Luang Phor Daeng (Phra Khru Yan Wilat) of Wat Khao Bandai It, Phetchaburi
Luang Phor Daeng, also known as Phra Khru Yan Wilat (Ratto), was one of Phetchaburi province’s most revered meditation masters and a widely respected figure in Thailand’s Theravāda Buddhist tradition. Born on 17 September 1879 and ordained in 2444 BE (1901 CE), he passed away in 2517 BE (1974 CE) at the age of 95, having spent over 73 rains retreats (vassas) in the monkhood.
Background & Ordination
Born in Bangchak, Mueang District, Phetchaburi, LP Daeng came from a humble farming family as the fifth of nine siblings. He was ordained at age 20 at Wat Khao Bandai It, receiving the monastic name “Ratto”, meaning red. His preceptor was Phra Khru Yan Wisut (Puang) of Wat Kaen Lek.
Though he was illiterate and had no formal education, LP Daeng possessed immense determination and spiritual discipline. He once remarked:
“I couldn’t read or write, yet I became abbot. So if you live honestly and benefit others, merit and respect will follow.”
Training in Wicha & Vipassana
After ordination, LP Daeng trained extensively in vipassana (insight meditation) under Ajahn Plian, and eventually studied advanced Buddhist magic (wiccha) from two masters:
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LP Chuey, Wat Kongkaram (Phetchaburi)
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LP Chaem, Wat Takong (Nakhon Pathom)
He often practiced deep meditation in caves around Wat Khao Bandai It. According to records, even Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, a close disciple and respected civil servant, noted LP Daeng’s deep respect for his teachers—he always carried their amulets in his monk’s bag.
Legacy of Teachings & Contributions
LP Daeng lived with extreme simplicity and strict discipline. He avoided excess ritual, emphasized compassion, gratitude, and honesty, and led by example. His teachings reached both monastics and laypeople.
He established a Dhamma school for novice monks, despite his own illiteracy, stating:
“I couldn’t study, but I want others to learn.”
He was also known for transmitting powerful meditative energy and charm through his amulets—especially in the form of Pong Yaa Jin Dhamani (sacred herbal ball) and Lok Om for wealth, metta, and seneh.
Royal Titles & Death
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Appointed Abbot of Wat Khao Bandai It in 1928
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Became a full preceptor in 1938
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Conferred the title Phra Khru Yan Wilat in 1959
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Elevated to senior district-level meditation teacher (Phra Khru Chan Ek) in 1968
LP Daeng passed away peacefully on 16 January 1974. Before his passing, he instructed his disciples to keep his body intact—not to cremate him. His preserved body remains enshrined in a pearl-inlaid coffin at the ordination hall of Wat Khao Bandai It, where devotees still come daily to pay respects.
Personal Note
This was the very first amulet I ever received—a Somdej made by LP Daeng. It was given to me by my then-girlfriend’s father, who had obtained it directly from the temple during LP Daeng’s time. At that point in my life, I didn’t yet understand the full value of what I was holding.
I eventually let it go—and to this day, I still regret selling it.
Some pieces are more than just objects of merit or power. They carry personal milestones, emotional significance, and the unseen connection between generations of practitioners. That first amulet opened the path for me, and I carry that lesson in every piece I hold or share today.