Luang Phor Hin (also known as LP Hin Wat Rakang) was a revered Thai Buddhist monk of the Dhammayut order, best known for his deep devotion to the teachings of the Buddha, his expertise in meditation and amulet creation, and his role in preserving the sacred legacy of Wat Rakang Kositaram (commonly called Wat Rakang), a historic temple in Bangkok. Born on November 9, 1899 (BE 2442) in Preah Vihear Province (then part of Cambodia, under Siamese influence), he came from a modest background and showed early spiritual inclinations. He passed away on June 13, 1973 (BE 2516), at the age of 74, after decades of service as a monk, teacher, and guardian of sacred traditions.

Luang Phor Hin’s journey into monastic life began young. He was ordained as a novice monk (samanera) twice: first at Wat Thanakan in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, where he served for three years, and later as a full monk (bhikkhu) at Wat Ban Phran in Surin Province, Thailand, in 1920 (BE 2463). His early studies focused on Pali scriptures and basic Dhamma, but he quickly developed a passion for deeper meditation practices (kammatthana). He traveled extensively across Thailand and Cambodia, studying under various masters, honing his skills in Vipassana (insight meditation) and Samatha (concentration meditation).

In 1935 (BE 2478), a pivotal moment came when Luang Phor Hin learned about the legendary Somdej Phra Buddhacharya (Toh) Prommarangsri—commonly known as Somdej Toh—the famous 19th-century abbot of Wat Rakang renowned for his powerful Phra Somdej amulets. Inspired by Somdej Toh’s faith and magical prowess, Luang Phor Hin journeyed to Bangkok’s Wat Rakang. There, he met and befriended Luang Phor Nak (Phra Thepsitthinayok), the temple’s abbot at the time. Their discussions on Buddhist scriptures forged a strong bond, leading Luang Phor Nak to invite him to stay permanently. Luang Phor Hin was appointed to oversee the temple’s meditation classes, marking the start of his lifelong association with Wat Rakang.

The Quest for Somdej Toh’s Legacy (BE 2478–2482)

Driven by unshakeable faith, Luang Phor Hin spent years scouring Thailand for broken or damaged Phra Somdej amulets made by Somdej Toh—items considered too sacred to discard but often fragmented over time. He amassed a substantial collection, viewing them not as trash but as vessels of holy power. In 1939 (BE 2482), with Luang Phor Nak’s support, they ground these fragments into sacred powder (mixed with Somdej Pilan powders from southern pagodas, Suriyat powders, and Trinisinghe powders). This mixture was then used to create new amulets, blessed through intense group empowerments. Devotees believe this “recycled holiness” amplified the amulets’ potency, leading to widespread reports of protection from accidents and illnesses. This act of reverence cemented his status as a spiritual innovator, turning “ruins” into relics.

The Phong Bailan Ceremony (BE 2494)

When Wat Rakang needed to renew its aging Tripitaka (Buddhist canon) on palm leaves, the old manuscripts were ritually burned, and their ashes transformed into “phong bailan”—a fine, sacred powder used in amulets. Luang Phor Hin led the consecration, infusing it with chants and meditation. Amulets from this batch, like Phra Somdej models, became legendary for their “unfading” miracles. One famous story involves a devotee during World War II: a Thai soldier wearing a phong bailan-embedded amulet survived a direct bullet hit to the chest unscathed, crediting the monk’s blessing. Such wartime tales spread his fame, as soldiers sought his amulets for battlefield protection.

The Meditation Room Miracle and Sacred Powder Discovery

Legends tell of Luang Phor Hin residing in Wat Rakang’s sixth meditation room (kuti), once used by Somdej Toh. During deep meditation, he reportedly experienced visions of a “great sage” (possibly Somdej Toh’s spirit), who guided him to hidden caches of ancient sacred powders buried beneath the temple. These included rare herbal mixes and incantation-imbued clays. Unearthing them, Luang Phor Hin incorporated the finds into amulets, which devotees claim perform “impossible” feats—like calming raging storms or healing terminal diseases. One documented account from the 1960s describes a child with a fatal fever who recovered overnight after his parents prayed with a Luang Phor Hin amulet, sparking a surge in temple pilgrimages.

Personal Acts of Compassion and Humility

Luang Phor Hin was known for his austere lifestyle, often fasting for days during blessings and refusing personal gain from amulets. A touching story involves him teaching orphaned children at Wat Rakang, echoing Somdej Toh’s charitable works. He once walked miles barefoot to deliver a blessed amulet to a dying villager, who miraculously rallied and lived another decade. These acts of selflessness, combined with his amulets’ reputed powers (e.g., devotees surviving floods or fires), portrayed him as a living saint, drawing crowds from across Southeast Asia.

source: 1, 2