Luangpor Thong
Thailand·Mahasati Meditation·Male·20th century
Luangpor Thong Abhakaro is a respected Thai Buddhist monk and teacher known for propagating Mahasati meditation. He developed his practice under his teacher, Luangpor Teean Cittasubho, and later became the abbot of Wat Sanamnai, a significant Mahasati center. Luangpor Thong has been instrumental in establishing organizations to teach Mahasati meditation internationally, notably the Mahasati Association of America.
Key Facts
- ›Born on May 14, 1939, in Nong Bua Lamphu Province, Thailand.
- ›Fully ordained as a monk in 1961, receiving the Buddhist name Abhakaro.
- ›Met Luangpor Teean Cittasubho, the founder of Mahasati meditation, in 1967.
- ›Appointed abbot of Wat Sanamnai, a major Mahasati meditation center, in 1985.
- ›Founded the Mahasati Association of America in 1995 to teach the practice in the United States.
- ›Mahasati meditation utilizes body movement for self-awareness and self-realization.
Important Relationships
- Luangpor Teean Cittasubho
Beyond Text, Beyond Scriptures, Mahasati Meditation
- Wat Sanamnai
- Mueang Nongbua Lamphu District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province
Luangpor Teean Cittasubho
Thai
Bhikkhu
About Luangpor Thong
Luangpor Thong Abhakaro
Luangpor Thong Abhakaro is a prominent Thai Buddhist monk and teacher, widely recognized for his role in disseminating Mahasati meditation. The honorific 'Luangpor,' meaning 'venerable father,' signifies his respected status among senior monks in Thailand.
Life and Historical Context
Born on May 14, 1939, in Nong Bua Lamphu Province, northeastern Thailand, Luangpor Thong's early life was marked by the loss of his father at the age of seven. He entered monastic life and was fully ordained in 1961, receiving the Buddhist name Abhakaro. He pursued traditional Dhamma studies for six years before encountering Luangpor Teean Cittasubho in 1967. Luangpor Teean was the founder of Mahasati meditation, a practice that uses body movement to foster self-awareness and self-realization.
Under Luangpor Teean's guidance, Luangpor Thong undertook an intensive meditation retreat, dedicating himself to solitary practice. This period of deep immersion led him to achieve profound meditative states, including the understanding of 'birth-extinction.' In 1985, he was appointed abbot of Wat Sanamnai, which became a primary center for Mahasati meditation in Thailand. Following Luangpor Teean's passing in 1989, Luangpor Thong assumed leadership of the Luangpor Teean Jittasubho Foundation.
Teachings and Legacy
Luangpor Thong has been instrumental in sharing Mahasati meditation beyond Thailand. In 1995, he established the Mahasati Association of America, a non-profit organization focused on teaching this meditation method in the United States. Mahasati meditation is presented as a form of insight meditation suitable for individuals of any religious background or nationality.
Notable Works
Luangpor Thong Abhakaro is credited with works such as "Beyond Text, Beyond Scriptures" and "Mahasati Meditation." These texts likely elaborate on the principles and practice of the meditation tradition he champions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the title Luangpor?
In Thailand, the title 'Luangpor' is used to show respect for senior Buddhist monks. It translates to 'venerable father'.
When was Luangpor Thong born and ordained?
Luangpor Thong Abhakaro was born on May 14, 1939. He was fully ordained as a monk in 1961 at the age of 22.
Who was Luangpor Thong's teacher and what meditation method did he develop?
Luangpor Thong's teacher was Luangpor Teean Cittasubho, the founder of Mahasati meditation. Luangpor Thong became a significant proponent and teacher of this method.
What significant meditation states did Luangpor Thong achieve?
Through intensive practice, Luangpor Thong achieved the state of Rupa-Nama, described as the body-mind basic stage. He also attained the state of 'birth-extinction,' an understanding of life and death.
What role did Luangpor Thong play after his teacher's death?
After Luangpor Teean's death in 1989, Luangpor Thong became the president of the 'Luangpor Teean Jittasubho (Pann Intapew) Foundation'.
How has Luangpor Thong spread Mahasati meditation internationally?
In 1995, Luangpor Thong established the Mahasati Association of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching Mahasati meditation in the United States. The practice is also taught throughout Asia.
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