Phra Dhammavisuddhikavi
Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong was a distinguished Thai Buddhist monk of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya, known for his extensive writings on Buddhism and meditation. He held significant leadership roles within the Thai Sangha, including serving as the abbot of Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara and as an advisor to the Supreme Sangha Council. His contributions to Buddhist education and missionary work extended internationally.
Key Facts
- ›Born Phichit Thawornsuwan on June 24, 1936, in Songkhla Province, Thailand.
- ›Ordained as a novice in 1953 and fully ordained in 1956 at Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara.
- ›Completed a Bachelor's degree in Buddhist Studies and a Master's degree in Sanskrit Literature from Banaras Hindu University, India.
- ›Authored over 63 books on Buddhism, with 20 published by Mahamakut Buddhist University.
- ›Served as the abbot of Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara from 1996 until his death in 2024.
- ›Died on December 25, 2024, at the age of 88.
Important Relationships
- King Vajiralongkorn
- Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
- Surayud Chulanont
- Phra Udomsilakhun (Roem Nandiyo)
- Phra Vinayavongweti (Phuang Dhammatharo)
- Somdet Phra Wanarat (Chap Thitthammo)
- Phra Ratchakavi (Am Dhammadatto)
- A Buddhist Way of Mental Training
- Over 70 Additional Titles On Buddhism and Meditation In Thai
Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara, Songkhla Province, Banaras Hindu University, India
Thai, Sanskrit
Novice Ordination, Full Ordination
Senior Monk, Former Abbot
About Phra Dhammavisuddhikavi
Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong
Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong, born Phichit Thawornsuwan on June 24, 1936, was a highly respected senior Thai Buddhist monk belonging to the Dhammayuttika Nikaya tradition. He was widely recognized for his prolific authorship, having penned over 63 books on Buddhist philosophy and meditation practices. His dedication to Buddhist scholarship and teaching was evident throughout his long ecclesiastical career.
Life and Ministry
Born in Songkhla Province, Thailand, Phichit Thawornsuwan was raised by his grandmother after his parents moved for work. He showed an early inclination towards spiritual life, requesting ordination at age 15. He was ordained as a novice in 1953 at Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara and received full ordination in 1956. During his monastic training, he excelled in Pali studies, achieving the highest ranks, and later pursued higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies from Mahamakut Buddhist University and a Master of Arts in Sanskrit Literature from Banaras Hindu University in India, also obtaining a diploma in Hindi.
Leadership and Contributions
Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong held significant administrative and advisory roles within the Thai Sangha. He served as the assistant abbot and later as the abbot of Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara from 1996 until his passing. He was also a member of the Supreme Sangha Council as an advisor and served as an advisor to the ecclesiastical regions of Bangkok and Southern Thailand. Beyond his administrative duties, he was an experienced meditation teacher with over 20 years of practice and a lecturer in Buddhist Studies. His missionary work extended internationally, having traveled to more than 20 countries to promote Buddhist education.
Works and Legacy
His notable works include "A Buddhist Way of Mental Training" (2001) and over 70 other titles in Thai on Buddhism and meditation. His extensive writings and his dedication to teaching and missionary work have left a significant mark on the dissemination of Buddhist teachings in Thailand and abroad. Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong died on December 25, 2024, at the age of 88. The King of Thailand was represented at his royal bathing rite, and a royal cremation ceremony was held in his honor.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong's birth name and date?
Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong was born Phichit Thawornsuwan on June 24, 1936.
What were his significant ecclesiastical positions?
He served as the abbot of Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara, an advisor to the Supreme Sangha Council, and an advisor to the ecclesiastical regions of Bangkok and Southern Thailand.
What was his educational background?
He pursued advanced studies in Pali, Dhamma, Buddhist Studies, and Sanskrit Literature, earning a B.A. from Mahamakut Buddhist University and an M.A. from Banaras Hindu University in India.
How many books did he author?
Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong authored more than 63 books on Buddhism, with a significant portion published by Mahamakut Buddhist University.
When did he pass away?
He passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, at the age of 88.
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