Biography
Early life
Phra Phrommuni, originally named Muean, was born on Saturday, the 8th waxing day of the 3rd lunar month, Year of the Goat — corresponding to February 7, 1824 (BE 2367). He became a disciple of Somdet Phra Wannarat (Thap Buddhasi) while the latter still held the title Phra Ariyamuni at Wat Ratchathiwat Ratchaworawihan. (Muean’s father was the elder brother of Somdet Phra Wannarat’s mother.) Later, Somdet Phra Wannarat introduced him to King Mongkut (then a monk at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara) as his disciple. [1]
Ordination
In 1843 (BE 2386), he was ordained as a monk at the Uthokkukhepa Sima in front of Wat Ratchathiwat. His preceptor was King Mongkut (then still a monk). Ariyavangsagatayana (Sa Pussadeva), then Phra Amaramoli, served as the Kammavācācariya. After ordination, Muean returned to study under Phra Ariyamuni (Thap Buddhasi). [1]
Education
During the reign of King Rama III, Phra Phrommuni first took the Pali examination at Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan but failed. He later retook the exams at Wat Pho and attained the rank of Pali 5 (Parian Tham 5). Under King Rama IV, he took the exam again at the Suthaisawan Prasat Hall and achieved Pali 9 (Parian Tham 9). [1]
Ecclesiastical Titles
The third monk from the right is Phra Ariyamuni (Muean Sumitto).
- During King Rama IV’s reign, he was appointed Phra Palat (assistant abbot) under Phra Ariyamuni (Thap Buddhasi).
- In 1858 (BE 2401), he became Phra Ariyamuni, receiving the fan of rank with a gold-bordered velvet blade and a monthly stipend of four baht-weight of silver. [2]
- In 1877 (BE 2420), he was promoted to Phra Thep Moli, Tripiṭakadhara Mahathammakathikakhanares Borwonsangharamkhamwasi, with a gem-studded gold-thread fan and the right to appoint four subordinates. [2]
- On Friday, January 13, 1888 (BE 2431), he was elevated to Phra Phrommuni Kamphirayanayok Tripiṭakkunalangkorn Mahakhanaruesi Borwonsangharamkhamwasi, with a monthly stipend of four baht-weight and three salung, and five subordinate monks. [3]
- On Sunday, March 20, 1892 (BE 2435), his stipend was increased to 5.5 baht-weight per month, and he was allowed to appoint eight subordinates — equivalent to an Assistant Supreme Patriarch rank. [4]
- On Thursday, December 20, 1894 (BE 2437), he was formally appointed Assistant Supreme Ecclesiastical Governor (Phra Ratchakhana Chao Khana Rong) of the Central Region, titled Phra Phrommuni Sriwisutthiyanayok Tripiṭakthammalangkorn Machimakhanaruesi Borwonsangharamkhamwasi, with a stipend of six baht-weight per month and the right to appoint eight subordinates. [5]
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) intended to elevate him to the rank of Somdet Phra Ratchakhana (Supreme Ecclesiastical Governor), but due to his chronic illness, he was unable to receive the title. [2]
Religious Activities
In 1870 (BE 2413), while serving as Phra Ariyamuni, he was appointed abbot of Wat Borommaniwat. As a preceptor (upajjhaya), he ordained many individuals, including:
- Mom Chao Phrom Ladawan
- Mom Rajawongse Chuen Noppawong (later Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Wachirayanwong)
- Phraya Pramoonthanarak (Phuk Pholprakan), Privy Councilor
He was also one of the preceptors during the ordination of King Chulalongkorn in 1873 (BE 2416). Phra Phrommuni served on the first Thammayut Sangha Council and led the editorial committee for the Tipitaka (RS 112 Edition). [6] [7]
Death
Phra Phrommuni (Muean Sumitto) suffered from chronic paralysis for many years. On Friday, February 3, 1899 (BE 2442), at around 3:00 p.m., he suffered multiple fainting spells and vomited several times. Despite medical care, he died at 10:10 p.m., aged 76. [1] He received royal funeral honors including bathing rites, a five-tiered umbrella hearse, and three months of monastic chanting performed by senior Thammayut monks. [8] [2]