Khun Paen Nur Din - Wat Tha Phae, B.E. 2511

Khun Paen Nur Din: Ajarn Chum Chaiyakhiri, Wat Tha Phae, B.E. 2511 (1968)

• Master / Lineage: Organised by Thiang Phrueksamas; consecrated by Ajarn Chum Chaiyakhiri, Khun Phan (Khun Phantharak Rajadej) and Khao Or lineage masters
• Temple: Wat Tha Phae, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Year: B.E. 2511 (1968)
• Materials: Nur Din, baked to a black colour
• Size: 2 inches
• Casing: Clear plastic frame
• Certificate: None

Summary

This Khun Paen was issued at Wat Tha Phae in Nakhon Si Thammarat in B.E. 2511 (1968), organised by Thiang Phrueksamas for soldiers leaving to serve in Vietnam. It is a teardrop votive of Nur Din, baked to a deep black, with a seated figure on the front and a plain reverse, now in a clear plastic frame. The mould follows the B.E. 2497 (1954) Khun Paen, and the piece was consecrated by Ajarn Chum Chaiyakhiri together with Khun Phan and masters of the Khao Or lineage.

Historical Background

In B.E. 2511 (1968), Thiang Phrueksamas, then a captain and a devotee of Wat Tha Phae, the temple beside his home, arranged a new issue of sacred images for men leaving to serve in Vietnam. The pieces that remained were given in thanks to those who supported the temple crematorium, and shared at the later celebration of the ubosot.

Thiang had entered this lineage in B.E. 2497 (1954), when he became a disciple of Luang Pu Khong during the Barami Phra Borommathat rites associated with Ajarn Chum. For the Wat Tha Phae issue, the Khun Paen was pressed from those B.E. 2497 moulds, so its form continues a mould already blessed in that famous southern ceremony.

Work began on the first day of the rains retreat, in the ubosot of Wat Tha Phae, and continued through the three months of the retreat before the main consecration in late September.

Origins of the Materials

This piece is Nur Din, baked to a black colour. Accounts of the wider B.E. 2511 Wat Tha Phae issue also record the sacred substances presented at the ceremony, including herbal powder recovered from Wat Nang Kra by Luang Pho Hit of Wat Bang Pu, remnants from Khun Phan's earlier work at the Great Reliquary in Nakhon Si Thammarat, crushed fragments of older amulets, and Pathomang, Itthije and Maha Lalway powders.

Ritual

The principal consecration was held on 24, 25 and 26 September B.E. 2511 (1968). Taking part were Ajarn Nam, Ajarn Khong and Ajarn Nan of Phatthalung; Ajarn Chum Chaiyakhiri and his disciples from Lang Suan, Chumphon; Khun Phan (Khun Phantharak Rajadej), former commander of Police Region 8; Ajarn Chaeng of Wat Lao, Tha Sala; Ajarn Rot of Wat Pradu; Phra Khru Sang and Ajarn Choem of Wat Yai; Ajarn Mueang of Wat Pak Bang Tha Phaya, Pak Phanang; and other senior monks of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Blessings and Effects

This Khun Paen is traditionally kept for protection from danger, invulnerability and a safe path through harm, together with metta and loving-kindness.

Modern Application

A compact piece for daily wear, and a steady companion for work, travel and duty away from home. Tradition associated with the Wat Tha Phae issue offers this short recitation before carrying the amulet: Utthang Attho, Tho Utthang At, Ya Yatti At Ue.

Recommended Pairing

A protective Rian, or another image from Ajarn Chum, Khun Phan or the Khao Or lineage, sits well beside this Khun Paen. A piece from Wat Phra Mahathat in the same province is also a natural partner.