Luangpho Uttama
Luangpho Ajahn Tala Uttama ( Thai: หลวงพ่ออุตตมะ, Burmese: ဦးဥတ္တမ [ú oʊʔtəma̰]; ,Chinese: 龙婆乌达玛 ,alternatively spelt Luongphaw Ajar Tala Uttama, March 1910 in Mawkanin, Myanmar — 18 October 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand), was a Mon Buddhist monk. He was originally a Burmese citizen and later fled to Thailand and became one of Thailand's most admired and revered persons.
Luang Pho Uttama | |
|---|---|
| Title | 1st Mon Buddhist Monk of Wat Wang Wiwekaram, Thailand |
| Personal | |
| Born | A Maung March 1910 |
| Died | 18 October 2006 (aged 96) |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Nationality | Burmese-Thai dual citizen[1] |
| School | Theravada |
| Lineage | Mon |
| Dharma names | Uttamarambho |
| Occupation | Buddhist monk |
| Senior posting | |
| Teacher | Mon people |
| Successor | Phra Maha Suchart |
Biography
Luangpho Uttama was born in Mawkanin, Ye township in British Burma (now part of Tanintharyi Region in southern Myanmar). He fled to Thailand in 1948, avoiding abuse during the civil war in Burma. He later lived in the area of Wengka, located near the Burmese-Thailand border, and settled in Thailand.During 1943 he was invited by Luang Pu Waen Suciṇṇo for sharing vipassana meditation experience to his disciple. At 1947 invited by Luang Phor Fan (หลวงปู่ฝั้น อาจา) to teaching wicca and Nat (spirit) in Thailand
He was known and revered by civilians of Burmese and Thai for his profound and intensive Buddhist teachings and industrious meditation. He founded Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand and gave shelter to Mon refugees who fled from Burma. In 1997, he paid a formal visit to Myanmar, visited Yangon (Rangoon), and was honoured with the title of Agga Maha Pandita by Khin Nyunt, then Burmese Prime Minister.
His prosperity integrated in Thailand reaching to the regards of the Royal Thai family.Start from 1976，luang phor uttama is the personal dharma teacher for Vajiralongkorn .Solving Thai-Burma border Karen conflict army dispute. Luangphor Uttama invented the Bodh Gaya Pagoda,a pogada shape same as Mahabodhi Temple with name Wat Wang Wiwekaram [2] 1978. It was a replica from India. The pagoda was made from concrete with the square iron. 42 meters long 49 meters high.Iron pole 4 directions in total 16. In 1989, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn attended auspiciously on occasion of invitation Relics in Sri Lanka with 600 gm gold umbrella decorated on the top of pagoda.[3]
Lastly,he was hospitalised by the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and was paid a tribute on his funeral by the then Premier of Thailand, General Surayud Chulanont.
See also
- Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
- Mon people
- Mon refugees
References
- The Nation, 30016576.php
- Kaowao News Group,
- The Independent Mon News Agency,
External links
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