Ariyavangsayana (Suk Nyanasamvara)
Somdet Phra Ariyavangsayana (Suk) | |
|---|---|
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| Title | Supreme Patriarch of Thailand |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Suk January 5, 1733 |
| Died | October 4, 1822 (aged 89) |
| Religious life | |
| Temple | Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit |
| Senior posting | |
| Predecessor | Somdet Phra Sangharat (Mee) |
| Successor | Somdet Phra Ariyavangsayana (Don) |
Somdet Phra Ariyavangsayana (birth name Suk) was the fourth Supreme Patriarch of Thailand during the Rattanakosin era. A prominent figure in Thai Vipassanā meditation, he was appointed to the Supreme Patriarchate in 1820 and served until his death in 1822.
Biography
He was born on Friday, the 10th day of the waxing moon, second lunar month, Year of the Ox, Chula Sakarat 1095 (January 5, 1733), during the reign of King Borommakot of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.[a]
During the Thonburi period, Suk was the abbot of Wat Tha Hoy near Ayutthaya and was known for his mastery of Vipassanā meditation.[1]
Under King Rama I, he moved to Wat Plub (now Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan) and was titled Phra Yanawaro Thera. He had been the King’s meditation teacher. The monastery was notable as an arannavasi (forest-dwelling) center during the Thonburi period.
In 1816 (B.E. 2359), under King Rama II, he was elevated to Somdet Phra Yanawaro, a rare monastic rank reserved for those known for exceptional meditative attainments.[2]
The original candidate for Supreme Patriarch was Somdet Phra Phanarat (Aj) of Wat Saket, but due to disciplinary action, he was removed, and Phra Yanawaro was chosen.
He was ceremonially moved to Wat Mahathat on November 9, 1820, and officially appointed Supreme Patriarch on December 7, 1820.[3]
During the cholera epidemic of 1820, which killed over 30,000 people, he led a monastic initiative to revise sacred chants for healing rituals. King Rama II, meanwhile, took part by observing the precepts and setting up royal almsgiving kitchens.[4]
He was affectionately known as the "Wild Chicken Patriarch" (Phra Sangharat Kai Thuean) due to tales of wild jungle fowl becoming tame in his presence, attributed to his deep compassion and meditative attainment.[5]
He passed away on October 4, 1822, and was granted cremation honors typically reserved for royalty: the royal Great Golden Urn (Phra Kos Thong Yai).[4]
References
- ^ Suratecho, S. (2005). *Biography of Thai Patriarchs*. Bangkok: Vipassana Publications. p. 2.
- ^ Royal Chronicles of Rattanakosin, Reign of King Rama II. (1916). Translated by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. Vajirayana Digital Library. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ Royal Chronicles of Rattanakosin, Reign of King Rama IV. National Archives of Thailand.
- ^ a b Khaosod Online. (2019). “The Wild Chicken Patriarch.” Retrieved from https://www.khaosod.co.th/special-stories/news_3123456
- ^ Damrong Rajanubhab. (1946). *Historical Records of Thai Buddhism*. Bangkok: Thai National Press. p. 43.
Notes
- ^ The Thai lunar calendar date corresponds to January 5, 1733.