Visiting Wat Thung Hiang and Paying Respects to Revered Monk Luang Pu Boon - Chonburi - Thailand.

On this visit to Wat Thung Hiang in Chonburi, my intention was simple—to pay respects to the highly revered Luang Pu Boon, a monk known for his lifelong dedication to Buddhism, charity, and helping underprivileged children.

When I arrived at the temple around 11:00 am, Luang Pu Boon was already in his advanced years and resting on his sick bed. Despite his frail condition, being able to see him in person and offer my respects was a deeply meaningful experience. The atmosphere was calm and solemn, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to be in the presence of a monk who had devoted more than seven decades of his life to the Buddhist path.

At that moment, I did not realize how significant the visit would become. Later that same day, at approximately 6:30 pm, I received the news that Luang Pu Boon had peacefully passed away.

The news came as a surprise and filled me with a mixture of sadness, gratitude, and reflection. Looking back, I now understand that my visit that morning was not merely a temple visit, but a final opportunity to pay my respects to a revered master before his departure from this world.

This article is a record of that memorable day at Wat Thung Hiang, my visit to Luang Pu Boon, and the impressions left by a monk whose compassion and service touched countless lives.

One of the notable features at Wat Thung Hiang is the beautiful Phra Leela Buddha statue located in the front area of the temple grounds. The statue depicts the Buddha in the graceful walking posture, known in Thai as "Phra Leela," symbolizing compassion, peace, and the Buddha's journey to spread the Dhamma.

Inside Wat Thung Hiang, I also noticed a statue of Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon, a revered figure in Thai Buddhist tradition. Unlike many well-known monks whose lives are recorded in history, Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon is regarded as a legendary enlightened saint whose story has been passed down through generations.

According to Buddhist folklore, he is believed to be a highly attained arahant who continues to appear to worthy practitioners and meditation masters. Many devotees view him as a symbol of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Dhamma.

The statue at Wat Thung Hiang serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual traditions preserved within Thai Buddhism. Standing before the image, visitors are invited to reflect on the virtues of mindfulness, perseverance, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

During my visit, I found the presence of Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon's statue particularly meaningful, adding another layer of spiritual significance to the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

The new dome pavilion, completed in BE2565. Beneath the spacious dome stands a collection of Buddha images in various postures, creating a peaceful environment for devotees to pay homage, meditate, and make merit. Behind the dome pavilion is the Bell Tower.

During my visit, I also noticed a hall where children under the care of the temple were engaged in various activities. From a distance, I could see them learning and interacting in a cheerful environment. Out of respect for their privacy and daily routine, I chose to observe quietly from afar and did not disturb them. The scene served as a meaningful reminder of Luang Pu Boon's longstanding commitment to supporting underprivileged children through the temple's charitable work.

Another area that drew my attention during the visit was the new big White Buddha of Wat Thung Hiang.

The crematorium and multipurpose event hall at Wat Thung Hiang reflect the temple's role as both a spiritual center and a place of community service, supporting religious ceremonies, charitable activities, and local gatherings.

The main wiharn at the center of Wat Thung Hiang serves as the temple's spiritual heart, housing sacred Buddha images and providing a peaceful space for worship, reflection, and merit-making.

Wat Thung Hiang is a comprehensive temple complex comprising prayer halls, monks' residences, children's welfare facilities, event halls, meditation areas, and a crematorium. Each building serves a unique role in supporting the temple's religious, charitable, educational, and community activities.

The prayer hall at Wat Thung Hiang, with the statue of Luang Pu Boon at its entrance, stands as a place of devotion and remembrance, reflecting the compassionate legacy of the Bunthawi Ruamyatmit Foundation and its support for underprivileged children and community welfare. The hall also reflects the spirit of the Bunthawi Ruamyatmit Foundation, established through Luang Pu Boon's charitable vision. The foundation has long supported underprivileged children, educational assistance programs, and various community welfare initiatives. Through these efforts, Wat Thung Hiang has become known not only as a place of worship but also as a center of compassion and social service.

The small shrine for Phra SIvali, Phra Sangkachai and Gumanthong.

Luang Pu Boon (PhraKru Sophonpattanapirom) is one of the more respected contemporary monks in eastern Thailand, known as much for his charitable work as for his amulets and spiritual lineage. Born on 12 February BE2474 in Chonburi Province. Ordained as a monk at age 20 and has spent more than seven decades in the monkhood. He became abbot of Wat Thung Hiang and developed a reputation for strict practice, humility, and social welfare work. The master is known for his compassion, charitable deeds, and quiet spiritual practice. In his early years, he studied under several legendary Thai monks and learned the secret arts of making the Phra Somdej at the renowned Wat Rakhang, where he was also taught authentic medicinal powders and talismans. In BE2529, he traveled to the mountainous regions of northern Thailand for spiritual practice and witnessed firsthand the poverty and lack of education for children in the high-altitude tribes. From then on, he vowed to dedicate his life to adopting and educating orphaned children in the mountains, and to date, more than two thousand children have completed their education. Luang Por Boon Saphano of Wat Thung Hiang inherited and studied numerous wicha traditions under distinguished masters, including Luang Por Suang, Luang Por Promma, Phor Than Klai, Luang Por Nak, and Luang Por Hin. He further received transmissions from the lineages of Wat Kruawan (Luang Por Kaew), Wat Sattahip (Luang Por Yi), and Luang Por Ophasi, among many others. Luang Pu Boon Sophano of Wat Thung Hiang peacefully passed away at the age of 95 on May 31, BE2569, which coincided with Visakha Bucha Day.

At the time of my visit, His Eminence Phra Mongkol Moli (Luang Pu Boon Sophano), the revered abbot of Wat Thung Hiang, was 95 years old and undergoing treatment for age-related health complications. After receiving medical care at the hospital, he had returned to Wat Thung Hiang to continue his recovery and rest under the care of his attendants and disciples. Despite his frail condition, devotees continued to visit the temple to pay their respects and express their gratitude for his decades of dedication to Buddhism, charitable work, and the welfare of underprivileged children.

During my visit to Wat Thung Hiang 11am morning, Luang Pu Boon Sophano was resting due to illness. Although his health had become fragile with age, I was grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to him in person. Looking back, the visit became even more meaningful when I later learned that Luang Pu Boon peacefully passed away at approximately 6:30 pm on the same day.  I feel deeply saddened by the news. Although I knew his condition was serious, it is still difficult to accept. May he rest in peace, and may his teachings and kindness continue to inspire us.

As Luang Pu Boon's health had declined with age, Wat Thung Hiang appointed monks to assist with the temple's daily operations and the reception of devotees. During my visit, Phra RiewThong~Phra Surachai Thirapanyo were among the monks entrusted with these responsibilities. Their duties included welcoming visitors, coordinating merit-making activities, and receiving offerings from devotees who came to pay respects and support the temple's religious and charitable work. Their dedication ensured that the temple continued to function smoothly while providing guidance and assistance to the many devotees visiting Wat Thung Hiang.

Within the prayer hall, the altar is adorned with statues of the Buddha, a lifelike wax statue of Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon, and revered images of Luang Pu Thuad, Phra Phutthachan Toh, Luang Pu Mun, and Kruba Siwichai.

In addition to the main prayer hall, there are two other halls, each featuring its own altar filled with numerous Buddha images, revered monks and sacred statues.
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See more amulets by LP Boon Sophano - Wat Thung Hiang at:  

👉 https://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20Thung%20Hiang?m=0

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See more information of other temple at:  

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0