Luang Pu Dee Channo
Phra Ajahn Dee Channo or Luang Pu Dee Channo was a Thai Buddhist monk of the Vipassana tradition, affiliated with the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. He was a principal disciple of Ajahn Sao Kantasilo and Ajahn Mun.
Ajahn Dee Channo was known for his firm character, mastery in vipassana meditation, proficiency in kasina practice and psychic abilities, and eloquence in preaching. He was skilled in sacred incantations, preservation of cultural traditions, carpentry, construction, pottery, sculpture, painting, and herbal medicine. He was regarded as both a master craftsman and a traditional healer.
Early life
Phra Ajahn Dee Channo was born on 26 July 1892 at Mueang Phanom Phrai Daen Mriga. His father was Luang In Wongse-ena and his mother was Chantra Wongse-ena. He was the second of nine children.In 1909, his family moved to Ban Kud Hae, Nong Sim Subdistrict, Bung District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Ordination
In 1914, he was ordained as a monk in the Mahanikaya at Wat Ban Kud Mahong, with Phra Thammaban as his preceptor.In 1927, he reordained under the Dhammayuttika Nikaya at Wat Sarang Sok, Yasothon, with Phra Khru Chittavisodhana Charn as preceptor. Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta and several disciples were present at the ceremony.
Monastic life
After ordination in 1914, Ajahn Dee resided at Wat Si Bun Rueang Tha Khaek, later becoming abbot and developing the temple into a flourishing center. Known as a gifted preacher, he famously traveled on horseback to deliver Dhamma talks. Villagers nicknamed him Ajahn Dee Phi Yan.In 1922, he went on tudong, searching for esoteric knowledge and ascetic training. He met Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta at Ban Sam Phong, Nakhon Phanom, and became his disciple after being deeply inspired by his teachings.
In 1926, Ajahn Dee, along with Ajahn Goeng Adhimuttako and Ajahn Sila Issaro, became widely known after they formally reordained into the Dhammayuttika order under Ajahn Mun and Ajahn Sao’s lineage.
From 1928 onwards, Ajahn Dee founded and developed Wat Pa Sunthararam in his hometown, and later joined the Dhammayut missionary expansion into Khon Kaen Province, establishing Wat Pa Wiwek Dhamma.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he traveled widely across Northeast Thailand, building meditation centers, teaching meditation, healing villagers with herbs, and opposing superstition. He also contributed to the founding of Wat Phukhaokaew and Wat Don That under the guidance of Ajahn Sao and Ajahn Mun.