Luang Phor Daeng Ratto


Phra Khru Yan Wilat was a renowned Geji Ajahn and elder monk of Phetchaburi Province.

Biography

Phra Khru Yan Wilat was born on Wednesday, the 2nd day of the waxing moon, 11th lunar month, Year of the Rabbit, Chulasakarat 1241, at Bang Chak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phetchaburi Province.
He was the fifth child of Mr. Paen and Mrs. Num Onsaeng, with a total of nine siblings:
  1. Mrs. Yia Onsaeng
  2. Mrs. Tia Onsaeng
  3. Mrs. Jek Onsaeng
  4. Miss Prem Onsaeng
  5. Phra Khru Yan Wilat
  6. Mrs. Thiap Onsaeng
  7. Phra Khru Panya Chotiwat
  8. Mrs. Lek Onsaeng
  9. Mrs. Noi Onsaeng
He died on 16 January 1974 at 9:05 p.m., aged 96.

Ordination

In his youth he helped his parents farm and did not receive much formal education. At the age of 20, his parents wished him to ordain, so they entrusted him to Abbot Plian of Wat Khao Bandai It. He was ordained on 24 May 1901 at 3:13 p.m. His preceptor was Phra Khru Yan Wisutthi of Wat Kaen Lek, with Abbot Plian as kammavācācariya, and Abbot Am of Wat Thong Noppakhun as anusasana-acariya. He received the dharma name "Ratto," meaning "red."

Study of Dhamma

After ordination, Abbot Plian taught him Vipassanā meditation. In addition, Luang Phor Daeng studied under two other masters: Phra Suwanmuni (Chui Sukho) of Wat Kongkharam, Phetchaburi, and Luang Phor Chaem Inthachoto of Wat Takong, Nakhon Pathom. They frequently practiced meditation together in the caves of Wat Khao Bandai It. Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, a disciple, recalled that Luang Phor Daeng revered these two masters deeply and always carried their amulets in his satchel.

Monastic Life

Luang Phor Daeng strictly upheld the Vinaya, lived simply, and disliked extravagance. He often taught disciples to be grateful and honest, saying:
“Even though I cannot read or write, I became abbot of Wat Khao Bandai It. Therefore, be honest and make your contributions clear—goodness will bring everything.”
He established the Buddhist scripture school at Wat Khao Bandai It so monks and novices could study, explaining: “I cannot read or write, so I want monks and novices to learn.”
He was renowned as a teacher of vipassanā meditation for both monks and laypeople. On 5 December 1959, he was granted the ecclesiastical title of Phra Khru with the name Phra Khru Yan Wilat.

Ecclesiastical Titles

  • 17 April 1928 – Appointed abbot of Wat Khao Bandai It
  • 22 April 1938 – Became preceptor
  • 5 December 1959 – Granted title Phra Khru
  • 5 December 1968 – Promoted to senior Phra Khru, subdistrict ecclesiastical chief, meditation department

Death

He died of old age on Wednesday, 16 January 1974, aged 95, in the 73rd year of his monkhood. Before passing, he told Phra Palat Boonsong Thammappalo, the deputy abbot: “When I die, do not cremate me. Keep my body in the chanting hall. Place the first-generation amulet I consecrated in my mouth along with one pod duang coin. Cover my body with turmeric so it turns golden.”
His body remains enshrined in a mother-of-pearl coffin in the chanting hall of Wat Khao Bandai It, where devotees may pay respect daily from 8:00–17:00.

Contemporaries

  • Phra Khru Yansakhon (Chaeng Silapanyo), Wat Pak Ao Bang Tabun, Phetchaburi
  • Phra Khru Asok Thammasan, Wat Pak Khlong, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi
  • Phra Khru Phinit Sutthakhun (Thongsuk Inthachoto), Wat Tonod Luang, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi
  • Phra Khru Bai Dika Chaeng Punyamako, Wat Kongkharam, Mueang Phetchaburi
  • Phra Thepwong Sajarn, former provincial ecclesiastical chief of Phetchaburi