The Practice of having Metta

 

Metta means benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others. It is the first of the four sublime states (Brahmaviharas) and one of the ten pāramīs of the Theravāda school of Buddhism.

The cultivation of benevolence (metta) is a popular form of Buddhist meditation. It is a part of the four immeasurables in Brahmavihara (divine abidings) meditation. Metta as 'compassion meditation' is often practiced in Asia by broadcast chanting, wherein monks chant for the laity.

The compassion and universal loving-kindness concept of Metta is discussed in the Metta Sutta of Buddhism, and is also found in the ancient and medieval texts of Hinduism and Jainism as Metta or Maitri.

When you practice good will with loving-kindness, you remove fear and negative reactivity from your mind. This is what is most important about many people practicing metta, together or individually, whenever it is necessary to reduce the conflict and hatred that emerge so quickly from fear and spread in a viral fashion.

Metta chanting (Phae Metta) is the radiation of loving-kindness towards all beings: May they all be happy and peaceful. Metta chanting is soothing, uplifting, joyful and a great healing for the world - pervading it with waves of love. Truly, may all beings be happy. May they live always in peace and harmony.

The prayer or chant of Metta starts by blessing oneself and gradually expands outward from there, eventually wishing good intentions for the entire world and all beings, even our enemies. There are many variations and translations of this prayer, but what follows is the essence of it.

The Chant of Metta Text

Aham avero homi

May I be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjho homi

May I be free from mental suffering

anigha homi

May I be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharami

May I take care of myself happily

Mama matapitu

May my parents

acariya ca natimitta ca

teacher relatives and friends

sabrahma - carino ca

fellow Dhamma farers

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Imasmim arame sabbe yogino

May all meditators in this compound

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

May they take care of themselves happily

Imasmim arame sabbe bhikkhu

May all monks in this compound

samanera ca

novice monks

upasaka - upasikaya ca

laymen and laywomen disciples

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

May they take care of themselves happily

Amhakam catupaccaya - dayaka

May our donors of the four supports: clothing, food, medicine and lodging

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

May they take care of themselves happily

Amhakam arakkha devata

May our guardian devas

Ismasmim vihare

in this monastery

Ismasmim avase

in this dwelling

Ismasmim arame

in this compound

arakkha devata

May the guardian devas

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Sabbe satta

May all beings

sabbe pana

all breathing things

sabbe bhutta

all creatures

sabbe puggala

all individuals (all beings)

sabbe attabhava - pariyapanna

all personalities (all beings with mind and body)

sabbe itthoyo

may all females

sabbe purisa

all males

sabbe ariya

all noble ones (saints)

sabbe anariya

all worldlings (those yet to attain sainthood)

sabbe deva

all devas (deities)

sabbe manussa

all humans

sabbe vinipatika

all those in the four woeful planes

avera hontu

be free from enmity and dangers

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Dukkha muccantu

May all being be free from suffering

Yattha-laddha-sampattito mavigacchantu

May whatever they have gained not be lost

Kammassaka

All beings are owners of their own Kamma

Purathimaya disaya

in the eastern direction

pacchimaya disaya

in the western direction

uttara disaya

in the northern direction

dakkhinaya disaya

in the southern direction

purathimaya anudisaya

in the southeast direction

pacchimaya anudisaya

in the northwest direction

uttara anudisaya

in the northeast direction

dakkhinaya anudisaya

in the southwest direction

hetthimaya disaya

in the direction below

uparimaya disaya

in the direction above

Sabbe satta

May all beings

sabbe pana

all breathing things

sabbe bhutta

all creatures

sabbe puggala

all individuals (all beings)

sabbe attabhava - pariyapanna

all personalities (all beings with mind and body)

sabbe itthoyo

may all females

sabbe purisa

all males

sabbe ariya

all noble ones (saints)

sabbe anariya

(those yet to attain sainthood)

sabbe deva

all devas (deities)

sabbe manussa

all humans

sabbe vinipatika

all those in the 4 woeful planes

avera hontu

be free from enmity and dangers

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Dukkha muccantu

May all beings be free from suffering

Yattha-laddha-sampattito mavigacchantu

May whatever they have gained not be lost

Kammassaka

All beings are owners of their own kamma

Uddham yava bhavagga ca

As far as the highest plane of existence

adho yava aviccito

to as far down as the lowest plane

samanta cakkavalesu

in the entire universe

ye satta pathavicara

whatever beings that move on earth

abyapajjha nivera ca

may they are free of mental suffering and enmity

nidukkha ca nupaddava

and from physical suffering and danger

Uddham yava bhavagga ca

As far as the highest plane of existence

adho yava aviccito

to as far down as the lowest plane

samanta cakkavalesu

in the entire universe

ye satta udakecara

whatever beings that move on water

abyapajjha nivera ca

may they are free of mental suffering and enmity

nidukkha ca nupaddava

and from physical suffering and danger

Uddham yava bhavagga ca

As far as the highest plane of existence

adho yava aviccito

to as far down as the lowest plane

samanta cakkavalesu

in the entire universe

ye satta akasecara

whatever beings that move in air

abyapajjha nivera ca

may they are free of mental suffering and enmity

nidukkha ca nupaddava

and from physical suffering and danger.

FEATURE: Luang Phu Sim, Wat ThamPhaaPlong, Chiang Mai.

Luang Phu Sim, Wat ThamPhaaPlong, Chiang Mai. Rian Sema 12:00, B.E 2517 (1974)

The late Phra Nāṇasidhacān is fondly known and revered throughout the country as Luang Phu Sim, or simply ‘Luang Phu’, which refers to an elderly and highly respected person in monkshood.

Luang Phu Sim was born on 26^th November B.E. 2452 (1909), to a humble peasant family of Baan Bua, Sawang Subdistrict, Pannanikom District, Sakhon Nakhon Province, as one of the seven children of Nai Saan and Nang Singkhum. Both of his parents were known to have been dedicated and supporting of the local monastery. At the age of 17, Luang Phu Sim entered the monkshood by taking a novice ordainment at Wat Rattanaraam, Ban Bua, and shortly afterwards he became a disciple of the great Phra Ajahn Mun Booridhatto at Saam Vong Village, Sri Song Kram District, Nakhon Phanom Province.

At the age of 20, he was fully ordained as a monk at Wat Sri Candravāsa, Khon Khaen Province. Phra Kroo Pisaan Arañaket was the monk who officiated at his ordainment ceremony and Phra Ajahn Singh Khandhañākamo was his main Preceptor. ‘Buddhacāro’ was his given name as a monk.

After he became a monk in the early dry seasons, Luang Phu adopted Dhutaṅgavatra, the custom of wandering in solitude through the forest wilderness, staying in caves and practicing the Dhamma. At the age of 31, he came to Chiang Mai in B.E. 2483 (1940) and built Wat Santidhamma in B.E. 2492 (1949). In later years, he was recognized as the abbot of numerous monasteries in various parts of the country. In B.E. 2502 (1959), he was given ecclesiastical title of Phra Khroo Santivarañāṇa. Between B.E. 2498 (1955) to B.E. 2409 (1966), Luang Phu was invited to be the abbot for the following temples:

• Wat Santi Tham, Chiangmai, from B.E. 2498 (1955) to B.E. 2509 (1966).
• Wat Asokaram, Samut Prakarn, from B.E. 2404 (1961) to B.E. 2509 (1966), when Luang Por Lee passed away, his relatives came to invite him to become an abbot in 1961-1965. 
• Wat Pa Suthawat, Sakon Nakhon, from B.E. 2408 (1965) to B.E. 2509 (1966).

Later in the year B.E. 2509 (1966), Luang Phu decided to resign all his abbot duties and decided to go on Tudong to practice Vipassana and live in the forest. Luang Phu went on foot all the way to the north of the country.

At the end of the Buddhist Lent that year, after travelling around to find a place for his solitary  practice and by fate he found PhaaPlong Cave, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai, which seems to be a proper place for the solitary practice. In B.E. 2510 (1967), he established a monastery in these remote mountains that has remained his residence until the last day of his life.

His service to Buddhism can be seen from his regular strict routine: waking up at 03:00 a.m. to make prayer the Buddha, presenting a sermon at 06:00 a.m., going about alms making at O7:00 p.m. and after breakfast he would meditate. He also delivered public sermons and devoted his time and effort almost exclusively to teaching on Dramma (the Lord Buddha’s teachings) for the whole of his life.

Because of his devotion to Buddhism and his own virtue, His Majesty the King Bhumibol granted him one of the highest honour to be conferred as ‘Phra Ñāṇasidhacan’ on 12^th August B.E. 2535 (1992).

Luang Phu passed away peacefully on 14^th August B.E. 2535 (1992), at the age of 83 with 63 years in monkshood. His Majesty the King Bhumibol and Her Majesty the Queen Sirikitti presided over his funeral ceremony, which was also attended by people from all walks of life, government officials, merchants, people and his disciples from all over the country.

Although he has passed on for years, his virtue is still in people’s memories and his teachings live on, manifesting the righteous truth of life.

(Source: A placard at Wat Tham Pha Plong; https://swabhava.wordpress.com/2015/12/15/wat-tham-pha-plong-and-luang-Phu-sim/)

This Rian Luang Phu Sim Roon 6 Phim Sema Yai 12:00 (12 O’clock) was made in B.E. 2517 (2514) using Neur Thong Deang material consecrated by Luang Phu Sim and co-chanted by Luang Phu Wean of Wat DoiMaePung, Chiang Mai as well. Both masters learnt from the same Ajahn Mun and thus were very close friends, always extending invitation to each other whenever there was consecration ceremony at each other’s temple. This batch of Rian was donated by Thammasat University & Politics (Politics was removed from the university name after B.E. 2498 (1955) due to political climate then).

to assist in raising building funds for Wat Hua Nong, Wang Chai Subdistrict, Borabue District, Maha Sarakham Province.

There are both Phim Yai and Phim Lek (Big and Small mould) created for this batch with Neur Ngern, Neur Nawa and Neur Thong Deang. There is also a box set of four Rians consisting of Neur Ngern, Neur Nawa, Neur Thong Deang Galia Thong  and Neur Thong Deang for distribution to Thammasat University’s officials and students that contribute to this merit making.

Phim Yai made:

• Neur Ngern not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Nawa Loha not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Thong Deang & Galia Thong not more than 5000 pieces

Phim Lek made:

• Neur Ngern not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Nawa Loha not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Thong Deang & Galia Thong not more than 100 pieces

A SUMMARY COLLECTION - Phra Khun Phean, Luang Phor Sakron

A Personal Summary of My Collection of Phra Khun Phean

By Luang Phor Sakron, Wat Nong Krap, Rayong

หลวงพ่อสาคร วัดหนองกรับ

This page is always updating  as and when more information is being received & reviewed.

There were a total of 10 over batches of Phra Khun Phean Plah Kuman (KP) made by Luang Phor Sakorn, both Nuer Phong and Rian. I started collecting Luang Phor Sakorn KP since his first batch in 1988. This is a personal accounts, findings and records solely for my own consumption and not meant intentionally for anyone reference, consideration or comments. You may take it as a tiny pinch of salt and may not make any reference to it due to its accuracy. Images of the amulets here are referenced from books both issued officially from Wat NongKrap, reference book and magazine. 

In chronological order as follows:

2530 Roon Reak. Year B.E 2530 (1987). Phim KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

This was the Roon Reak Lang Yant Na Ork Taek, first batch of KP made. There were basically three phims namely Phim Yai, Phim Lek and Phim Jew. Needless to say, the prices have been sky rocketed for this first batch and would be beyond reach in a few more years. Keep one if you feel generous and ever cross path with one, you will not regret. It was recorded in the

1. Phim Yai with PiThong and Gold Thakut made 108 pieces
2. Phim Yai Gold Thakut made 108 pieces
3. Phim Yai with Silver Thakut made 500 pieces
4. Phim Yai with PiThong and Copper Thakut made 1,000 pieces
5. Phim Yai without PiThong and Copper Thakut made 1,000 pieces
6. Phim Lek & Phim Jew, there is no proper record for the total production

 

2538 Roon 2. Year B.E 2538 (1995). KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

This batch was similar in physical size from Roon Reak. I believed it was supposed to be a continuity from the first batch when they were in high demand then. There were two blocks being made with a total production of 13,164 pieces. Although the high numbers being pumped, strangely it’s not easy to find one in the market nowadays.

However, from this batch onwards Luang Phor replaced the Yant from Yant Na Ork Taek to Yant Na Ha. Yant Na Ha would be the default Yant for almost all amulets made by him from this batch onwards, which follows his teacher LPu Thim's Yant Kroo. In my opinion, this batch should be the most collectible as it marked a historical change being made in Lang Yant selection. It should be noted that in the later years, Luang Phor did made and chanted a single only batch of KP for Wat ChomSaeng when he allowed the use of Yant Na Ork Taek.

1. Neur Pink Test Mould Gold Thakut made 6 pieces
2. Neur Pink with PiThong and Gold Thakut made 99 pieces
3. Neur White with Gold Thakut made 500 pieces
4. Neur White with Gold, Silver & Copper Thakut made 59 pieces
5. Neur White with Silver Thakut made 2,500 pieces
6. Neur White with Copper Thakut made 3,000 pieces
7. Neur White without Thakut made 7,000 pieces

2540 Roon 3. Year B.E 2540 (1997). KP Phim Lang Mae Nang Bua Klee.
This batch was even harder to find and was strangely that might be the reason of not being recorded in the temple book. This KP design was unique with the front image of KP and the rear image of Mar Nang Bua Klee, one of his favorite wife among the many he had, carrying his child. I only manage to come across one during the early days.

2543 Roon 4. Year B.E 2543 (2000). KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

This batch was relatively less seen by collectors. I suspected that it could be a “test mould” batch as the numbers made were so little. In addition, the front design is quite “rough” and irregular making it quite unique.  I only managed to collect a few pieces from Rayong directly during the early years.

2544 Roon 5. Year B.E 2544 (2001). KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

This batch was known as Block Wat as the production of this batch was completed done by hand  at the temple by the monks in B.E 2543 (2000) and after blessing distributed in B.E 2544 (2001). There are little in circulation in the market for this batch currently.

2546 Roon 6. Year B.E 2546 (2003). KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

This was the first batch of KP that Luang Phor started to diligently follow the design of the most popular mould from his teacher, Luang Phu Thim of Wat Lahanrai, which I would call it the traditional KP mould. This same batch had the most variation of phims being produced thus making it so ever confusing but the brown, pink and white meat or material was one of signature. One could easily know this is the 2546 batch by the distinct facial, especially the mouth, features.

During the early years, 2546 to 2549, there were many fake being produced in the market and that was a challenge to find real pieces then. However, recent years 2562-2563, there seems to be many available in the market with urban legend of Block A and Block B. It was never known to have Block A or Block B in the years following 2546 until recently.

It puzzles me that this is one of the most popular batch currently, 2562-2563 (2019/2020), in Bangkok and it seems to be widely being collected or sourced by dealers. This batch has the most fake produced upon released back in B.E 2546 and by B.E 2550 there were pretty good fakes floating around among collectors. Collectors should be aware of such fakes and research on this if you decided to take up the challenge.

2547 Roon 7. Year B.E 2547 (2004). Phim Khun Phean Kroo

This phim was iconic in his own way in design where you could find two images of Phra Khun Pean on the face of the amulet. This could be traced to the popular Phim Kroo (twin) design from Wat Bang Kan, Suphan Buri, B.E 2490, Phra Kru Kroo Khun Pean. This batch of KP was made from Neur Phong with 108 flowers and herds, it was also the sweetest perfume-like smell amulet one can find and you can be surprised that the smell still lingered after so many years. As the Thais said “Hom mak”, how would anyone not go near you when you smell nice.

2547 Roon 8. Rian Khun Pean Chom Talat. Year B.E 2547 (2004).

This rian KP was a very interesting one with the folk tale that depicts Khun Pean (พระขุนแผนชมตลาด) visit to the market. To cut the long story short, all the young beautiful women were attracted to him while he was at the market. This is the first metallic KP rian that Luang Phor made. It should be note that this was the period that Luang Phor did produce a range of amulets until 4 years later the next batch of traditional KP was being produced. A total of 5000 pieces of copper rian of single phim were made for this batch.

2551 Roon 9. Year B.E 2551 (2008). Phim KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

This was the next popular phim after the B.E 2546 batch in recent years. It was also this period of time that Luang Phor was at his peak in making many amulets. There were tales of many good positive from wearers and thus there is a current demand for this Batch. I would recommend to keep this batch as it was well recorded and was made by Luang Phor wholeheartedly.

In the year 2551, the temple committee announced that this batch would be the last batch of KP and it was widely known as Roon Suthai then. "Strangely" we see another three more batches of KP after this. It will be everyone guess how could this be possible if the announcement was made earlier. Nevertheless, there is a combine total of 24,000 pieces made for this batch for all phims, it should be very affordable due to the high volume produced but  the price has been getting higher than expected.

2552 Roon 10. Year B.E 2552 (2009). Phim KP Lang Yant Na Ha

This is the only batch where Luang Phor’s KP comes in Roop Lor both metal and powder form. A total of 999 pieces neur nergn (silver), 9,999 pieces neur nawa (mix copper) 19,999 pieces neur thong deang (copper) as well as 999 pieces neur phong (powder) gold/silver trakuts, 4,999 pieces with silver trakuts, 9,999 pieces with copper trakuts and 19,999 pieces with ruby flakes were issued. The mould was of completely diversion of the traditional style and designed with the assistance local artisan. This batch is a keeper for the perfect artistic mould design.

2555 (2554) Roon 11. Year B.E 2555 (2012). Phim KP Lang Yant Na Ha

This batch of KP that Luang Phor made where the mould was reverted back to the traditional mould. There was some confusion as some magazine referred this to 2554 batch but the official temple book refers this as 2555 batch. This batch is the only one with all serial number on aluminium plate embedded at the bottom of the amulets. There was an urgency by the temple to produce this batch although there was announcement that the 2551 batch was Roon Suthai earlier. Nevertheless, it was blissful that Luang Phor was able to consecrate this batch of amulets as during this period of time. Luang Phor’s health had started to deteriorate and he was known to be seeking treatment in the local hospital frequently. Luang Phor eventually passed away two years after making this final batch of amulets.

2556 Roon 12. Year B.E 2556 (2013). Phim KP Lang Yant Na Ha

This batch the very last batch of KP that Luang Phor made as declared by the temple. We are not very sure how well this batch was consecrated as during this time Luang Phor was really not in good health at all and was always visiting the local hospital. Luang Phor eventually passed away on 18^th Sept B.E. 2556 (2013) at the age of 75 years old.

Phra Khun Phean Made for Other Temples

By Luang Phor Sakron, Wat Nong Krap, Rayong

2543 Roon Phrai BuRaPhaa. Year B.E 2543 (2000). Phim KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

Made for Wat RaaSohtAtDaaRaam, Changwat Rayong.

This was one of the early batch of amulets that were produced for fund raising at Wat RaaSohtAtDaaRaam, Rayong.  The Maha Phook Saek (Consecrated) ceremony was attended by few of the top Gurus from Rayong including Luang Phor Sakorn of Wat NongKrap, Luang Phor Sein of Wat Lahanyai, Luang Phor Fuu of Wat BangSaMak, Chachoengsao. With the few famous masters of this era mass consecrated this batch of KP, this should be a keeper if it crosses your path.

2554 Roon Phra Than Phawn. Year B.E 2554 (2011). Phim KP Lang Yant Na Ha.

Made for Wat ChomSaeng, Rayong.

This batch of amulets were made for fund raising to assist in the building of toilets, monks housing and repair work for Wat ChomSaeng, Rayong. Wat ChomSaeng’s chief abbot is currently Ajarn Dek, a senior disciple of Luang Phor Sakorn.  It was recorded that the Maha Phook Saek (Consecrated) by Luang Phor Sakorn at Wat NongKrap was carried out for 3 days from 4-6 May B.E 2553 (2010) and the amulets were left in Wat ChomSaeng until they were ready for release in B.E 2554 (2011). I was told that Ajarn Dek is the only disciple of the linage that may have learnt most of the wica from his teacher. This was the only batch I know uses the lovely Yant Na Ork Taek, similar to the first batch of KP by Luang Phor. It is of no surprise that dealers and collectors are being aware of this batch recently.