Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Somdet, Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi

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Somdet Toh (1788-1872; BE 2331-2415), officially known as Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi, was one of the most famous Buddhist monks in Thailand's Rattanakosin Period. Biography Somdet Toh was born in the province of Kamphaeng Phet, perhaps the son of King Rama I. He studied Buddhist scriptures of Pāli Canon with several Buddhist masters. After becoming famous monk, he became the tutor to the Prince Mongkut, later King Rama IV, when Mongkut became a monk. During Rama IV's reign Somdet Toh was named ceremonial Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi. It was noted for his preaching skill and use of the Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism, and to appeal Somdet amulets. The amulets were blessed by him and respect the other monks in Thailand. It also appears in several versions of the history of Nang Nak.

Somdet Toh - his formal title is Somdet Budhacariya (Toh Brahmaransi) - is probably the most famous and beloved monk in the nineteenth century in Thailand. A qualified meditating closely associated with the royal family, he was famous for many reasons, but its popularity is based on two things: Despite its popularity, it is easily accessible to people at all levels of society and has made amulets that - because of its meditative prowess - have a reputation for being very powerful. He was also famous for his wisdom and spirit. Since his death in 1872, a cult has developed around his memory, with many mediums throughout Thailand claiming to channel his spirit.

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