Revered Isan Monk Releases First Commemorative Amulet Series
Respected Isan monk Luang Por Kiew Sumedho, abbot of Wat Pho Sam Ton in Maha Sarakham, has released his first amulet series, the 'Dhamma Bandhu' coin, originally created in 2007 to fund development of Wat Nong Hai. The limited edition of 3,000 pieces was individually empowered by the monk over one full rains retreat.
Luang Por Kiew Sumedho, abbot of Wat Pho Sam Ton in Ban Phon, Chiang Yuen district, Maha Sarakham province, is a well-practiced monk continuing the lineage of renowned Isan meditation masters with strong spiritual power trusted by Buddhists for decades. Now 65 years old with 39 years in the robe, he was born Preeda Chin-san on Friday, January 26, 1961, in Ban Phon village to parents Khampha and Chan Chin-san, poor rice farmers typical of rural Isan. His childhood was difficult; due to poverty he lived with an aunt, working hard farming, plowing fields, and raising cattle. After completing primary school locally, determined to improve his life, he pursued vocational studies in agriculture. He then served one year of military conscription and worked as a laborer for about four years. In 1987, disillusioned with worldly life, he ordained at Wat Phuttha Pradit in Ban Phon, receiving the name 'Sumedho.' He then studied Buddhist scripture at the same temple, passing all three levels of Nak Tham exams and mastering Dhamma preaching as a Thammathut. He also studied wizardry under famous Isan masters including Luang Pu Sing Khampiro of Wat Si Suk in Kantarawichai, Luang Pu Woraphat Witthayan of Khon Kaen, and Phra Khru Tham Fan of Loei. As an energetic young monk, he wandered on tudong through forests in Loei province and across into Laos seeking liberation. Years later he returned to observe rains retreat at Wat Ban Nong Hai in Chiang Yuen for eight rains retreats. His reputation grew through his pure practice, inspiring faithful relatives to donate 13 rai of land in Ban Phon, which he developed into the present temple, officially recognized in 2013, where he remains abbot. Among Luang Por Kiew's many amulet series, the most popular among disciples and devotees is the 'Dhamma Bandhu' coin, his first amulet series created in 2007 while residing at Wat Nong Hai. The purpose was to gift donors who supported Wat Nong Hai's public facilities. The oval coin with a loop features the monk's full figure in meditation posture on the front, inscribed 'Series 1, Phra Ajarn Kiew Sumedho, Dhamma Bandhu' with Akkhara Yantra around the edge. The reverse center reads 'Wat Nong Hai, Tambon Phon Thong, Amphoe Chiang Yuen, Changwat Maha Sarakham' surrounded by Akkhara Yantra of the Buddha's virtues. Production was extremely limited at no more than 3,000 pieces: 9 in silver, and 2,991 in gold-plated bronze. Luang Por Kiew performed solo empowerment for one full rains retreat with benevolent intention and spiritual power.
