Ariyavangsayana (Suk Nyanasamvara)

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Somdet Phra Ariyavangsayana (Suk)
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TitleSupreme Patriarch of Thailand
Personal life
BornSuk
January 5, 1733
DiedOctober 4, 1822 (aged 89)
Religious life
ReligionBuddhism
TempleWat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
Senior posting
PredecessorSomdet Phra Sangharat (Mee)
SuccessorSomdet Phra Ariyavangsayana (Don)

Somdet Phra Ariyawongsayan (personal name: Suk) was the 4th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand during the Rattanakosin Kingdom period. He resided at Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit and was appointed in 1820 (B.E. 2363). He held the position for three years until his passing on 4 October 1822 (B.E. 2365) at the age of 80.

Contents

Biography

He was born on Friday, the 10th waxing day of the 2nd lunar month, Year of the Ox, Chulasakarat 1095 — corresponding to 5 January 1733 (B.E. 2276) [1] during the reign of King Borommakot of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

During the Thonburi Kingdom period, he served as abbot of Wat Tha Hoi, near the old capital, and became widely known for his expertise in vipassanā (insight meditation). [2]

During the reign of King Rama I (Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok), he was invited to reside at Wat Phlap (now Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan) and was elevated to the royal ecclesiastical title Phra Ñāṇasaṅvara Thera (พระญาณสังวรเถร). He had previously served as meditation teacher to King Rama I when the latter was still a layman. His relocation to Wat Phlap was significant, as the temple was an important Arannavasi (forest-dwelling) monastery of the Thonburi period. Later, during the reign of King Rama III, the temple was renamed Wat Ratchasittharam.

In 1816 (B.E. 2359), under King Rama II (Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai), he was promoted to Somdet Phra Ñāṇasaṅvara , a special rank conferred upon senior monks renowned for their mastery in meditation. [3]

After the passing of Somdet Phra Sangharaja (Mee), King Rama II initially intended to appoint Somdet Phra Phonrat (At Wat Suthat) as Supreme Patriarch, but due to disciplinary issues, he was dismissed. The King then decided that Somdet Phra Ñāṇasaṅvara, being a highly revered senior monk and royal preceptor, was most suitable for the position. He was ceremonially invited to reside at Wat Mahathat on Thursday, 9 November 1820 (B.E. 2363), and was officially appointed as Supreme Patriarch on Thursday, 7 December of that year. [2]

When a severe cholera outbreak struck Bangkok in 1820 (B.E. 2363), claiming over 30,000 lives, King Rama II organized a royal healing ritual called Aphat Phinas and personally observed precepts while establishing charity kitchens. The Supreme Patriarch presided over a revision of the chanting texts used in this royal ceremony.

Among the public, he was affectionately known as the "Wild Fowl Patriarch" (Phra Sangharat Kai Thuean) because of a legend that his meditative power and compassion could tame wild fowl through the force of the brahmavihāras. [4]

He served as Supreme Patriarch for one year and ten months before passing away on Friday, the 4th waning day of the 11th lunar month, Year of the Horse, [2] corresponding to 4 October 1822 (B.E. 2365).

King Rama II ordered that his body be enshrined in a great golden royal urn (phra kos thong yai) — a distinction usually reserved only for monarchs and high-ranking royals. This rare honor reflected the deep reverence in which he was held by the King and the royal family. [5]

Actors who have portrayed Somdet Phra Ariyawongsayan (Suk Ñāṇasaṅvara) include:

References

  1. ↑ Suratecho, S. (2005). *Biography of Thai Patriarchs*. Bangkok: Vipassana Publications. p. 2.
  2. 1 2 3 Royal Chronicles of Rattanakosin, Reign of King Rama II. (1916). Translated by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. Vajirayana Digital Library. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  3. ↑ Royal Chronicles of Rattanakosin, Reign of King Rama IV. National Archives of Thailand.
  4. ↑ Damrong Rajanubhab. (1946). *Historical Records of Thai Buddhism*. Bangkok: Thai National Press. p. 43.
  5. ↑ Khaosod Online. (2019). “The Wild Chicken Patriarch.” Retrieved from https://www.khaosod.co.th/special-stories/news_3123456
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