Wind back 45 years to 27th August 2512 B.E., in the ubosotha (chapel) of Wat Paknam Bhasichareon, and we see a great kalyanamitta who has resolutely decided to ordain and devote his entire life to Buddhism. Steadfast in his resolve, he will dedicate his life to the accumulation of Perfections in order to attain the superior merit – the perfect human form – which has the supreme attribute and the supreme asset in order complete the goal of reaching the uttermost Dhamma. That day was the ordination day of the Most Venerable Phra Thepyanmahamuni (Luang Por Dhammajayo) who is deemed the sun of peace that brings brightness to all beings.
The Most Venerable Phra Thepyanmahamuni (Luang Por Dhammachayo), formerly Chaiyabol Sutipon, was born on Saturday, 22nd April 2487 B.E. (1944) at the house by the bank of Chao Praya River, Ban Pang Subdistrict of Promburi District in Singburi Province. His parents were Mr. Chanyong Sutipon and Mrs. Juri Sutipon.
When he was young he showed great interest in Dhamma and the questions that often dwelled in his heart were, “Why were we born?” and “What is the purpose of life?” He delved into books and scriptures in his continued quest for answers and eventually he sought out knowledgeable teachers.
Around 2506 B.E (1963), while he was finishing high school and preparing for the entrance exam for the university, he came across a magazine called Vipasana Banterngsarn that featured a story on Master Nun Chan Khonnokyoong, one of the foremost disciples studying Advanced Meditation with the Great Master Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sod Chantasaro) at Wat Paknam Bhasichareon. He decided to study meditation with the Master Nun Chan Khonnokyoong, a teacher whom he loved and respected tremendously. He felt a great sense of closeness and kinship to her as if she was an elder relative, and would often referred to her affectionately as “Grandma”.
As the years passed by, his meditation progressed significantly, to the point where he fully comprehended the meaning of the Dhamma – teachings of the Lord Buddha. He realized that meditation was the only way for sentient beings to escape the sufferings and dangers from the cycle of existence and eventually reach the highest happiness – the attainment of Nirvana. On the occasion of the Master Nun Chan’s birthday, he gave to her the most valuable of gifts – his truthfulness — the resolve to remain celibate for his entire life.
Once he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Kasetsart University, he ordained and entered the monkhood on the 27th August 2512 B.E. (1969) at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, with His Holiness Somdej Phra Maharatchamangkalajahn, currently the Abbot of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, as his Preceptor; Venerable Phrakrupipatdhammakanee as his senior examining monk; and Venerable Phravicheenkawee as his junior examining monk. Upon his ordination, he was bestowed the monastic title of “Dhammajayo” – the victor through Dhamma.
The day of the lifelong ordination of the Most Venerable Phra Thepyanmahamuni (Luang Por Dhammachayo) is the day of victory for a venerable monk who is like the sun that brings light to all sentient beings and whose radiance provides both warmth and happiness.
He proceeded into his lifelong ordination by devoting his entire life to performing every possible virtuous deed in the path that all the previous Boddisatvas walked in their committed pursuit of Perfections, and in the very footsteps of all the Buddhas that came before. He devoted his life and soul to a life’s mission that he proclaimed in 2520. Today marks the 45th years of his quest to be a true monk and an exemplary kalyanamitta (virtuous friend) to all of humankind; but his most importantly duty is being a teacher who only has kindness and good intentions for his disciples. He’s tirelessly advised, motivated, supported and encouraged the performing of good, wholesome deeds in order to bring true peace through his numerous motivations: “when we attained the inner brightness, the world will be bright too”; “tomorrow the world will change”; “this is how life is”; and “there are ways to make your life better”.
He is an individual who is determined and strong-willed, and will continue to enthusiastically beat the drum of Dhamma and joyously pursue Perfections. He will turn all crises into opportunities so that every living being will have the chance to create an epic life that is overflowing with beauty and happiness.
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