Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, a forest monk of Sri Saket, led a thousand of Buddhists to practise Dhamma for 4 days and 3 nights in front of the World’s largest replica of the Emerald Buddha image, 15 meters wide and 18 meters high, and dedicated the merit to H.M. the King for his quick recovery from illness.

News crew reported that on October 22, 2009, 0930 p.m., at Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma, Ban Yang, Amphor Kanthrarom, Sri Saket province, Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, Head of the Sankha and chairman of the Moral and Quality of Life Promotion, led over a thousand Buddhists from throughout the country to meditate in front of the World’s largest replica of the Emerald Buddha image, 15 meters wide and 18 meters high, and jointly made a wish and donate the merit to H.M. the King for his quick recovery from illness.

Luang Pu Nenkham said that he and his followers and Buddhists from throughout the country have significant concerns for the King’s health. So he and his followers jointly meditated for him and made a wish that the power of Lord Buddha would make the King recover quickly.

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The venerable Luang Pu Nenkham Chatigo joined a meditation practice and Phapa ceremony at Wat Khanti Parami branch 201, Ban Saensuk, Tambon Thung Maha Charoen, Amphor Wang Nam Yen, Sa Kaew province, which was organized during October 6-7th, 2009. A large number of Buddhists participated in the activity and donated over 500,000 Baht to help build a multipurpose pavilion, a monks’ living quarter, and toilettes for visitors. In addition, a teak Kuti (monk’s small house) was donated to Luang Pu Nenkam for his use whenever he visited this branch.

On October 7, 2009, Luang Pu Nenkham Chatigo, head of the Sangha of Watpa Khanti Dhamma, Tambon Yang, Amphor Kanthrarom, Sisaket province, and Chairman of Moral and Quality of Life Promotion Foundation, with monks and followers travelled to join a meditation practice and Phapa ceremony that Phra Ajarn Ruangrit Indavangso, head of the Wat Khantibaramee branch 201, together with Mr. Sombat - Ms. Krisana Saowabutr, layperson-side’s chairpersons, together with villagers of Saensuk, Tambon Thung Maha Charoen, Amphor Wang Nam Yen, Sakaew province, jointly organized the event. People from neigboring areas and provinces also attended the activity.

Before the arrival of Luang Pu Nenkham, a large group of Buddhists, mainly female, had started wearing white robe, observing the 8 precepts and started meditation since the morning of October 6, with Phra Ajarn Ruangrit Indavangso, and Phra Keng, head of the Wat Khanti Parami branch 101 at Suphan Buri province, and Phra Ajarn Vichai Chakaradhammo, from the Buddhaviveksathan Meditation Center, Khao Phrom Bhodhisatva, Amphor Tha Takieb, Chachoengsao province, served as instructors. Meditations were conducted for sitting, standing, and walking postures as taught by Luang Pu Nenkam. In the event, a 24 years old American who had just been ordained as a monk joined the ceremony and would stay on at the monastery for 15 days. On the night of October 6, toward the morning of October 7, people who gathered to practice Dhamma also had a chance to listen to dhamma discourse and had conversations with monks throughout the night.

The venerable Luang Pu Nenkham made a good remark mentioning of his recent trip to Paris, France, where he saw devotion of Christians to their religion. Every religion needs faith and devotion of its people in order to sustain its prosperity. Every religion wanted its people to have a high level of moral standard, full of merits, and practice themselves to be considered successful in the directive of each religion. Every religion’s teaching is good. He believed that if people of every religion love peace, love other people, and have generosity to others, conflicts and wars among religions would not occur. The World would be totally peaceful. However, the venerable Luang Pu Nenkham stressed that Buddhism is the only religion among other religions that allow everyone, men or women, layman or monk, to be developed to the status of Ariyans (the 4 classes of people in Buddhism with morally developed mind, who have less or eventually are free of defilement / impurity). Lord Buddha had shown since 2.5 millenia ago and examples of people with elevated mind quality have been numerous up to now. Women and men could access the Dhamma, Nirvana. This is different from other religions which only give faith and spirituality, while Buddhism gives more to people since everyone can reach Nirvana. All Thais are lucky. We are fortunate enough to be born on this land, have H.M. the King and the Queen, and Buddhism as the major pillars, to help wipe tears out of your eyes.

The land where the 14 Rai (5.6 acres) Wat Khanti Parami branch 201 situated was formerly an orchard of Ajarn Sombat - Ajarn Krisana Saowabutr. They have strong faith in Buddhism and Luang Pu Nenkham, so they donated 9 Rais of land, and Mr. Chana Phan-Singh, village headman, and other villagers jointly donated 5 additional Rais on July 5. They then built a meditation shelter, monk’s quarter, and toilettes. They also constructed an access road to the Wat. Villagers also donated teak for the construction of a small house for Luang Pu. Khun Mae (mother) Boonchuey Pimphra with her children donated 100,000 Baht toward the construction materials. The total budget for Luang Pu’s house was over 300,000 Baht.

Phra Ajarn Ruangrit Indavangso said that, at present, there were 3 resident monks for the branch 201. For the donated money of over 500,000 Baht, the monastery would use it to improve the facilities and area to better serve incoming visitors. In the future, meditation courses as taught by Luang Pu would be regularly organized, starting with short weekend courses.

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A large congregation of Buddhists from throughout Thailand and several foreign countries travelled to join a merit making ceremony and pay congratulatory homage for Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, head of the Sangha of Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma and Chairman of Moral and Quality of Life Promotion Foundation, on his birthday anniversary. The activity was organized at Wat Pa Khanti Parami branch 1, Tambon Saimoon, Amphor Pibun Mungsaharn, Ubol Ratchathani province. People lit thousands of candles as a blessing gesture for Luang Pu. They later listened to his Dhamma discourse, then following morning gave foods to monks. Some devoted followers also donated 3 Mercedez Benz model E200 cars to Luang Pu for use in his propagation of Buddhist Dhamma. People also joined an auspicious first piling ceremony for theconstruction of Sunandha Maha Vihara Dhamma Sala, a pavillion estimated to cost over 1,500 million Baht.

On 17-18 September 2009, a large number of Buddhists from inside Thailand and other countries, including Laos, and Malaysia, travelled to Ubon Ratchathani province, to join the merit making and congratulate Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo on his birthday. This year’s activity was organized at Wat Pa Khanti Parami branch 1, Tambon Sai Moon, Amphor Pibunmungsahan, Ubol Ratchathani province. Since early morning, people started to arrive in streams. The temple had prepared a shuttle bus to pick up visitors from the parking space at the route entrance to the temple ground. People who joined the activity said they were delighted to join the activity. Many people indicated that, although they had previously listened to Luang Pu’s talks at other places, but it was their first time to this activity. They were impressed, despite the muddy ground due to recent rains that the temple had tried its best to remedy the situation. People realized that this was a new temple, just established only 5 months ago, yet it was very important place for Luang Pu. Although they might not feel comfortable and the temperature was quite hot but they were pleased to attend Luang Pu’s birthday activity.

When people first arrived at the temple, they went straight to pay homage to Luang Pu at the Thai house. The temple had set up tents and prepared display boards to show pictures of Luang Pu’s recent activities, with descriptions in Thai and English. Then, people had a chance to donate some money to help filling up the 9 Phapa trees. The temple also organized a souvenir boot for anyone who wished to buy amulets and other good-luck charms. Medical tent was also set up by the Pibunmungsahan municipality. A number of donors also set up tents offering free meals and drinks throughout the day.

Around 3:30 p.m. of September 17, 2009, monks commenced the chant. People started taking vows accepting the 8 precepts and wore their white-robes. A Payas rice dessert cooking ceremony was also conducted by a group of virgin ladies. The venerable Pra Dhammadhitijana (Chief of Sangha Region 10, Dhammayuti Nikaya), and Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo and other monks also joined this activity. Khun Mae Dr.Sunandha Leelertbhan president of Twin Lotus Co., Ltd. and her entourage also closely observed the ceremony. The Payas cooking ceremony was organized for every birthday activity of Luang Pu and he would give the cooked Payas to monks receiving alms in the following morning of September 18. People would also get some as a blessing token as well.

On the night of September 17, people gathered in front of a stage, waiting to listen for the Dhamma discourses. An opening ceremony was officially launched by Mr. Narongsak Kosalwat, Mayor of Pibunmungsahan Township and chairman of the organizers, who made a report speech. Khun Mae Dr. Sunaddha, made an opening speech. Ativities on stage started with a traditional Northeastern Thai dance amid a blessing song, organized by housewives of Tambon Nong Bua, Amphor Kanthrarom, Sisaket province, followed by a musical show with the song “Luang Pu Nenkham”, then a “White flower song” by a girl named “Jasmine” from Amphor Charoen Silp, Sakol Nakhon province, followed by a chinese martial art dance, and fan dance, and concluded by a Universal Music show by the team of Dr. Chukiet Chairuekit.

The Dhamma discourse was given over an hour by Pra Dhammadhitijana, the abbot of Wat Bueng Palanchai, Roi Et province (Chief of Sangha Region 10, Dhammayuti Nikaya), followed by a discourse by Pra Ratchadhammakosol, Chief of Sangha for Ubol Ratchathani province.

At 2 a.m. of September 18, the birthtime of Luang Pu, monks and people paid homage to Luang Pu by lighting pink candles as a sign of blessing. Fireworks were lit, creating an impressive atmosphere for the crowd. Luang Pu then kindly made a remark that “The light from candles that people have lit today are like the light of wisdom that would brighten the minds of all. Every candle, every lit frame would bring successful benefits to everyone”. Subsequently, Luang Pu told the gathering to bring the flame out candles back to their homes and re-light them as a fortune symbol. Then, Luang Pu gave a 50 min discourse on practical aspect. He also informed the audience on the importance of this temple, for it was formerly his family’s paddy field. Luang Pu said he spent a lot of his childhood time doing sit-meditations, stand-meditations, walk meditations, lie down-meditations in this area. At that time he also made a wish, that if he has sufficiently amassed Parami (merit) he wished this paddy land would become a Dhamma land, a golden land that Buddhism would prosper. But at that time, he was still very young and innocent and felt discouraged by what he saw at that time that this location would become a land of Buddhism, that thousands of people from evey direction would come to practice Dhamma and followed the Lord Buddha’s path. Having monks who continue providing guidance to people is fascinating, just like thousands of candle lights that had lit up that day. His talk also emphasized his mission, “to be the captain of a big crystal sea boat that will take Buddhists to travel against waves of coming Kilesa (taints for the mind) to reach Nirvana. He is following the tract of Lord Buddha and intend to sustain Buddhism to reach its 5 millennia lifespan (as prophesied by the Buddha)”. Luang Pu also said that he was delighted to see thousands of people coming although there were discomforts with muddy field. The extraordinary faiths of the people had encouraged him to continue his mission of propagating Buddhism. He also said that “Every Buddhist is like my eyes, that one has to be nurtured, so that each of you would see the light of Dhamma”.

Subsequently, people also had a chance to listen to an hour of Dhamma discourse by Pra Kru Dhamadhorn (Luang Pu Aew Sudhammapalo, formerly Professor Dr. Aew) from Wat Mahathad, Bangkok. At 4:30 a.m., monks led the people to conduct the morning chants. After the monks had their morning meal, the key event started by Pra Dhammadhitijana and all the monks’ chanting of the Jayamangala mantra Later that day, Luang Pu Somboon Khantigo, the preceptor and master of Luang Pu Nenkham also came to the activity. Then, Mr. Rad Sukphon, and Mrs. Soodjai Sukphon, the biological parents of Luang Pu Nenkham arrived. Then, Pra Dhammadhitijana, Luang Pu Nenkham, Dr. Sunandha and others jointly ceremonially laid a first brick and started the first piling for the construction of Maha Vihara Sunandha Dhamma Sala, while the monks chanted mantra.

After the first inaugural piling, Khun Mae Sunandha and her daughter Ms. Nichapha Lietherachote, owner of Ayarin Drink, and Khun Mae Yupin Luaprasong, Kamnan (Head of Tambon) Danchang, Suphan Buri province, donated 3 E200 class Mercedes Benz cars, licensed plate numbers 7777, 8888, and 9999 Bangkok, for Luang Pu Nenkham to use in his traveling missions.

Then, Luang Pu Nenkham went to receive lustral water from Pra Dhammadhitijana and Pra Ratchadhammkosol, from other senior monks, and from Luang Pu Somboon Khantigo. They also consented to other monks to also give lustral water as a congratulatory gesture. Eventually, all the people had a chance to give lustral water to Luang Pu. As gifts, they received from Luang Pu some DVD (Luang Pu’s own Dhamma discourse), mantra booklet, and some Twin Lotus products.

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The legend of Pra Buddha Maha Maneeratana Patimakorn, widely known as the Emerald Buddha, has been narrated for several centuries.  The Buddha image is a highly revered sacred object. For over 2 centuries, he has been at the Wat Prasrirattanasasadaram (Wat Pra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the compound of the Royal Grand Palace, in the hearth of Bangkok.  Each day, a large number of Thais and foreigners went to pay respect to the Buddha image for their merit and prosperity.

The Emerald Buddha has been long regarded as the image that King Indra (the King of Tavatimsa heaven) and Visnukam (his engineering assistant angel) brought over a crystal piece to earth to be crafted as a replica of Lord Buddha, with relics of 7 past Buddhas also embedded inside.  The Emerald Buddha is actually made of a dark-green soft jade, measured 19 inches by width and 28 inches by height. The artistic style of the sculpture is considered to be of pre-Chiang Saen Kingdom era. Historically, the Emerald Buddha had been placed at various cities in the north, starting at the pagoda of Wat Pa Ya (currently Wat Pra Kaew Ngam) in Chiang Rai, then a King Sam Fang Kaen of Chiang Mai tried to bring him to Chiang Mai. However, while the elephant caravan carrying the image along the jungle trail reached a 3-way intersection, the carrier elephant refused to go to Chiang Mai, but tried to head to Lampang, so the King acquiesced and move him to Wat Pra Kaew Don Tao in Lampang, still inside his Lanna Kingdom ’s territory.  Long time after, after King Tilokarach was enthroned in Chiang Mai, he built a high-roof royal pavillion to house the Emerald Buddha after he successfully moved him from Lampang, however the pavillion was striked several times by lightening. Later, when King Chaiyachettha of Lan Xang Kingdom, who was a relative to a deceased King of Chiang Mai, who also became the ruler of Chiang Mai, moved the Emerald Buddha and another sacred Buddha image, Pra Buddhasihing, to Luang Prabang in his Lan Xang Kingdom, and later to Vientiene after the capital was established there.

After King Taksin the Great established Thonburi as the capital of the Thai Kingdom (around 1767) he moved the Emerald Buddha and another Buddha image, Pra Bang, from Lan Xang (Laotian) Kingdom, to Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). Later, after King Buddhayodfahchulalok (Rama I) established Bangkok, just across the river, as the new capital, he relocated the Emeral Buddha to the current location at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha while Pra Bang was returned to Laos.

With the fascinating story around the Emeral Buddha, and after an auspicious event occurred to the mind of Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, head of the Sangha of Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma, and president of the Foundation Patronage of Righteousness and Quality of Life, Ban Yang, Kanthrarom District, Sri Saket province, Luang Pu thus inititated the project to build a big replica of the Emerald Buddha, aimed to be the largest ever-built in Thailand.

Luang Pu Nenkham kindly told us about the story behind his initiative to build the world ’s largest Emerald Buddha. He said of the auspicious event in one night that King Indra came over and asked him to build a big replica of the Emerald Buddha, so that it can become a major pilgrimage site for people. King Indra said he would help supporting the construction and Luang Pu needed not worry about financial problem since a lot of people would come to donate their money. The morning after, another remarkable event took place. A man came over to see him, bringing along a brown paper bag. When he opened it and looked inside, it was full of money. When Luang Pu looked up, the man had already vanished without a trace. Two days later, he was invited to a funeral and he found out that it was that man’s funeral. He was astonished that the money he received from that man amounted to 950,000 Baht. So he began the project at Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma immediately. He also intended to make the structure the largest Emerald Buddha in the World. The construction cost just for the body structure alone was estimated to be over 150 million Baht. Numerous people have donated money so far.

Luang Pu Nenkham kindly explained further that building of the body structure is nearly completed. The body of the Buddha image replica at Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma will be totally covered with jade.  Genuine green jade was imported from India, the origin country of Buddhism. Jade is considered a kind of beautiful gem stones while the size of the Emerald Buddha replica is very big, thus the construction is a big effort to gather jade in Thailand. Measurement from the ground to the base platform was 7 meters. From the base platform to the top of the head measured 18.5 meters. The width at the lap was 15 meter wide. Many important milestones have passed and celebrated in ceremonies, such as the installation of facial parts, elevating the hand fingers, elevating the toe fingers. The basal structure will be contemporary art, combining artistic styles from all parts of Thailand, aimed to be lively and beautiful, in order to convey meanings to Buddhists so that they will have steadfastly unclenched faith to teaching of Lord Buddha.

Luang Pu Nenkham kindly revealed that construction was about 70% complete. Afterward, there will be construction on 3 sets of decorative emperor’s garments for the 3 seasons of Thailand, which will need more than 9,000 kg of pure gold, and a construction of a Vihara (a pavillion) to shelter the large Buddha from the sun, thunders and rain. The entire area will cover about 15 Rais (6 acres). Luang Pu intended to dedicate the merit from this construction to H.M. the King, for the occasion of his recent 80th birthday, as well as to H.M. the Queen.

With the height of around a 6-storey building, an elevator would be installed inside the body of the big Emerald Buddha. The ground floor would be used as a public meditation hall. To be placed on top of the image’s head will be a Thai-style crown, 7 meter in height, to be built with 150 kg of pure gold. The image thus will be among the most beautiful, in addition to be the World’s largest. In the future, the Buddha image would be a major Buddhist religious site for Thailand, as well as a touristic site.

Mr. Burapha Rod-ari, head of the construction works, said that construction of the large Emerald Buddha is his life-time accomplishment and considered to be a blessing for his career. After he graduated in the ten disciplines of Thai arts from Silpakorn University, he has worked as an artisan for 30 years. Building a gigantic Buddha image with a large amount of green jade to establish a major treasure for the country is his first big sculpture work, which also use modern innovations. To build the big Buddha replica, concrete structure were built first, based on the actual scaled-up size without decorative clothing. Then, stainless steel strips, each 2-mm thick and 1 inch wide, would be used to build frames for the skin pieces. Each skin piece would serve as a supporter for jade squares, which were attached to the steel frames by epoxy glue. Resin fiber was then used to seal the joints among jade squares. Then, each skin piece was hoisted and fixed to the concrete structure by screws.  Covering of the entire Buddha replica by jade skin pieces took over 8 months. At this time of this writing, work was in the final stage of polishing the jade surface, which would take about 1 month before the body work of the Buddha was finished.

Mr. Burapha informed that over 30 artisans who joined the construction work are local craftmen from Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom provinces. Although they are expert in concrete construction, building a large jade Buddha image was difficult. It was amazing that there was never any problem that would stall the progress of the work: neither accident nor bad weather had impeded the construction. It was considered a merit to have a chance to serve Luang Pu and build the big Buddha image. The experience would last throughout his entire life.

The artisan master said he was proud to be a builder of this Buddha image and he had enormous pleasure. As Luang Pu wished to donate the merit to H.M. the King and the Queen, he considered that he has made his life worthy. As an artisan in the ten traditional Thai artistry and alumnus of the University of Fine Arts (Silpakorn), building a World’s largest sculpture is a great art work. Besides, the gigantic Buddha image which was covered entirely with jade is unique.

When the project is completed, construction of the big replica of the Emerald Buddha would cost to the tune of 1.5 Billion Baht. Now the body work is near completion. The crown to be placed on top of the head would be made of pure gold. About 150 kg of gold would be used. The monastery is now collecting donated gold for the purpose.

Anyone wishing to make donation to support this construction can directly come to donate at Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma, Ban Yang, Kanthrarom District, Sri Saket, or donate cash via Bank account transfers Bank of Ayudhya, Sri Saket branch, account number 156-1-18518-8 and Krung Thai Bank, Sri Saket branch, account number 3-1-065-415

Now that the news about the construction is spreaded throughout the country, and the World, a large number of people traveled to visit Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma daily. If you want more information, please call the Secretarial office at 084.8252348 or 081.8193504

First, Luang Pu went to Phuket to visit the construction site of a big Buddha image, Pra Buddha Ming Mongkol. Aimed to be the biggest Buddha image in Southern Thailand, the height would be 40 meters tall, with the entire body covered with white jade, costing millons of Baht. Construction work has shown good progress, due to faith of Buddhists worldwide who donated their money for the costs. When completed, the Buddha image would be dedicated to H.M. the King, H.M. the Queen, royal family members, and would serve as a well-respected landmark Buddha image for Phuket.

On that auspicious occasion, Luang Pu kindly gave a Dhamma discourse to Buddhist participants who patiently listened to his sermon. A part of his words reads :-

“We all have jointly made merits in the past several lives that caused us to reunite again in this reincarnation. Thus today I would like to give moral support to you so that you will keep on making merits and build up your Parami to completion. Since the time of King Asoka the Great (of India 2 millennia ago), who led Buddhists to build thousands of temples, pagodas, Buddha images, in his Buddhist empire, especially the Buddha images were our important reminders of the Lord Buddha, people of that era who jointly built those monuments had gone to various levels of heaven after their lives ended in this world. Some of those angels are still living on those merits up to today. Beneficial results of the merits to the past monument builders and to today’s builders are of the same beneficial forte alike.”

After he finished his mission in Phuket, Luang Pu and his followers continued the journey by helicopter to Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was invited by Dr. Sunandha Lelertbhan, Chairperson of Twin Lotus Co., to preach to Buddhists in the province and nearby provinces at the Twin Lotus Hotel ’s conference room.

On July 4, 2009, Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, Head of the Sangha at Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma, Kanthararom District, Sri Saket province, and Chairman of the Patronage of Righteousness and Quality of Life Foundation, travelled by helicopter with Khun Mae Dr. Sunandha Leelertbhan, president of Twin Lotus Co., Ltd., to preside at a Vipassana and Samatha practice course at the Buddhawiwake Sathan Vipassana Meditation Centre, Khao Brahma Bodhisatta, Moo 20, Ban Nern Noi, Tambon Tatakiab, Chachoengsao province, whereby Pra Wichai Chakara Dhammo is the Head of the Sangha. Thousands of Buddhists from various provinces attended the event.

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Luang Pu gave a speech to gathering of Buddhist followers: indicating that he was pleased that Buddhists see importance of meditation and came to the practice session in order to elevate their own mental quality. This good act could not only serve as a sign of respect for Lord Buddha, the merit could still be dedicated in honor of H.M. the King.  Luang Pu stressed that, in the future, this meditation centre would be among important centres around Thailand and the world. Numerous people would come. It will also serve as a place of Ariya Sangha (that Ariya Sangha could come here, or some could be enlightend here).

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Pra Wichai Chakara Dhammo, Head of the Sangha of the Buddhawiwake Sathan Vipassana Meditation Centre said that, the event, organized during July 1-5, 2009, attracted a lot of people from afar, to join the 8-precept holding and white-dress meditation  practice. It was a great auspice that the venerable, Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, kindly came to give a Dhamma discourse to the participants. People could use his teaching to improve their practice. Wide practice of Vipassana by people is a way to sustain Buddhism.

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Buddhawiwake Sathan Vipassana Meditation Centre at the Khao Brahma Bodhisatta was built after villagers of Ban Nernnoi donated their money. After they also learned that Luang pu Nenkham would come, they also built a pavilion to receive him and his followers. Concerning the practice session, Pra Wichai said it is stricly in line with what is taught by Luang Pu Nenkham. In the future, the event would be organized twice a year. This event was the first and is a positive sign. This location is not too far from Bangkok and people from the central region could come easily. This event is considered a success, due to good collaborations among Buddhist devotees. The centre planned to organize the next meditation event during November 25-29, 2009. Anyone interested could come to participate.

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During the event, Buddhist devotees practised meditation, listened to Dhamma discourses given by monks and Luang Pu Nenkham, offered foods to the monks taking morning alms, donated money-decorated Pa Pa trees. Luang Pu Nenkam kindly passed on the Pa Pa money donated to him, amounted to 118,934 Bahts, to Pra Achariya Wichai as operating and maintaining cost of the meditation center. People also donated pure gold weighed 30 Bahts (0.456 Kg) for decorating the big Emerald Buddha Image (replica) under construction.

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For making good merits, most Buddhishts went to practise meditation and participated the ceremony of watering and attaching the jade fingers and hands of the biggest Emerald Buddha image (replica) in the world at Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma, Ban Yang, Kanthararom, Sri Saket during Songran festival, Thai New Year.

On April 13th,2009 there were many Buddhists from every part of Thailand wearing white clothes, attending 7 days meditation course, then participating the ceremony of watering and attaching the jade fingers and hands of the Buddha image.

Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, Head of Sanghas at Wat Pa Khanti Dhamma, Chairman of the Patronage of Righteousness and Quality of Life Foundation devoted himself to teach vipassana to Buddhist followers from April 7th to 14th, 2009. According to the ceremony, Pra Dhamma Thitiyarn, Head of section 10th (Dhammayutti), Wat Bueng Palanchai, Roi Et was kindly be the president of Sangha ceremony.

The construction of the magnificent Emerald Buddha image (replica) has been built nearly 70% of the project said by Luang Pu Nenkham.

Let virtuous people join to decorate this marvelous sacred architecture which covered with beautiful Italian jade from India, water fingers and hands of the Buddha image before being attached to the right place during the auspicious days; therefore on the back side of every piece of jade was signed by donator’s name or names of his beloved persons. It’s believed the blessing will come to himself and his family throughout their lives, by the ways some virtuous people asked for a wish of the country in peaceful.

Sri Saket forest monks gave a large water tank and necessary items to soilders who were on their duties near Khao Pra Wiharn on the valentine’s day.

On February 14th,2009 Venerable Luang Pu Somboon Khantigo, venerable Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo and a group of monks, novices and some disciples went to Khao Pra Wiharn park, visited soldiers and gave 1,000 pieces of small Buddha image, a 4,000 litres of water tank, 100 pieces of 20 litres of water gallon, 16 sacks of rice, 50 dozens of drinking water, 50 pieces of big tents and 20 boxes of instant noodle to them. After that they went to Pa Mor E Daeng in order to have a close look at Khao Pra Wiharn by a telescope.

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