Life and Amulets of of Luang Por Jong, Wat Natang Nok
The Epitomy of Compassion and Protective Power – An Immortal Legend That Never Fades
Within the circles of master amulet collectors, it is impossible to omit the name of Luang Por Jong Buddhāsaro of Wat Natang Nok when discussing the great monks of the Indochina War era. He was honored as one of the “Four Heavenly Masters” alongside Luang Por Jād, Luang Por Khong, and Luang Por Ī. Together, they were remembered under the legendary phrase “Jād – Jong – Khong – Ī.” Luang Por Jong’s reputation rested on both his mastery of invulnerability magic (khongkrapan chatri) and his extraordinary aura of loving-kindness, earning him the title “The God of Compassion.” This study therefore seeks to examine his life and influence in detail to deepen understanding of his legacy among experts.
Early Life and Background
Luang Por Jong, formally known as Phra Athikan Jong Buddhāsaro, was born on Thursday, March 6, 1872, in Ban Na Mai, Bang Sai District, Ayutthaya Province, during the early reign of King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn). He was the eldest child of Mr. Yot and Mrs. Klip, with two younger siblings: Mr. Nin and Ms. Plik. Later, Mr. Nin also became ordained and eventually became abbot of Wat Natang Nai.
As a child, Luang Por Jong’s health was weak. He suffered from chronic parasites, poor eyesight, and partial hearing loss, and was thin and frail. However, unlike most children, he showed a natural inclination towards Buddhism, often visiting temples and engaging in merit-making. At the age of 11, his father arranged for him to be ordained as a novice monk at Wat Natang Nai. Remarkably, after ordination, all his illnesses disappeared. This was seen not only as a miraculous healing but also as evidence of accumulated merit from past lives, revealed through the act of ordination. The event greatly influenced local belief in his spiritual power, becoming the foundation of his later reputation as a miracle-working monk.
In 1892, at age 21, he was ordained as a monk at Wat Natang Nai. His preceptor was Luang Por Sun of Wat Bang Plamo, with Phra Ajahn In, abbot of Wat Natang Nok, serving as his kammawācācariya (reciter of the ordination formula). He also studied with other famous teachers, such as Luang Pu Pan of Wat Phikul Sokhan, who shaped him into a master of sacred Buddhist magic.
Miracles and Legendary Accounts: From Ghost Soldiers to Sacred Sand
Luang Por Jong’s powers became widely recognized during the Indochina War. Amulets blessed by him were distributed to Thai soldiers, leading to extraordinary battlefield experiences. The most famous tale was that of the “ghost soldiers.” Soldiers wearing his protective shirts or carrying his amulets reportedly survived gunfire unharmed; some who were shot down rose again to continue fighting, causing enemy troops to nickname them “ghost soldiers.”
Another well-known story was the legend of the “sacred sand.” During wartime, Luang Por Jong was invited to board an airplane and scatter consecrated sand to protect the land below. Pilots testified to this event, demonstrating the adaptation of traditional magic into modern contexts. These accounts cemented his reputation as a monk whose influence extended into the national history of Thailand.
Roop Tai LP Jong Sacred Blessed Photo
Luang Por Jong passed away on February 17, 1965. His death was linked to a cryptic prophecy he once made: “When the lottery draws triple zero, that will be the day of my death.” On the very day of his passing, the winning number was indeed 000, confirming his words and strengthening faith in his supernatural insight.
Catalog of Sacred Objects – Forms, Materials, and Authenticating Marks
Introduction
For collectors, Luang Por Jong’s sacred objects are not merely charms but historical witnesses to miraculous experiences. Because they were directly connected to wartime survival stories, their value has soared; some coins now command prices from hundreds of thousands to millions of baht. With such demand came counterfeits, making knowledge of authentic features—shapes, materials, and flaws—an essential skill for any serious collector.
Rian Sema LP Jong 2485 BE Solid Gold
1. The Classic Coins
-
First-Era “Sema” Coin (1942)
Created to commemorate a Buddha image casting and prayer hall construction. Two main versions exist: “large face” and “small face.” The most prized are those with the rear inscription “B.E. 2485” (1942) arched along the edge, known as “arched BE.” Made mostly in copper, the rarest pieces retain their original reddish “fire-skin” patina, fetching up to millions of baht. Silver- and gold-plated versions also exist. Authentication requires checking facial details, fine hairlines, overlapping edge lines, and the “pan depression” (a concave surface caused by traditional pressing). Genuine coins also show “protruding rim metal” and gear-like edge cuts from old presses. -
Six-Cycle “Sema” Coin with Lion Reverse (1944)
Struck to celebrate his 72nd birthday, often called the “novice face” coin due to its youthful portrait of the master. Thin copper and alpaca were used, and pieces typically display a “pan depression” and filing marks along the rim, proving authenticity. -
Seven-Cycle Coin with Inscription Reverse (1956)
Created to fund the construction of a new school building at Wat Natang Nai, initiated by his younger brother, Luang Por Nin. This marked a shift from wartime amulets to educational patronage. Exactly 500 silver and 5,000 copper coins were produced. The coin’s front bears protective mantras including the essence of Buddhist sutras, symbolizing the deep integration of doctrine into the consecration ritual.
2. Esteemed Talismans
-
Takrut (scroll charms): Made in different sets, such as single takrut ton, sets of 4, 12, or 16, and the special Maha Rud takrut. Believers used them differently: worn in front for invulnerability or at the back for escape and avoidance. Materials included copper, lead, and in rare cases tiger forehead skin.
-
Yantra Shirts and Cloths: Particularly popular during wartime, such as the Lion Power shirt and the 16-lotus Lion yantra cloth. They were believed to grant invulnerability, protection, and authority. Red and white versions existed, with long-sleeved examples being the rarest.
-
Other Charms: These included woven fish talismans in silver or gold, the “Rak-Yom” figures for attraction, the Chimphalee flag for prosperity, and consecrated waist cords made by villagers and blessed by him.
Lessons for Modern Collectors
Studying Amulets in the Digital Age: “Sharp Eyes Before Gentle Ears”
Today’s market is flooded with counterfeits, making it dangerous to rely only on hearsay. Collectors speak of fakes as “bullets” ready to strike careless buyers, leading them to be “cheated” or “burned.” To advance in the field, one must develop sharp visual discernment (ta thueng) rather than being easily swayed (hu mai bao). The surest path is to memorize the authentic features of genuine amulets, especially flaws that counterfeiters cannot reproduce, such as edge cuts, protruding rims, and pan depressions.
Summary Table: Popular Coins of Luang Por Jong, Wat Natang Nok
| Model | Year | Features | Materials | Key Authenticators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Sema | 1942 | Large/Small Face, “Arched BE” | Copper, Silver, Gilt | Sharp portrait, fine hairlines, pan depression, protruding rim |
| Six-Cycle | 1944 | Lion reverse, “Novice Face” | Copper, Alpaca | Youthful face, pan depression, filed rim |
| Seven-Cycle | 1956 | Inscription reverse | 500 Silver, 5000 Copper | Protective mantras on front, detailed script on back |
The Beauty of Buddhist Art and the Power of Sacred Merit
The sacred objects of Luang Por Jong are significant not only for their legendary spiritual power, attested to in tales of ghost soldiers and sacred sand, but also for their historical value. They reflect the deep faith of people seeking spiritual refuge in wartime. Studying these amulets is not only about spotting authentic flaws but also about understanding the beliefs, way of life, and history of an era.
Ultimately, according to Buddhist tradition, any amulet—whether priceless or ordinary—becomes truly effective only if the devotee has sincere faith, practices virtue, and remembers the spiritual guidance of their master. Through this, the sacred objects of Luang Por Jong continue to serve as true sources of inspiration and refuge.
Pra Putta Chinarat (Pra Pong Rasamee) by Venerable Jao Chuy, Wat Sam Plerm, B.E. 2475 This syopsis, aims to present in-depth information about this particular amulet series, adhering strictly to verifiable evidence only, following the directive: "Stick to authentic information, don't fabricate anything. When study materials are exhausted, don't add distorted content" - a fundamental truth in amulet collecting, especially in an era where information is abundant and mixed together.
Furthermore, from preliminary research, although the question refers to "Pra Putta Chinarat," verifiable sources predominantly refer to this series as "Pra Pong Rasamee" and "Pra Leb Mer," with the full name being "Pra Phim Leb Mer Sum Chinarat." This is an important point that must be thoroughly understood in the report details to ensure accuracy according to popular usage in the field.
1: The Genesis of the Sacred Lineage: History of Pra Mongkol Tipyamuni (Venerable Jao Chuy) and Pra Pong Rasamee B.E. 2475
1.1 Brief History of Wat Chakrawat Rachawat (Wat Sam Plerm)
Wat Sam Plerm, officially known as Wat Chakrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan, is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Originally called Wat Nang Plerm or Wat Sam Plerm, it was later renovated in B.E. 2362 by Jao Praya Bodin decha (Singh Singha senee) and received a new royal name from King Rama III in B.E. 2368.
The creation of this amulet series in B.E. 2475 occurred during a significant period of historical change in Thailand - the Siamese Revolution of 1932, which transformed the government system from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. While there is no direct evidence linking this amulet creation to these events, the social and political turbulence of this period created uncertainty, making it a time when people sought spiritual anchors. The creation of sacred objects thus held special significance as spiritual guidance through difficult times, adding social value to amulets created during this era.
1.2 Biography and Sacred Lineage of Pra Mongkol Tipyamuni (Venerable Jao Chuy)
Pra Mongkol Tipyamuni (Venerable Jao Chuy) of Wat Sam Plerm was a highly revered monk of his era, renowned for his expertise in Vipassana meditation. Most importantly, he was a direct disciple who inherited the sacred knowledge from Venerable Jao Ma of Wat Sam Plerm, the great master who created the legendary Pra Chaiwat amulets that remain highly sought after today.
Being a close disciple of Venerable Jao Ma was not merely historical information but the heart that determined this amulet series' value. Direct succession meant receiving transmission of both amulet-making techniques and sacred mystical knowledge. This connection is why Venerable Jao Chuy's Pra Pong Rasamee gained widespread acceptance and is confirmed to be able to "substitute" for Venerable Jao Ma's amulets with complete confidence, without doubting the inherited sacred properties.
2: The Essence of Sacred Power: Materials and Creation of Pra Pong Rasamee B.E. 2475
2.1 Primary Material Components
The sacred objects created by Venerable Jao Chuy in B.E. 2475 were powder amulets made with materials crucial to the amulet world, consisting of "powder from burned old palm leaf manuscripts" mixed with "fragments of many broken ancient Buddha images from Wat Sam Plerm." Most specimens found have powder mixed with or dipped in lacquer, giving them black or dark brown colors, though some rare white powder dipped in lacquer specimens exist.
2.2 Sacred Material Transformation from Ancient Objects
Using fragments of broken ancient Buddha images from Wat Sam Plerm as primary materials was not merely recycling old materials but transmitting sacred power in physical form. Since the early Buddha images of Wat Sam Plerm (from Venerable Jao Ma's era) were recognized as possessing high sacred power and being rare, when they became damaged over time, Venerable Jao Chuy incorporated these fragments as key components. This directly transmitted the Buddha's sacred power from old to new series, making Pra Pong Rasamee B.E. 2475 not start from zero but inherit sacred power already blessed by past great masters.
This practice is the main reason why Venerable Jao Chuy's amulets are said to possess "overflowing, indescribable" sacred power, especially in protective qualities believed equivalent to the original Wat Sam Plerm Buddha images, while also excelling in loving-kindness attraction.
3: Catalog of Molds: The Diversity of Pra Pong Rasamee B.E. 2475
From collected data, the main mold types of Pra Pong Rasamee by Venerable Jao Chuy, Wat Sam Plerm, B.E. 2475 can be classified as follows, with "Phim Leb Mer" (Fingernail Mold) being the most frequently mentioned:
3.1 Main Mold Classification and Important Characteristics
- Pim Leb Mer: The most frequently mentioned mold
- Pim Khao Larm Dhat: Confirmed in some data sources
- Pm Rasamee: Often called together with Phim Leb Mer, featuring clear radiating lines around the Buddha image
- Pim Sum Chinarat: Some sources refer to "Phim Leb Mer Sum Chinarat," corresponding directly to the user's reference to "Pra Putta Chinarat"
3.2 Distinctive Features and Back Considerations
The crucial characteristic serving as the "decisive point" for authenticating this series is the stamped yantra on the back, which all sources consistently describe as having "deep-stamped yantra (Ang)." This yantra is pressed deep into the amulet material and serves as the most important identification point for collectors.
4: Consecration Ceremony: Seeking the Absolute Truth
After thorough investigation of relevant data sources, the following facts were found:
- Information about ceremonies in B.E. 2564 at Wat Pra Sri Rattana Mahatat, Phitsanulok, refers to modern Putta Chinarat creation ceremonies, not related to Venerable Jao Chuy's B.E. 2475 amulets created in Bangkok.
- Lists of contemporary monks who could not possibly have participated in B.E. 2475 ceremonies nearly a century ago.
- Information about later Wat Sam Plerm ceremonies in B.E. 2515 and 2544 refers to different eras entirely.
Research Conclusion: No reliable or verified information from amulet field sources specifically identifies the monks who participated in the consecration ceremony for Pra Pong Rasamee by Venerable Jao Chuy, B.E. 2475. Including unrelated information would constitute "fabricating distorted content," contradicting the strict principles emphasized. Therefore, this report honestly states "no information available" in this section.
5: Authentication Principles and Conclusion
5.1 Authentication Points
Authentication of Pra Pong Rasamee should focus primarily on mold design and material composition:
- Mold Design: Focus on accepted molds including Phim Leb Mer, Phim Khao Lam Tat, Phim Rasamee, and Phim Sum Chinarat
- Material Composition: Most amulets have powder mixed with or dipped in lacquer, appearing black or dark brown, containing burned palm leaf powder and possibly visible fragments of ancient broken Buddha images
- Back Characteristics: The most decisive point is the "deep-stamped yantra (Ang)" - the unique characteristic of this series
5.2 Recommendations
The true value of Pra Pong Rasamee by Venerable Jao Chuy, Wat Sam Plerm, B.E. 2475 lies not in the list of consecrating monks (which is unclear) but in the authentic sacred lineage and inherited Buddha power.
First: This series was created by Venerable Jao Chuy, a direct disciple who received knowledge transmission from Venerable Jao Ma, creator of the renowned Pra Chaiwat.
Second: This series was made from sacred materials - fragments of broken Wat Sam Plerm Buddha images already consecrated by ancient masters.
These two factors make Pra Pong Rasamee serve as a worthy "substitute" filled with sacred power and authentic lineage for those wanting to collect Wat Sam Plerm lineage amulets but unable to obtain Venerable Jao Ma’'s rare and highly valued Pra Chaiyawat.
Therefore, collectors are advised to focus on mold design and material composition, considering the amulet's completeness, especially the distinctive back yantra. Given the amulet's age, some surface opening or chipping is natural. If the amulet maintains good condition with natural aging, it is highly worthy of collection.
