The Great Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam

Throughout the long history of Thai Buddhism, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam, whose life and works from 1916 to 1995 fundamentally transformed both spiritual practice and social development in Southeast Asian Buddhist traditions. Born as Sangwian Sangsuwan, he emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Buddhist masters of the twentieth century, combining profound spiritual attainment with practical humanitarian work.

The Path to Ordination

Initially, his path led him through military service in the medical corps, where he developed skills that would later prove invaluable in his humanitarian missions. This early exposure to healthcare and community service laid the groundwork for his holistic approach to spiritual development, recognizing the interconnection between physical well-being and spiritual growth. His ordination in 1936 at Wat Bang Nom Kho marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would reshape Thai Buddhist practice.

Early Stages

Moreover, during his formative years at Wat Bang Nom Kho, Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam received comprehensive training under the renowned master Luang Por Pan of Wat Bang Nom Kho, who transmitted to him two paramount sacred traditions: the Wicha Yant Grao Paetch (Diamond Armor Yantra) and the Pra Putta Jao Prap Sadtw (Buddha Mounted on Animals) amulet tradition. These ancient practices represented a unique synthesis of Buddhist spirituality and Thai magical arts, combining sacred geometrical designs with traditional Buddhist prayers and specialized consecration techniques.

The Path to Mastery

Subsequently, his mastery of these traditions involved years of intensive practice and study, during which he developed a deep understanding of both theoretical Buddhism and practical meditation. His nickname “Black Monkey Ascetic” emerged during this period, derived from his intensive meditation practices in deep forests and his dark complexion, a moniker he embraced and later incorporated into his spiritual teachings and amulet-making tradition.

Furthermore, his assumption of leadership at Wat Tha Sung in 1963, marked a pivotal moment in his spiritual career. Under his guidance, what was once an abandoned temple transformed into a major center of Buddhist learning and practice. The temple’s expansion from six rai to nearly 290 rai reflected his comprehensive vision for spiritual and social development, incorporating meditation facilities, educational institutions, and social welfare centers.

Significantly, Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam’s humanitarian contributions extended far beyond traditional religious activities. Through the establishment of Mother and Child Rural Hospital No. 61, the Phra Sutham Yan Thera School, and numerous poverty alleviation centers, he demonstrated a profound understanding of the relationship between spiritual development and social welfare. His initiatives reached into Thailand’s most remote areas, providing essential services to undeserved communities.

Spiritual Practice

Additionally, his approach to spiritual practice emphasized the systematisation of traditional meditation methods while maintaining their essential integrity. He developed innovative teaching approaches that made ancient wisdom accessible to modern practitioners without compromising its fundamental principles. This careful balance between preservation and adaptation characterised his entire teaching methodology.

Particularly noteworthy was his preservation and development of the sacred amulet-making tradition inherited from Luang Por Pan. The creation of his famous Buddha Mounted on Animals amulets involved elaborate protocols, including extensive meditation, specific material preparation, and precise ritual timing according to astrological calculations. These practices represented a unique integration of Buddhist doctrine with Thai animistic traditions, preserving ancient knowledge while making it relevant to contemporary devotees. Luang Por Pan passed down the tradition of creating sacred amulets, which was notably preserved and shared by this individual. The process of making the Buddha Mounted on Animals amulets was complex, involving deep meditation, careful preparation of materials, and exact timing based on astrological considerations. This approach combined Buddhist teachings with Thai animistic beliefs in a distinctive way.

Remarkably, following his passing in 1995, his body remained in an un-corrupted state, a phenomenon that led to its preservation in a crystal coffin within Wat Tha Sung’s magnificent glass hall. This extraordinary occurrence transformed the temple into a significant pilgrimage site, drawing devotees from across Southeast Asia who seek to connect with his spiritual legacy and receive blessings from his preserved form.

Consequently, his academic contributions to Thai Buddhism have provided scholars with valuable insights into the adaptation of traditional Buddhist practices in contemporary contexts. His systematic documentation of traditional practices and development of accessible teaching methods have created a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding, facilitating both academic study and practical application of Buddhist principles.

In essence, the institutions established by Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam continue to serve as active centres of spiritual practice and social service, demonstrating the enduring relevance of his vision. His legacy shows how traditional Buddhist wisdom can be effectively preserved and adapted to address modern challenges while maintaining its essential integrity. The ongoing influence of his work, particularly in meditation instruction, sacred object creation, and social welfare development, continues to shape the evolution of Thai Buddhism in the twenty-first century.

Ultimately, Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam’s life work represents a remarkable synthesis of spiritual development and social engagement, demonstrating how traditional Buddhist practices can be meaningfully integrated into modern society. His preservation of ancient traditions, combined with innovative approaches to teaching and social development, has created a lasting impact on Thai Buddhism and continues to inspire new generations of practitioners and scholars alike.

Most importantly, his enduring legacy extends beyond the physical institutions he established to encompass a comprehensive approach to spiritual development that recognises the interconnection between individual practice and social welfare. This holistic vision continues to guide contemporary Buddhist practice in Thailand and serves as a model for religious leaders seeking to combine traditional wisdom with modern social engagement.