Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang - Arjan Aik Yai

Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang Snake-Handling Roop Tai Photograph Amulet with Bone Relic: Ajarn Aik Yai (Ek Yai), Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn, B.E. 2552 (2009)

• Master / Lineage: Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang; Fon lineage under Ajarn Aik Yai (Ek Yai) of Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn
• Temple: Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn (Wat Sunthon Phichitaram), Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok
• Year: B.E. 2552 (2009)
• Materials: Vintage photographic paper portrait of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang handling a snake; reverse packed with 108 sacred herbs, a bone relic of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang himself, and takrut for blessings in all aspects
• Size: 1.5 inches
• Casing: Custom silver frame

Summary

This oval Roop Tai photograph amulet shows Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang in one of his most famous aspects: seated in a deep squat, calmly handling a snake with both hands. The sepia portrait captures his distinctive face and white householder's jacket, and the image itself is marked with the name Ajarn Aik Yai. The reverse is packed with 108 sacred herbs, a bone relic of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang himself, and takrut for blessings in all aspects, all set in a custom silver frame.

It is associated with Ajarn Aik Yai (Ek Yai) of Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn, a present-day lay master of the Ajarn Fon lineage who holds the annual wai kru at the very temple where Ajarn Fon spent his last years.

Historical Background

Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang was born around B.E. 2426 to 2427 (1883 to 1884) in Ban Chung, Nakhon Luang, in the Ayutthaya countryside. Illness in childhood took the bridge of his nose. Once the metta katha was in his keeping, people were drawn to him with a warmth that became inseparable from his name.

He was placed in the care of his maternal uncle, Phra Ajarn Plod, abbot of Wat Klang in Nakhon Luang, a master of akom, herbal healing and a blood-linked sak yant art. A katha heard once or twice remained with Fon for life. As a young man he ordained, stayed for a time at Wat Kai Fa in Bang Pahan, and later left the robes to serve openly as a white-robe lay ajarn, covering disciples, blessing soldiers and traders, and healing the sick. He was equally remembered for calling cobras, binding their mouths, and drawing venom from bite wounds, the same calm authority this portrait records.

His signature rite was pa sa lueat, the blood 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 Aik Yai (Ek Yai), whose civil name is Chomsirichai Charat-arunchai, is a present-day lay master of this line at that same temple. His family in Ongkharak were already disciples of Ajarn Fon. In B.E. 2523 (1980) he offered the teacher tray to Luang Phor Noo, then abbot of Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn and a foremost monastic disciple of the founder. Today he leads the annual Fon-lineage wai kru at Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn.

Origins of the Materials

The reverse of this piece is packed with 108 sacred herbs, a traditional gathering of holy plants that enriches the blessing of the amulet. With them is a bone relic of Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang himself, a direct and treasured remnant of the founder, kept close so that his personal baramee stays with the wearer. Takrut for blessings in all aspects complete the reverse, covering the devotee's life in the round: kindness, attraction, protection, fortune and the fulfilment of sincere wishes.

Blessings and Effects

This piece is kept first for wish-granting and for Saneh, the power of attraction and metta maha niyom that draws kindness, goodwill and favourable meetings. Devotees also seek it for klaew klaad and kongkrapan protection, for steady fortune in trade, and for the healing baramee of a master famed for the pa sa lueat blessing and for mastery over venom and danger. The 108 sacred herbs, the bone relic of Ajarn Fon himself, and the takrut for blessings in all aspects deepen that covering, so that the wearer keeps both his image and his personal baramee close.

Modern Application

Wear it or keep it close as a daily companion when you set a wish, seek attraction and goodwill, or need kindness, composure and safety at work, while travelling, or among other people. The custom silver frame leaves the portrait visible, a reminder of Ajarn Fon's covering and of the living line held at Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn by Ajarn Aik Yai (Ek Yai).

Recommended Pairing

It pairs naturally with other objects from Wat Bueng Phra Ajarn and the wider Ajarn Fon Dee Sawang lineage, including pieces associated with Ajarn Ord (Aod) of Wat Boonrod or Ajarn Aik (Ek) of Samnak Sukhumvit.