Luang Pu Sila, whose ecclesiastical title is Phra Ratcha Watcharatham Sophon (Sila Sirichantho), is the abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin. He is one of the most respected meditation masters in Northeastern Thailand, attracting countless devotees who come to pay their respects because of the many stories about his miracles and spiritual insight. He is also widely respected for his knowledge of Buddhist sacred traditions, his disciplined monastic practice, his compassion, and his simple way of life. Today, we will take a closer look at the life of Luang Pu Sila.
Luang Pu Phra Maha Sila Sirichantho was born Sila Nilchan on 14 October B.E. 2488. He is the son of Mr. Kaen Nilchan and Mrs. Noi Nilchan. At the age of fifteen, he was ordained as a novice monk at Wat That Prathap, and in B.E. 2509 he received full ordination in the Mahanikaya order at Wat Burapha Phiram in Roi Et. He devoted himself to the study of Buddhist scriptures, eventually passing the Nak Tham Ek examination and the Pali Studies Level 6 examination. Later, he received the ceremonial Pali scholar’s fan from Bhumibol Adulyadej at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. He also served as a Dhamma teacher at Wat Nikhom Khanaram School in Roi Et and was entrusted with chanting the Patimokkha during the Sangha’s Uposatha ceremonies.
After mastering the study of Buddhist scriptures, Luang Pu Sila traveled on pilgrimage to many provinces, including journeys into Laos. During this time, he studied Vipassana meditation, learned the Lao Dhamma script, became highly proficient in reading Isan palm-leaf manuscripts, and studied numerous palm-leaf scriptures of the Somdet Lun tradition. From B.E. 2550 (2007) onward, Luang Pu Sila devoted himself to a life of seclusion, traveling to many places to further his study and practice of the Dhamma. Later, the abbot of Wat Pho Si Sa-at respectfully invited him to spend the rain retreat at the temple. His disciples then joined together to build a kuti for him. Out of deep respect for Luang Pu Sila, Phra Dhammarattanadilok, the abbot of Wat Suthat Thepwararam, invited him to preside over the consecration ceremony of a Phra Kring Buddha image at the temple. Many temples throughout Northeastern Thailand also regularly invited him to participate in Buddhist consecration ceremonies because of their great respect for him.
One incident took place while Luang Pu Sila was traveling to a Buddhist chanting ceremony at Wat Phra That Muen Hin, Ban Thung Kradao, Khao Wong District, Kalasin Province. According to his driver, about thirty minutes after they had left, while driving along the Kalasin–Mukdahan Highway, a pickup truck suddenly lost control, crossed into their lane, and almost collided with Luang Pu Sila’s vehicle. Fortunately, the pickup managed to swerve away just moments before impact. Many of Luang Pu Sila’s disciples believe that they were protected by his spiritual merit. The driver also had one of Luang Pu Sila’s sacred amulets placed inside the vehicle and wore another around his neck. Because of this incident, many devotees believe that Luang Pu Sila possessed the ability to foresee events before they happened.
What do you think about the stories of Luang Pu Sila’s miracles and spiritual insight? Of course, belief is a personal matter. We have many more interesting articles to share with you. If you would like to read more, please visit the ARM’S ARMOR website. You can also like and follow the ARM’S ARMOR Facebook page so you won’t miss future articles.Thank you for your support.