Phra Phor Thaan Chan Sumetho of Thung Fuea Temple is a revered monk known for his powerful mystical abilities and protective talismans, particularly the "Buffalo Amulet," which is unique to the southern region. His story is well-known among the famous monks of the South.
Phra Thaan Chan Sumetho was born on Thursday, May 18, 1910, corresponding to the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 6th lunar month of the Year of the Rat, in Ban La Kaew, Hua Sai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. His father's name was Khiao, and his mother's name was Pudkaew, with the family name Thongkaew. He was the eldest of four siblings, and his family were farmers.
In his youth, he studied under Phra Khru Sangharak at La Kaew Temple, learning ancient scripts and various magical practices. As a teenager, he delved deeper into Buddhist magic from various texts and became known for his resilience, earning the respect of local toughs. At the age of 20, he was ordained at Sala Kaew Temple with Phra Khru Phanangsri Wisutphutthiphakdi as his preceptor and Ajarn Heng as his teacher. He was given the monastic name "Sumetho."
Once, while on a forest pilgrimage in Phatthalung Province, Phra Thaan Chan was meditating near a riverbank in a cemetery. As dusk fell, he meditated to relieve his fatigue. In his deep meditation, an extraordinary event occurred. He later recounted to his disciples that as his mind settled, he saw ancient Khmer script floating in the air, originating from the riverbank. He focused on these characters, using them as a meditation object, which greatly enhanced his concentration over time.
One evening, as darkness enveloped the forest in Phatthalung, the air outside his mosquito net cooled. Phra Thaan Chan and his companions were deep in meditation when suddenly, a large tiger's roar shattered the silence. The tiger, attracted by the scent of humans, prowled around them, testing their resolve. The monks remained calm and continued their practice, extending loving-kindness towards the tiger. Eventually, the tiger lost interest and retreated into the forest.
Phra Thaan Chan traveled extensively throughout the 14 southern provinces on his pilgrimage. In 1948, he decided to settle at Thung Fuea Temple, seeing it as an ideal place for intense meditation practice. Under his leadership, the once-dilapidated temple was transformed, with new halls, a bell tower, an ordination hall, and monk’s quarters built over time. He was later appointed as the abbot of Thung Fuea Temple.
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Monks from various provinces and local villagers flocked to become his disciples, eager to learn his advanced teachings on invincibility and protection. Phra Thaan Chan had also studied under Ajarn Eiad Dam of Nai Khiao Temple, gaining profound knowledge in these fields, including the Wicha Kwai Tanu sacred arrow bull/buffalo.
The Kwai Tanu (and Wua Tanu) is one of the most highly reputed animist charms for protection, anti black magick, and calling lucky wealthy fortunes, as well as protecting one's accumulated assets./p>
