MS04

Rian Phra Mahachanok – 
The Mahajanaka Medal (Symbol of Perseverance) 

King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Rama IX
B.E. 2539 (1996)
1.5"
Samakom Card 

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Each medal was individually struck and finished from high-grade precious metal, resulting in subtle natural differences in surface, toning and finishing. These characteristics give every surviving example its own individual character.

Personal Experiences Shared by Luksits

Among Thai collectors, the Rian Phra Mahachanok is respected for a character quite different from many conventional sacred medals. Its central meaning is Wiriya — perseverance: continuing one's effort even when success cannot yet be seen.

Many owners associate the medal with progress in business, especially during periods where growth feels slow or obstacles appear overwhelming. Among Thai collectors, it is common to hear stories of individuals carrying the medal during financially difficult years before eventually stabilising and rebuilding their lives into something significantly stronger than before.

For many devotees, its strongest blessing is therefore not simply Choke Lap. It is the Baramee to endure, continue and eventually overcome.

Summary

This is the first-batch Rian Phra Mahachanok, created in B.E. 2539 (1996) in connection with the royal literary work Phra Mahachanok by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX.

This example is the Pim Lek, or smaller mould, produced in silver.

The obverse depicts King Bhumibol in the characteristic posture of working, with his finger raised near his mouth and a visible drop of perspiration — a powerful representation of tireless effort in service to the country.

Beneath the portrait appears the concept:

Wiriya — Perseverance

The reverse illustrates Phra Mahachanok swimming in the great ocean, with the celestial figure Manimekhala appearing above.

The entire medal therefore centres upon one principle: success through unwavering perseverance.

Historical Background

Phra Mahachanok is one of the great stories within the Buddhist Jataka tradition concerning the former lives of the Bodhisatta before his final birth as Siddhattha Gotama and attainment of Buddhahood.

The story is particularly associated with the perfection of:

Wiriya Baramee — the Perfection of Perseverance.

Phra Mahachanok survives the destruction of his ship and finds himself alone in the vast ocean.

With no land visible and no certainty that rescue will ever arrive, he continues swimming.

His effort is not based upon knowing that he will succeed.

He continues because giving up guarantees failure, while perseverance keeps possibility alive.

This principle became the spiritual heart of the Mahajanaka story.

King Bhumibol & Phra Mahachanok

King Bhumibol took particular interest in the story of Phra Mahachanok and its teaching on perseverance.

Its message reflected a principle visible throughout his own working life: sustained effort towards difficult goals even when results could require many years to appear.

Across numerous royal development projects, work was undertaken in agriculture, water management, rural development and the improvement of livelihoods throughout Thailand.

The image chosen for the medal therefore carries considerable meaning.

King Bhumibol is shown actively working, with perspiration visible upon his face.

It presents perseverance not as an abstract idea, but as something expressed through continual effort.

The Meaning of Wiriya Baramee

Wiriya means energy, effort, diligence and perseverance.

Within Buddhist practice, Wiriya is the determination to continue wholesome effort despite fatigue, setbacks or uncertainty.

In the Mahajanaka story, this quality reaches an exceptional level.

Phra Mahachanok does not know whether land is near.

He does not know whether anyone will save him.

Yet he continues swimming.

The teaching is therefore straightforward:

One continues because the effort itself remains meaningful, even before the result is known.

For this reason, the Mahajanaka medal became an especially meaningful object for people facing difficult long-term goals.

The Obverse – King Rama IX

The obverse carries a finely modelled portrait of King Bhumibol Rama IX in a working posture.

A small drop of perspiration is incorporated into the portrait, symbolising the physical effort and persistence associated with his royal duties.

Beneath the portrait are inscriptions expressing the concept of Wiriya — Perseverance in multiple scripts.

Above the medal sits the royal B.P.R. / monogram, formed into an elegant crowned element with radiating detail.

The composition brings together the royal portrait and the central moral teaching of the Mahajanaka story.

The Reverse – Phra Mahachanok in the Ocean

The reverse depicts one of the defining moments of the Mahajanaka Jataka.

After his ship is destroyed, Phra Mahachanok continues swimming alone through the ocean.

Above him appears Manimekhala, the celestial guardian associated with the sea.

She questions why he continues exerting himself when the shore cannot even be seen.

Phra Mahachanok's answer embodies the principle represented by the entire medal: effort should continue because one must perform one's duty to the fullest extent possible.

The waves surrounding him reinforce the scale of the challenge, while the small human figure continuing forward becomes a powerful symbol of determination.

First Batch – B.E. 2539

The original Mahajanaka medals were created together with the publication of the royal-authored Phra Mahachanok book.

The first issue was produced in precious metals and accompanied particular editions of the publication.

Three principal precious-metal versions were created:

Gold — 99.99% purity
Nak — traditional gold-based alloy
Silver — 99.99% purity

The original silver medal is recorded at approximately 23 grams, with a diameter of approximately 29 mm for the larger initial format.

Demand subsequently exceeded the original reservation quantities, leading to permission for an additional smaller format.

This example belongs to the Pim Lek, or smaller Mahajanaka medal format.

Chai Mangkhala Consecration

The Mahajanaka medals received an important Chai Mangkhala consecration at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara.

The original royal ceremony took place in B.E. 2539, with King Bhumibol presiding over the auspicious rites.

Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, presided over the monastic side of the ceremony together with respected monks participating in meditation and blessing.

The ceremony established the medal as considerably more than a conventional commemorative issue.

It united royal symbolism, Buddhist teaching, sacred consecration and the moral principle of perseverance within a single object.

Silver Material

This example was produced in silver, giving the portrait and reverse imagery particularly clear definition.

The subdued silver surface complements the documentary nature of the design, allowing the King's portrait, the royal monogram and the ocean scene of Phra Mahachanok to remain the principal focus.

Over time, silver may naturally develop changes in tone and light patination, particularly around recessed areas.

When preserved carefully, these changes become part of the medal's ageing history.

Traditional Blessings & Qualities

The Phra Mahachanok medal is principally associated with Wiriya Baramee, but devotees also connect the piece with several related qualities.

Perseverance — maintaining effort despite setbacks or delayed results.

Baramee — developing character, credibility and inner strength through disciplined action.

Career & Business Progress — particularly meaningful for long-term goals requiring patience and continual work.

Overcoming Obstacles — facing difficulties without surrendering prematurely.

Wisdom & Decision-Making — maintaining clarity when circumstances appear uncertain.

Leadership — carrying responsibility with patience and determination.

Protection & Auspiciousness — strengthened through its Buddhist symbolism and formal consecration.

The medal is consequently regarded as especially meaningful for people whose success depends upon sustained effort rather than immediate fortune.

Modern Application

The Mahajanaka medal remains remarkably relevant to modern life.

Entrepreneurs may carry it while building businesses through uncertain periods.

Professionals may wear it during demanding projects, career transitions or periods when advancement appears slow.

Students can draw meaning from it during long periods of study and examination preparation.

Those recovering from setbacks may regard Phra Mahachanok's ocean journey as a reminder that temporary difficulty does not determine the final outcome.

Its message is particularly appropriate whenever the road ahead remains unclear but the correct course is simply to continue doing what must be done.

Physical Details

This example is the Pim Lek silver version of the Rian Phra Mahachanok.

The obverse depicts King Bhumibol Rama IX, with the royal monogram positioned above the circular medal.

The reverse shows Phra Mahachanok swimming through the ocean beneath Manimekhala, surrounded by inscriptions relating to the story and its teaching.

The medal has a finely detailed matte silver surface, allowing the portrait, ocean waves and small narrative details to remain exceptionally clear.

This example is presently protected within a finely engraved silver casing, leaving both sides visible while safeguarding the original medal.

Recommended Pairing

The Mahajanaka medal is especially suitable as a principal daily piece for those focused upon career, business, leadership and long-term personal development.

It pairs naturally with Roop Lors of meditation masters where additional Baramee and spiritual guidance are desired.

For business use, it may be combined with wealth, Choke Lap or Metta Maha Niyom pieces, allowing those amulets to support opportunity while Mahajanaka represents the perseverance required to develop that opportunity.

It can equally be worn alone, as its message is already broad and complete.

Personal Notes

Few Thai medals communicate their meaning as clearly as Rian Phra Mahachanok.

On one side is King Bhumibol working until perspiration appears.

On the other is Phra Mahachanok alone in an apparently endless ocean.

The two images tell the same story.

Continue.

Phra Mahachanok did not continue because success was guaranteed. He continued because abandoning his effort would remove every possibility of reaching his destination.

That philosophy also explains why this medal remains meaningful beyond its value as a royal commemorative piece.

It represents Wiriya Baramee — the strength to continue when the destination cannot yet be seen.

For collectors of sacred royal objects, Buddhist symbolism and historically important Thai medals, the B.E. 2539 first-batch Rian Phra Mahachanok remains one of the most meaningful representations of perseverance produced during the reign of King Rama IX.