Wat Tham Promsawat in Lopburi

LP Suang is a Forest Monk of the Thammayut Tradition, and has learned under great masters like LP Khao, LP Tet, LP Chob and so on. He is a grand disciple of LP Mun. Last year, he has been awarded the rank of Phra Kru by Somdej Phra Puttajarn and is now the Sangha chief of the Pattana district in Lopburi.
Meeting LP Suang last Nov in 2009. The altar in LP's Kuti.
New batch of amulets consecrated this year.
The batch of amulets consecrated last year.

Group members having their photos taken with the Luang Pee at the amulet counter.

Inside the Maha Mondop of Wat Traimit

A video of Phra Buddha Maha Suwan Patimakon (The Golden Buddha) from the front. The Maha Mondop of Wat Traimit, Bangkok was recently opened.

Video of the Golden Buddha from the back. As we can see the place is thronging with tourists and devotees.
A 19" black bronze bucha of the Golden Buddha on display.
Another 9" brass bucha on display.

Recently consecrated amulets to commemorate the opening of the Maha Mondop.

The Legend of 9-Face Lersi 九面仙师

Recently in Thailand, quite a number of guru monks are making the amulets and images of 9-face Lersi, the latest one being LP Thongdam of Wat Tham Tapianthong. Who is this 9-face Lersi? He is actually a combined deity of 9 great Lersi, similar to the 9-face Buddha being the combined deity of the 9 great millionaires of Buddha's time. Which are the 9 Lersi? According to LP Thongdam's vision, they consist of:-

1 . Pra Lersi Parotmuni or Por Gae 婆洛仙师:
Every field of artists/stage performers will pray to him in Thailand because Phor Gae is the sagely secretary/scribe. Purpose is to transmit knowledge to the world.

2. Pra Lersi Narot 那洛仙师:
A musical Deva, purpose is to grant success for “Saneh Metta Maha Niyom” or attractiveness and popularity.

3. Pra Lersi Narai 那莱仙师:
A great wizard. Practitioners in every esoteric field must respect him, not only in the field of "black magic" or traditional medicine. Purpose is to grant influence.

4. Pra Lersi Tafai 火眼仙师:
Another powerful ascetic who achieved success in the Jhana meditation method of Fire Kasina. He is strongest in supernatural powers and authority, and very good in ceremony/rituals. Purpose is to inspire "Wicha" practitioners.

5. Pra Lersi Tawa 塔瓦仙师:
He who has achieved success in the field of alchemy. Purpose is to help alchemists.

6. Pra Lersi Ped Chalugan or Bull-head Lersi 牛头仙师:
This Lersi Deva possesses vast supernatural powers and knowledge and is believed to be the first incarnation of Pra Narai or Vishnu. Purpose is to grant supernatural power and high influence, as he comes with Metta for all humankind.

7. Pra Lersi Na Seua or Tiger-face Lersi 虎面仙师:
He is an expert in the suppression and subduing of enemies. Purpose is for leading and governing followers. Very good for authority.

8. Pra Lersi Promma Paramit 婆罗门仙师:
His supernatural powers are on par with the rest of the Lersi, and also possesses Metta despite being fierce and speaking with a booming voice. He is Lersi Brahma with 4 green faces and 8 arms, very huge and tall. Purpose is also for granting influence.

9. Por Lersi Chiwok or Jivaka 齐沃医仙:
The great physician who took care of Lord Buddha during his time. His expertise in medicine is very famous. Purpose is to grant health.

Thus with the blessings of these 9 great Lersi, one can expect good luck, popularity, influence, authority, and protection from black magic. The Katha for 9-face Lersi given by LP is:

Namo Tassa (3x)
Ahang Wantami Mahamuni Mahabucha
Jitta Jittang Phawantute (9x or 108x).

Correcting the misconceptions of Pastor Rony

Misconception 1: Pastor Rony commented about Buddhist chanting: “One could chant ee-ee-oo-ah- ah, ting-tang-wala- wala-bing- bang, it doesn’t mean anything.”

Buddhist chanting is definitely not meaningless. During chanting we recite the teachings of the Buddha and try to remind ourselves to follow accordingly. It is the same as Christians reciting the Bible - in order to understand the teachings of Jesus and follow them.

Misconception 2: Pastor Rony said, “The teaching is this, everybody is potentially a god … and you can be above God and be even more powerful than God.”

Buddhists do not believe in God. So there is no such concept in Buddhism claiming that we can be above God or more powerful than God. Instead, we believe that everybody has the potential to be awakened and bring an end to suffering.

Misconception 3: Pastor Rony’s interviewee (a former monk) didn’t know what Nirvana was, and said that his fellow monks didn’t know either, implying that Buddhists don’t know what they’re talking about when they refer to Nirvana.

If blind men cannot see the Sun, is it the fault of the Sun, or the fault of their own blindness? Likewise, if Joseph Wee and his former Buddhist companions do not understand what is Nirvana, is it the fault of Buddhism, or the fault of their own ignorance? Nirvana simply means "extiniguished". What is extinguished are the fires of craving, anger and ignorance, which are the causes of suffering as taught by the Buddha. When the causes of suffering are completely snuffed out, one reaches the end of suffering; a state of true happiness that is called Nirvana. As such, the Buddha said "Nirvana is the highest bliss".

Misconception 4: Pastor Rony said, “If something bad [happens], they say it’s because of your karma … If somebody falls sick, oh it’s because of your karma. It’s so easy to explain… It seems that you cannot do anything about the bad things that are happening.”

That is a wrong view rejected in Buddhism. According to Buddhist teachings Karma is but one of the 4 causes that cause things to happen the way that they have. And with regards to Karma, it is definitely not fixed and cannot be changed. If that was so then there would be no point in practicing the Buddhist teachings at all since we are all doomed to our fates. But the truth is quite the opposite. While it is true that we cannot change what we have done before in the past, we can certainly change what we are doing in the present for the better, which will influence our current lot and change our future destiny in a positive way.

Misconception 5: Pastor Rony claimed that Buddhism had simply ‘repackaged’ the doctrine of reincarnation as ‘rebirth’.

These are 2 different concepts altogether. Reincarnation is the concept of an immortal soul in us that moves from body to body during the process of birth and death. Buddhists reject the concept of an immortal soul. What we have instead are inconstant mental factors or a flowing mindstream that arises and dissolves during birth and death, in accordance to the causes and conditions that fuel it.
See my previous article http://waynedhamma.blogspot.com/2007/05/rebirth-without-soul.html for a more detailed explanation.

Misconception 6: Pastor Rony said, “How could you ever learn from your past life when you do not know what you were or who you were; whether you were a prince or a ****roach, you also don’t know… Surely there isn’t any past life because when you were born as a baby, you started with a new slate with no recollection whatsoever… There is no such thing as a previous life, or to be reborn into the next life.”

Such logic is flawed. If you cannot recall what you did yesterday, does that mean yesterday does not exist? Similarly, just because most people cannot recall their previous existences, we also cannot say that previous lives do not exist. The fact is that there are many documented cases of people (non-Buddhists) who can remember their past lives accurately and their stories can be verified by historical records. I myself was able to remember my past existence in Ayuttaya as a soldier during my Vipassana retreat in Wat Ampawan. Of course others can say I'm bias since I'm Buddhist, but surely they cannot dismiss the testimonies of those non-Buddhists who know nothing about Rebirth. To read more of those stories, one can go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Past_life_regression

Misconception 7: Pastor Rony said, “Ladies should be very offended [by the doctrine of rebirth]… One of the Buddhist persons who argued with me many years ago, he said, ‘…You are such an unbeliever, he said, next life ah, … you’ll be born as a woman!’ So you ladies, don’t believe in reincarnation.”

Buddhism is one of the first religions in the world to promote sexual equality. The Buddha clearly stated that women are just as capable as men in terms of the potential to reach enlightenment. He was the first religious leader to allow women to pursue the holy life in its fullness - as Bhikkuni or ordained nuns, despite strong cultural objection at that time. As such, the Sangha (Buddhist Community) is always made up of 4 pillars - Monks (Bhikku), Nuns (Bhikkuni), Laymen (Upasaka) and Laywomen (Upasika). And the Buddha also promoted equality among the different races, castes and even among humans and non-human beings. So there is totally no ground to accuse Buddhism as being sexist. Sexism comes from the Asian cultures that adopt Buddhism, not from Buddhism itself.

Misconception 8: Pastor Rony said, “The Buddha when he was about to die, said, 'I'm still searching for the Way', whereas Jesus comes and said, 'I'm the Way'.”

The Buddha never said such things. His final words were, "Impermanant are all compounded things. Strive on with dilligence." - Mahaparinibbana Sutta. With his last breath the Buddha exhorted those of his followers who have not reached the final goal not to be complacent, but to continue to work hard towards enlightenment. If the Buddha was still "searching for the Way" as the Pastor claimed, then he wouldn't be a Buddha at all!

Pastor Rony's attacks on Buddhism

The outrageous videos of Pastor Rony Tan reloaded on Youtube. He has really learned his lesson on respecting other people's religion the hard way.

To his own ruin the fool gains knowledge,

for it cleaves his head

and destroys his innate goodness. - Dhammapada

3-Legged Toad appears in Serangoon

Yesterday there was a report on a little 3-legged toad being found by Mr Ma inside the senior citizens corner at Blk 332 of Serangoon Ave 2 a couple of days ago. The Chinese believe that 3-legged toads are mythical wealth fetching creatures, and thus Mr Ma had decided to rear the toad in the hope that it would bring him luck.
Legend has it that the 3-legged toad was once a powerful demon with a strong craving for wealth. It wrecked havoc in the human world for a long time, until the Taoist Master Liu Hai subdued it with his magic. As Master Liu was fond of giving charity to the poor and needy, the supernatural wealth seeking ability of the toad was just what he was looking for. With the money that the toad gathered everyday, Master Liu helped countless people to escape from their poverty. Thus the 3-legged toad was revered as a divine wealth fetching creature by the ordinary people. Later a Fengshui tradition developed to place a gold or copper image of this toad in one's house or shop to bring luck. According to this tradition the toad should face outwards in the day, symbolizing it going out to find money for its owner; and when the night came, it should be turned to face inwards, symbolizing it coming back to spit money into the house. Does it work? Like all other wealth deities or mythical wealth creatures, it all depends on how much merit a person has. If a person regularly gives charity to the poor and needy, to monks and ascetics who follow the Dhamma, then like Master Liu Hai, the 3-legged toad will zealously fetch wealth for him or her. But if one is stingy and unwilling to make merit, then no deity or creature can help the person become rich. Indeed charity is the chief of the Paramis (Perfections), and we should constantly rejoice in giving. That is the sure way to wealth.

LP Thongdam of Wat Tham Tapianthong

LP Thongdam of Wat Tham Tapainthong is a well respected guru monk in Lopburi, famous for his Metta and Mahalap amulets. Here I've asked LP to bless the Sivali bucha I've chowed with his sacred powder.

I also asked LP to bless the other amulets I chowed.

Taking a photo with LP.

The altar inside LP's kuti, with a golden Phra Kaew as the main Buddha.

The amulet counter.

Outside the kuti.

The poster showing the latest batch of 9-face Buddha bucha, Somdej Chanaman and Phra Huyan amulets.

The 9-face Buddha roop lors, made of Samrit material.

The Somdej Chanaman with 3K takruts and rubies.

The cute-looking Phra Sivali bucha, made of hard clay material.

New photos taken with LP Thongdam on my 2nd visit (5.3.2010).

Wat Wangprongke in Lopburi

Wat Wangprongke is the temple of LP Lah in Lopburi province. Above we see a statue of Phra Buddha Sothon.

A statue of the respected LP Lah.

The current abbot of the temple Ajarn Thon. He is a disciple of LP Lah and recently consecrated a batch of Leklai amulets.

The Ubosot.

Phra Ruang and Phra Leela images at the side of the Ubosot.

9-tier Leklai Phra Somdejs chanted by Ajarn Thon.

Python Skin Takruts made by Ajarn Thon.
Inside the Ubosot.

Group members having their photo taken with Ajarn Thon on my 2nd visit.

Wat Kren Kathin & Wat Tha Klong

Wat Kren Kathin and Wat Tha Klong in Lopburi province are headed by LP Pian, a well-known guru monk for consecrating Mit Mor (magic knifes). Above we see the main chedi building at Wat Kren Kathin. However there are no relics enshrined inside it yet.

The Ubosot.

LP Pian and Buddha shrine.

Inside the Vihara is a small glass chedi contaning the Buddha's relics.

A display cabinet showing the popular batches of amulets and buchas made by the temple.

Taking a photo with LP Pian after receiving a blessing from him.

Outside at the temple park, most of the buildings are still not completed yet.

One of the completed Sala.

The large Pang Tawai Net (Sunday) statue still under works.

9" Mit Mor obtained from Wat Kren Kathin.

The amulet counter at Wat Tha Klong.

The altar inside the hall.

The long Leknami sword (24"). It was very beautiful and attractive, but I did not chow for fear of not being able to bring it back to Singapore.

The 10" Leknampi Phra Kan I chowed at Wat Tha Klong instead.
Everyone posing with the Mit Mors at Wat Tha Klong on my 2nd visit there.

Tiger Woods and his Women

The Dhammapada says:

"For a person forced on by his thoughts,
Fierce in his passion and focused on beauty,
Craving grows all the more.
He's the one who tightens the bond (of suffering)."
1
All the beings in this world are driven by their own lust and craving towards suffering, for they are ignorant of the consequences of unrestrained desire. This is the Prison of Lust, and even people with very good karma cannot escape from it. The latest celebrity to fall into this self-created prison is Tiger Woods, our world famous golf player. Obviously Woods is one who has it all - wealth, fame, respect and a beautiful wife. But like most men, he can't resist other beautiful women, who would gladly sleep with him for who he is. So eventually his wife found out and gave him hell, causing Woods to crash his car trying to escape from her. Now, Woods have to cough out millions of dollars to pacify his wife and beg her not to divorce him; millions more to prevent his other lovers from doing a "kiss and tell" to the media. Shame, injury, loss of wealth, stress and frustration - these are the karmic fruits of his Kamesu Miccacara (sexual misconduct).
1
Seeing the suffering that such deeds lead to, the wise applies mindfulness to lust arising in the mind, and does not let it go out of control. I hope that Woods will learn his lesson from this shameful episode.