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Phuket's Most Notable Monk, Luang Pu Supa, Dies Aged 118

Phuket's Most Notable Monk, Luang Pu Supa, Dies Aged 118

Sunday, September 1, 2013
PHUKET: Buddhists throughout Phuket will plunge into mourning today with the news that revered abbot Luang Pu Supa died during the night.

The esteemed monk would have marked his 119th birthday later this month. Special memorial events are likely throughout Phuket for weeks to come.

The sorrow will be widespread because Luang Pu Supa was an outstanding man who created 39 temples throughout Thailand, including at least three on Phuket.

The first and one of the last were both on Phuket - the Koh Sireh temple, perched high on a hill overlooking Phuket City, and Wat Luang Pu Supa, where the illustrious abbot's remains will be laid to rest.

The landmark temple on Koh Rang, in Phuket City, was also created by Luang Pu Supa.

His passing came at about 8pm last night. When his family realised his time had come, Luang Pu Supa was transferred to Kornsawan temple - his final temple - in his home province of Sakon Nakon.

After living for years on Phuket - his bedroom had one wall of transparent glass so followers could observe him asleep or awake - the remarkable monk moved to his home province in March last year.

The temple on Phuket that bears his name has been created over the years not far from Phuket's famous Chalong temple.

The dome where his remains will be kept is still being created. With the Big Buddha, Chalong temple and the wat that bears Luang Pu Supa's name, southern Phuket is likely to attract many more Buddhists to pay their respects.

At one stage, Luang Pu Supa was thought to be the oldest man in the world but his followers said that that kind of celebrity status was never something he would have acknowledged.

In his lifespan, Thailand has had five kings.

Comments

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been a few years since I last visited him... Wow, what a long journey!!

Posted by Sean on September 1, 2013 11:59

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Blessings on Luangpo Supa's maha samadhi. May his illustrious life, teaching and passing remind us all that life is impertinent... to seek buddhahood in this lifetime, to work toward the end of suffering by sentient beings.

Posted by j on September 1, 2013 13:11

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Um, 118 years old, no disrespect but he doesn't get a mention on any list, in fact Thailand doesn't get a mention. Maybe Thai years are shorter.

Posted by DSI Watch on September 1, 2013 14:36

Editor Comment:

Or maybe, as the article says, it's a list so unimportant that nobody with the slightest interest in what really matters cares whether or not they are on it. The list-makers will probably be the first to tell you such lists are unreliable. You wish to believe them? Go right ahead.

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Ed, so right you are, but if you wish to believe Thai records, even today, never mind 118 years ago, are accurate then you are entitled to believe what you wish, but that doesn't mean you are right. Someone seems to believe his age is important enough, otherwise it would not be mentioned, or be published.

Posted by DSI Watch on September 1, 2013 15:43

Editor Comment:

Most people have a recorded age, and we all keep counting. But his age is nowhere near as important as his achievements . . . that's true of us all.

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Ed, even today, according The United Nations, there are approx. 50,000,000 unregistered births every year. But you are right, he should be remembered by his achievements.

Posted by DSI Watch on September 1, 2013 16:13

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Luang Pu Supa Temple is close to my home in Chalong Phuket and I am very saddened to hear this news .2 years ago i made a short slide show of this great and honored monk. And in his honor I share my video with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCYoSHiYct0&feature=player_detailpage Kindest Holistic Chef Barry

Posted by Barry on September 4, 2013 12:09


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