Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang - Arjan Ord

Ajarn Fon Dee Locket with Nanatong Reverse and Bone Relic: Ajarn Ord (Aod), Wat Boonrod, B.E. 2552 (2009)

• Master / Lineage: Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang; Fon lineage under Ajarn Ord (Aod) of Wat Boonrod
• Temple: Wat Boonrod (Wat Bunrod Dhammaram), Phra Khanong, Bangkok
• Year: B.E. 2552 (2009)
• Materials: Ceramic portrait locket of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang; reverse with a Phra Nanatong image and a bone relic of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang himself
• Size: 1.5 inches
• Casing: Plastic waterproof casing

Summary

This locket presents a close portrait of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang, the celebrated Ayutthaya white-robe master. The ceramic portrait shows his distinctive face and white householder's jacket, with his name marked on the front. The reverse bears a Phra Nanatong image together with a bone relic of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang himself, set in a plastic waterproof casing.

It is associated with Ajarn Ord (Aod) of Wat Boonrod, a present-day lay master of the Ajarn Fon lineage, known for portrait pieces that keep the founder's image and baramee close to later devotees.

Historical Background

Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang was born around B.E. 2426 to 2427 (1883 to 1884) at Ban Chung, Nakhon Luang, Ayutthaya. Once the metta katha was in his keeping, people were drawn to him with a warmth that became inseparable from his name. He trained under his maternal uncle, Phra Ajarn Plod of Wat Klang, and went on to serve openly as a white-robe lay ajarn, covering disciples, blessing soldiers and traders, and healing the sick.

He is remembered for the pa sa lueat blessing of yantra cloths and disciples. In B.E. 2483 (1940), during the Indochina conflict, he was among the rare lay masters invited to prepare protective items for Thai soldiers. He later settled at Wat Bueng in Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, remembered as Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn, and passed away peacefully on 15 July B.E. 2489 (1946), aged about 62.

Ajarn Ord (Aod) of Wat Boonrod, in Bangkok's Phra Khanong district, is a present-day lay consecrator of this line, known for Ajarn Fon portrait work made and blessed under his hand.

Origins of the Materials

The reverse carries a Phra Nanatong image, traditionally sought for prosperity, wealth and fortune. With it is a bone relic of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang himself, a direct and treasured remnant of the founder that keeps his personal baramee close to the wearer.

Blessings and Effects

Devotees keep Ajarn Fon's portrait for metta maha niyom and social warmth, for klaew klaad and kongkrapan protection, for steady fortune in trade, and for the healing, protective baramee of a master famed for the pa sa lueat blessing. The Phra Nanatong reverse adds a blessing of prosperity and wealth, while the bone relic of Ajarn Fon himself keeps his personal baramee with the wearer.

Modern Application

Wear it or keep it close as a daily companion for kindness, composure and safety at work, while travelling, or among other people. The plastic waterproof casing leaves the portrait visible, a quiet reminder of Ajarn Fon's covering and of the lineage carried forward by Ajarn Ord (Aod).

Recommended Pairing

It sits well with other objects of the Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang lineage, including pieces associated with Ajarn Aik Yai (Ek Yai) of Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn or Ajarn Aik (Ek) of Samnak Sukhumvit.