Biography of Phra Ajahn Plian Panyapatipo
Early Life and Background
Phra Ajahn Plian Panyapatipo, born Wongsachan on November 16, 1933, in Ban Khok Kon, Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand, grew up in a well-off merchant family. Raised by his grandmother, he was deeply loved and nurtured by her. He had six siblings, five brothers and one sister.
During his early education, Phra Ajahn Plian studied at home due to World War II and later attended Ban Khok Kon School, where he excelled, finishing grade 4 at the age of 11 as the top student in his class. Although he wanted to continue his studies, he assisted his father in the family business due to his mother’s wishes.
Life Before Ordination
In his early career, Phra Ajahn Plian worked as a trader, traveling between provinces to purchase goods. Alongside, he managed family farmland, hired workers during planting seasons, and even expanded into rice trading. He also gained knowledge in medicine from a relative who was a doctor, though his mother discouraged him from pursuing a formal medical education.
He was known as a trustworthy person in his community; friends and family would entrust him with their savings as if he were a bank. Even though he was respected and had a stable life, he showed no interest in marriage, focusing solely on his responsibilities and spiritual development.
Path to Ordination
Since his youth, Phra Ajahn Plian had been drawn to monastic life. At 11 or 12, he became familiar with monks and practiced mindfulness as a layperson, learning walking meditation from Luang Pu Prom Jiripunyo, a disciple of the esteemed Luang Pu Man Phurithatto. This experience planted the seed of ordination in his heart, and he wished to ordain from a young age. However, his mother initially did not allow it, although his two older brothers were ordained.
After the deaths of his father and uncle, he finally gained his mother’s permission and entered the monkhood for a temporary period. His mother initially allowed him to ordain for just seven days. However, motivated by his desire to learn the Dhamma, he requested an extension to a full Lent period.
Ordination and Dedication to Dhamma
On March 31, 1959, Phra Ajahn Plian was ordained at Wat That Michai, Sawang Daen Din District, with the religious name “Panya Patipo.” Following his ordination, he joined the Dhammayuttika Nikaya sect and moved to Wat Thung Sawang. Free from worldly burdens, he immersed himself in monastic life and spiritual studies.
To pursue his goal of liberation, Phra Ajahn Plian sought teachings from various revered monks across Thailand. Notable mentors included Luang Pu Phrom Chirapunyo, Luang Pu Thet Thetsarangsi, and Luang Pu Waen Sujino. He practiced intensely, gradually deepening his understanding and application of the Dhamma.
Abbot and Teacher
In 1966, Phra Ajahn Plian became the abbot of Wat Aranyawiwek in Chiang Mai, a position he held until his passing. He became widely respected for his dedication to the Dhamma and was known for his strict adherence to Buddhist teachings and precepts. His teachings emphasized the path to Nirvana, the ultimate goal in Buddhism. Many disciples studied under him, following his methods of mindfulness and meditation.
Legacy and Passing
Phra Ajahn Plian was renowned as a compassionate, disciplined, and well-practiced monk. He authored numerous books, freely sharing his knowledge to guide others on the path of spiritual development. His works covered essential Buddhist teachings, such as the Eightfold Path, the Five Aggregates, and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
He passed away peacefully on February 15, 2018, at Wat Aranyawiwek, leaving a lasting legacy through his teachings and writings. His royal cremation ceremony took place on February 16, 2019, marking the end of a life devoted to the pursuit of liberation and compassion.
