On October 1, at Wat Khao Cheejan’s etched Buddha Image
in Sattahip, Deputy Governor Pisit Boonchuang honored proceedings by
presiding over the opening ceremony to celebrate the 92nd birthday of His
Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Sangha. The
proceedings were attended by the general public in great numbers.
Scenes
from shows depicting his life were displayed around the event.
His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme
Patriarch of Thai Sangha was born on the 3rd of October. He is greatly
revered by Thai Buddhists and because of this Chonburi Municipality in
cooperation with the government and private sectors organized birthday
celebrations October 1-3 at Wat Yanasangwararam and Wat Khao Cheejan’s
etched Buddha Image.
Numerous activities were arranged, including shows
depicting his life and works, Buddhist practices, meditation, Buddhist
discussions, Buddhist quizzes and the chanting of Buddhist mantras dedicated
to the Supreme Patriarch. Schools throughout Pattaya and Sattahip also
organized other activities that attracted the public, especially the youth.
Chonburi
Deputy Governor Pisit Boonchuang speaks at the opening ceremony.
His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme
Patriarch of Thai Sangha was born Charoen Gajavatra in Kanchanaburi on
October 3, 1913. He was ordained at Wat Devasangharam on June 12, 1933 with
Phra Thaepmongkolrangsri as his preceptor; his present title is Somdet Phra
Nyanasamvara.
Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara was ordained as a novice in 1926
at the age of 14. As a novice he studied Buddhist teachings and doctrine at
Wat Sanayha at Nakhorn Pathom. Upon reaching the age of full ordination he
returned to Wat Devasangharam in 1933 to be fully ordained.
Deputy
Governor Pisit Boonchuang views the shows put on by the various schools.
He subsequently moved to Wat Bovoranives Vihara in
Bangkok to further his studies, and it was here that he was ordained in the
Dhammayut movement with the then Supreme Patriarch His Holiness Somdej Khrom
Luang Vajiranyanavangsa as his preceptor. He passed the exam for level 9 in
Buddhist theology in 1941 and in 1972 was bestowed the title “Somdet Phra
Nyanasamvara” by H.M. the King.
Beautiful,
elegant dancing.
He devoted himself to the service of religion. He
preached at many locations and has authored many academic books and papers
on Buddhism which are highly valued. In 1956 Khrom Luang Vajiranyanavangsa
chose him to be H.M. the King Rama 9’s mentor during his time in the
monkhood at Wat Bovoranives Vihara from October 22 to November 5 that year.
His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara has kept to the ways of the Buddhist
religious precepts of behavior, wisdom and mindfulness. He is pure and holy;
the kind of monk that is difficult to find these days.
As a result of all his good works he was finally bestowed the title of
His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Sangha
on April 21, 1989, the 19th Supreme Patriarch of the Rattanakosin Era.