Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX
Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX, born Amborn Prasatthapong, is the 20th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and the superior general of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. He is a highly respected Theravada Buddhist monk known for his extensive studies in Pali and religious history, as well as his practice within the Thai Forest Tradition. His appointment as Supreme Patriarch in 2017 by King Vajiralongkorn marked a significant moment in the leadership of the Thai Sangha.
Key Facts
- ›Born Amborn Prasatthapong on June 26, 1927.
- ›Ordained as a novice monk in 1937 and a full bhikkhu in 1948.
- ›Holds degrees in religious studies and a master's in history and archaeology.
- ›Practitioner of the Thai Forest Tradition, known for meditation and asceticism.
- ›Appointed abbot of Wat Ratchabophit in 2008.
- ›Became the 20th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand in 2017.
Important Relationships
- King Vajiralongkorn
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej
- King Chulalongkorn
- Vajirañāṇasaṃvara
- Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana
- Vasana Vāsano
Wat Ratchabophit, Bangkok, Ratchaburi Province, Australia
Phra Ajahn Fan āCāRo
Bhikkhu
About Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX
Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX, born Amborn Prasatthapong on June 26, 1927, is the current and 20th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. He also serves as the superior general of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya, a prominent Buddhist order in Thailand. His Dharma name is Amborn Ambaro.
Early Life and Ordination
Born in Ratchaburi Province to a family of Thai Chinese descent, Amborn Prasatthapong received his early education in Lopburi. He was ordained as a novice monk (Samanera) at the age of ten in 1937. His monastic journey continued with full ordination as a bhikkhu on May 9, 1948, at Wat Ratchabophit in Bangkok, under the preceptor Vasana Vāsano, who would later become the 18th Supreme Patriarch.
Education and Spiritual Practice
Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX pursued extensive studies in Buddhism. He graduated with a fourth-level certificate in Pali studies in 1947 and a sixth-level certificate in 1950. He furthered his education at Mahamakut Buddhist University, earning a degree in religious studies in 1957, and later obtained a master's degree in history and archaeology from Banaras Hindu University in India in 1969. He has also been recognized with honorary doctorates from Mahamakut Buddhist University and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Spiritually, he was a student of the esteemed meditation master Phra Ajahn Fan Ācāro and practiced within the Thai Forest Tradition, known for its emphasis on meditation and ascetic discipline. In 1973, he participated in a Dhammaduta mission to establish Thai Buddhism in Australia.
Leadership Roles
His administrative responsibilities grew over the years. In 2008, he was appointed abbot of Wat Ratchabophit, a significant royal temple. On December 5, 2009, he received the title Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong, an honorific for senior monks in the Dhammayuttika order.
In 2017, he was appointed the 20th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand by King Vajiralongkorn, succeeding Vajirañāṇasaṃvara. This appointment also made him the head of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and the president of the Sangha Supreme Council. He has been a member of the Sangha Supreme Council for the Dhammayuttika order since 1996.
Recognition
Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX was honored with the Padma Shri by India in 2018 for his contributions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX?
Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX is the 20th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and the superior general of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. He was born Amborn Prasatthapong and is a prominent Theravada Buddhist monk.
When was Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX appointed Supreme Patriarch?
He was appointed the 20th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand on February 7, 2017, by King Vajiralongkorn. He succeeded Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana.
What is his background before becoming Supreme Patriarch?
Before his elevation, he was known as Amborn Prasatthapong and held the title Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong. He was ordained as a novice in 1937 and as a bhikkhu in 1948, pursuing extensive studies in Pali and religious subjects.
What is his connection to the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and Wat Ratchabophit?
He is the superior general of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and has been the abbot of Wat Ratchabophit in Bangkok since 2008. He has resided at this royal temple since his ordination in 1948.
What academic and spiritual traditions has he followed?
He studied Pali language, earned degrees in religious studies, and a master's in history and archaeology. He was also a student of Vipassanā master Phra Ajahn Fan Ācāro and practiced within the Thai Forest Tradition.
Related Buddhists
Pragyananda Mahasthavir
Pragyananda Mahasthavir was a pivotal Nepalese Buddhist monk instrumental in the revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal. He was the first monk in yellow robes seen in Kathmandu in centuries and became the first Sangha Mahanayaka (Patriarch) of Nepal in modern times. Despite facing suppression and exile under the Rana regime for practicing Buddhism and writing in Nepal Bhasa, he continued his work, establishing monasteries and writing extensively.
Sherry Chayat
Shinge-shitsu Roko Sherry Chayat is a prominent American Zen Buddhist leader, recognized as the former abbot of the International Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji monastery and the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji. She is known for her advocacy of meditation in healthcare settings and for being the first American woman to receive Dharma transmission in the Rinzai school.
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.