jataka. His sermons, delivered in royal palaces such as Bang Khun Phrom Palace, were highly regarded, and he was frequently invited to perform the Vessantara Jataka sermon in its entirety.

Literary and Linguistic Contributions

Somdej Phra Buddhakosajarn was also skilled in the Magadhi language (Pali), especially in crafting four-line poems. His use of Magadhi words in Thai literature, such as the Ramakien poems, is an enduring legacy. His work remains inscribed on the pillars of the gallery of the Phra Wihan Khot at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram.

Passing

Somdej Phra Buddhakosajarn (Charoen) passed away on October 1, 1927, at 6:05 p.m., at the age of 70 years and 45 days. His life and work left a lasting impact on the Thai Buddhist community, and he is remembered as one of the key figures in maintaining and spreading the teachings of Buddhism in Thailand.