Biography of Luang Phor Mui – Wat Don Rai, Suphanburi
Early Life
Luang Phor Mui was born on 5 December 1888 (Thursday, 13th night of the waxing moon, Month 1, Year of the Ox), during the reign of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn the Great), in Ban Don Rai, Sam Chuk District, Suphanburi Province. He was the son of Mr. Muean and Mrs. Chang Meesrichai and had four siblings. As a child growing up in a rural farming household, his early life was simple and in tune with the rhythms of the countryside.
When he came of age, he was drafted for military service. Although he was officially enlisted and sent to another province, he was eventually discharged and returned home — the exact reason remains unclear. What is known is that he did not serve as a soldier.
Ordinations and Turning Point
Luang Phor Mui was first ordained as a monk around 1909 (B.E. 2452) at Wat Tha Chang, Doem Bang Nang Buat District, Suphanburi. His preceptor was Phra Kru Silakiti (Luang Phor Krit), with Luang Phor Im of Wat Hua Khao acting as the chanting master. During this first ordination, he studied Buddhist teachings and various spiritual disciplines under several revered teachers.
After more than a decade in the monkhood, he disrobed to support his aging parents by working on the family farm. During this period, he fell gravely ill. At death’s door and unable to recover by conventional means, he made a solemn vow: if he recovered, he would dedicate the rest of his life to the Buddhist path. Miraculously, he made a full recovery — and soon after, he changed his name from Chueam to Mui and re-entered the monkhood.
He was re-ordained for the second time on 22 March 1922 (B.E. 2465) at Wat Taka (now Wat Don Buppharam), Sri Prachan District. His preceptor was Phra Kru Dhammasarn Raksa (Luang Pu On), with Phra Ajarn Thuan and Phra Ajarn Kun assisting. He was given the Dhamma name “Buddharakkhito”, meaning “Protected by the Buddha”.
Lineage of Teachers and Magical Knowledge
Luang Phor Mui was a keen student of both Dhamma and esoteric sciences (wicha). Throughout his life, he sought out and studied under many highly respected monks, including:
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Luang Pu On, Wat Don Buppharam
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Luang Phor Im, Wat Hua Khao
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Luang Phor Sook, Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Chai Nat
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Phra Ajarn Kun, Wat Ban Thueng, Sam Chuk
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Luang Phor Plang, Wat Wimolbhokaram
He was considered part of the same generation as other renowned masters such as Luang Phor Niam of Wat Noi and was deeply respected for his discipline, humility, and powerful wicha.
Abbotship and Contributions
After Wat Don Rai was established by the villagers, Luang Phor Mui was invited to stay there in 1923 (B.E. 2466), following the brief tenures of Luang Phor Plang and Luang Phor Ploy. He took charge of rebuilding and developing the temple, often taking the lead himself in forest work to gather materials for construction.
In 1933 (B.E. 2476), he was appointed head monk (chao khana tambon) of Nong Sadao subdistrict. This role extended his responsibilities to overseeing and revitalizing numerous temples in and beyond his assigned region.
Luang Phor Mui personally oversaw the building of the ordination hall, monk’s quarters, and sermon hall at Wat Don Rai. He often led villagers into the forest to cut and transport timber for these buildings — a testament to his tireless dedication.
In 1953 (B.E. 2496), he was appointed an official ecclesiastical preceptor (Phra Upachaaya). At that time, there were only two preceptors in the entire Sam Chuk district, and most young men seeking ordination were ordained by Luang Phor Mui.
Passing and Legacy
In 1973 (B.E. 2516), Luang Phor Mui fell ill due to old age. His condition worsened over the months, and he was moved to a clinic run by a devotee and physician for care. Shortly before the annual Kathina (robe-offering) festival, he returned to Wat Don Rai — to the great joy of his followers, who welcomed him with much celebration.
Unbeknownst to them, this was his final return. On 15 January 1974 (B.E. 2517) at 7:15 AM, Luang Phor Mui peacefully passed away at the age of 85 years and 41 days.
Sacred Objects and Amulets
Luang Phor Mui was revered for his deep spiritual power and command of sacred knowledge. His amulets and talismans are well-known for their:
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Protection
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Metta (loving-kindness) and charisma
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Authority and good fortune
Some of his most sought-after creations include:
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Rian (medal-style) amulets
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Pump-cast miniature statues (Rup Muean)
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Somdej-style votive tablets
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Takrut scrolls and yant cloths
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Phra Kring (Buddha images with sacred beads inside)
One of the most famous is the first batch of his pump-cast statues — which had a misspelling on the mold: “Luang Phor Muí” (ไม้โท - misplaced tone). These are now called the "Rup Muean Mai Tho" and are more expensive and rare than the corrected "Mai Ek" versions that followed.
Many of his rian (medal) amulets bear only simple inscriptions like “Luang Phor Mui – Wat Don Rai”, lacking elaborate details. Yet they stand out among amulets from his era due to their potent spiritual force and unique aesthetics.