On Jan 10th at 4:00 am, a novice from Sweden and Germany were accepted into the Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat as Bhikkhus (Buddhist monks) under Luang Por Liem Thitadhammo (Phra Rachabhavanavikrom), the abbot of Wat Pah Pong as their preceptor, with Ajahn Sukhito and Ajahn Kevali as the chanting-achariyas. We wholeheartedly wish them fulfillment of their Holy Life as monks in the Wat Pah Nanachat Sangha.
Going forth as a Novice in Wat Pah Nanachat
On Jan 6th, 2020 the Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat welcomed a new novice (Samanera) from China into the community. We wish him much peace and happiness in the yellow robes.
Luang Por Pasanno Teaching Meditation
Under the trees of the open cremation site at Wat Pah Nanachat Luang Por Pasanno (Phra Rachabodhiviteht) from Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, California, USA, is teaching a short meditation retreat in Thai language from Jan 2nd to 5th, 2020.
New Years Eve at Wat Pah Nanachat 2562/2019
New Years Eve at Wat Pah Nanachat 2019/2562, the Sangha and lay-community spent under the open sky at the building-site of the upcoming uposatha hall, meditating and chanting into the new year, with blessings of Luang Por Pasanno (Phra Rachabodhiviteht, from Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, California), Ajahn Medhino (Sri Lanka), Ajahn Nyaniko (the new abbot of Wat Abhayagiri), and many elders gathered for this auspicious occasion.
May all of you be blessed with a peaceful and happy new year.
Visit of Ven. Ajahn Amaro
The community of Wat Pah Nanachat recently enjoyed the visit of Ven Ajahn Amaro (Phra Rachabuddhivaraguna), the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in the UK.
New Sandstone Buddha-Image mounted
The new sandstone Buddha image for Wat Pah Nanachats ordination hall under construction was mounted on it’s pedestal on October 28, 2019 with Luang Por Liem and Luang Por Anek and the Wat Pah Nanachat Sangha giving their blessings. Luang Por Liem gave the statue the auspicious name “Phra Buddhasumedhaguna“ -Quality of good wisdom - Buddha - drawing a link to Ven. Luang Por Sumedho, Wat Pah Nanachat’s first abbot.
Wheel of Dhamma in front of Wat Pah Nanachat
Since October 2nd, 2019, in the strip of newly planted forest in front of the main wall of Wat Pah Nanachat, a new grey, handcrafted sandstone “Wheel of Dhamma” (Dhammacakka) sets a sign for people that this little green park is part fo the monastery, creating an aura of respect for the teachings of the Buddha as people enter the monastery. The monastic and lay-community gathered when the wheel was mounted in the morning hours after the monks returned from their almsround.
Ajahn Jayasaro Visiting
The community of Wat Pah Nanachat much enjoyed Tan Ajahn Jayasaros mid-pansah (rains-retreat) - visit and the various teachings he gave, both in Thai and in English.
Tree Planting on Mother's Day
On the occasion of H.M. the Queen Mother’s 87th Birthday, the Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat called the laypeople together to do some tree planting in a new property adjoining the monastery, as a dedication to Her Majesty.
Two new novices at Wat Pah Nanachat
On Mother’s Day in Thailand (July 28) , the Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat welcomed two new novices (from Russia and Portugal) to join monastic life receiving Pabbajja, the “Going Forth” early in the morning.
HM King Vajiralongkorn offers Royal Titles to Seniour Monks
On July 28, 2019 HM King of Thailand kindly bestowed high honours on Luang Por Sumdeho, Luang Por Pasanno, Luang Por Amaro, and Luang Por Jayasaro by granting them ecclesiastical titels (or “Jaokhun”-tiles), with the royal names of Phra Thepnyanavithet for Luang Por Sumedho, Phra Rachabodhiviteht for Luang Por Pasanno, Phra Rachabuddhivorakhun for Luang Por Amaro, and Phra Rachabajramahnit for Luang Por Jayasaro. The Royal Offering of the respective cereminal fans, triple robes and certificates was held at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat would like to wholeheartedly express their joy on this auspicious occasion. The monks, novices and laypeople at the monastery felt honoured to be able to receive two of the new “Jaokhuns”, Phra Rachabuddhivorakhun (Luang Por Amaro) and Phra Rachabajramahnit (Luang Por Jayasaro) at Wat Pah Nanachat on July 30th, and pay respects to them together, including in their hearts Luang Por Sumedho and Luang Por Pasanno, who unfortunately weren’t able to join the ceremonies.
Paying Respects to Sangha-Elders and Teachers - Rains Retreat 2562
At the beginning of the Rains-Retreat (“Pansah”) each year the Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat seeks the blessings of the senior monks of Ubon Rachathani Province, and receives teachings from them about practice and the proper conduct as a monk.
Determining to spend the Rains-Retreat
On the first day of the waning moon after Asalha-Puja Day, the monks determine to spend the three months of the rainy season (“vassa”, or “pansah”) in the monastery without travelling unless there is a suitable reason. For the vassa of 2562 (2019) there are 23 monks and 6 novices in Wat Pah Nanachat.
Paying-Respects in Mukdahan, Nakorn Phanom and Sakon Nakorn
On July 11th, 2019, Wat Pah Nanachat went on a day-trip to pay respects to the Chedi of Mae Chee Kaeo in Mukdahan, Phra That Phanom in Nakorn Phanom, Luang Poo Awahn in Wat Nak Nimit, Sakon Nakorn, sit meditation at Luang Poo Mun’s Kuti there, and bow to Luang Poo Baen in Wat Doi Thammachedi, Sakon Nakorn.
New Monks at Wat Pah Nanachat
Early in the morning of July 9th, 2019, Luang Por Liem presided over the ordination of Ven Visuddho Bhikkhu (Australia), Ven Samangiko Bhikkhu (UK), Ven Utthano Bhikkhu (Indonesia), Ven Caranadhammo Bhikkhu (UK) and Ven Indavamso Bhikkhu (Thai) at Wat Pah Pong. After the ceremony the Wat Pah Nanachat Sangha usually gathers in Luang Por Chah’s Chedi for some auspicious chanting and meditation.
Going Forth for three new Novices at Wat Pah Nanachat
On June 20th , 2019 three new novices were accepted into the Wat Pah Nanachat monastic community: Samanera Ratanajoto (former Anagarika Matthew from the US), Samanera Piyacitto (former Anagarika Maximilian from Germany), and Samanera Dhammadinno (former Anagarika Blake from the US).
Meditation Practice in Honour of HM King of Thailand
Leading up to the Royal Coronation of HM King Rama X of Thailand, from April 30th until May 4th, 2019, Wat Pah Nanachat offered silent practice periods all through the day, starting from 3:30 am until 9 pm. The program ended with all night practice on May 3rd and auspicious chants at 10:09 am on May 4th, when the coronation ceremonies in Bangkok took place.
Start of the Ordination Hall Construction at Wat Pah Nanachat
The process of constructing the new ordination hall (“Bot” , “Uposatha”- or “Sima”-Hall) of Wat Pah Nanachat started with a team of workers casting the foundation pillars on the site of the Visunggama-Sima during over a period of tabout ten days at the end of April and beginning of May 2019/2562.
Thai New Year Festival (Songkran)
Songkran in Wat Pah Pong and Wat Pah Nanachat 2562 (2019)
The tradition of pouring water over the hands of senior monks and elder people on Songkran day (Thai new year) is a beautiful gesture of respect maintained in the northeastern culture. On April 12, 2019 the Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat went over to pay hommage to Luang Por Liem at Wat Nong Pah Pong, who received a stream of water over his hands coming down from two wooden naga-sculptures that cannel the water the disciples offer.
In Wat Pah Nanachat the laypeople provide a full shower to the monks, novices and pakaos. With great joy they pour water from outside into the shielded-off bathing area, where the male disciples soap and rinse the Sangha.
In the main Sala the monks and novices give a new years blessing.
Going Forth of Novice Bhāvito
On March 15th, 2019 the Sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat welcomed the Going Forth of Anagarika Asaf from Israel as novice. His new Pali name is Sāmanera Bhāvito.
