Ordination and Monastic Life Driven by a thirst for knowledge, a search for meaning in life, and a deep inclination toward Buddhism, Thong Nariwong was encouraged by his father’s strong wish that he enter the monkhood, following the traditional path of Thai manhood. The person who guided and supported him into the saffron robes was none other than Phra Sutthithamrangsi Khamphiramethachan (Lee Dhammadharo), widely known as Than Por Lee Dhammadharo, the revered spiritual teacher of Samut Prakan Province and his own paternal uncle. As a young man, he accompanied Than Por Lee on many dhutanga journeys and during periods of residence at various temples. He devoted himself to serving his uncle and often slept in front of temple ordination halls. Rather than discouraging him, these hardships deepened his faith and admiration for his uncle’s way of life—simple, contented, disciplined, and filled with unwavering diligence. In 1951, at the age of 19, he ordained as a novice monk (samanera) at Wat Pa Khlong Kung, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province. Two years later, upon reaching the age of 21, he received full ordination as a Buddhist monk and subsequently spent the rains retreat at Wat Khao Kaew, Nong Takhong Subdistrict, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province. Study of Buddhist Scriptures Afterward, he returned to Wat Pa Khlong Kung to pursue the study of Buddhist scriptures (Pariyatti Dhamma), eventually passing the highest level of the Nak Tham examinations. Originally, he intended to remain in the monkhood for only one or two rains retreats, dedicating the merit to his father before returning to lay life. However, as he immersed himself in the teachings of the Buddha and studied the Dhamma in depth, his faith and conviction grew ever stronger, leading him to remain in the monastic life. In 1956, Phra Ajahn Thong joined Than Por Lee at Wat Asokaram. During his sixth rains retreat, he furthered his studies in the Pali language at Wat Boromniwat Ratchaworawihan in Bangkok. Although he already possessed some knowledge of Pali, he remained humble and continued to learn from his teachers. In 1957, he spent three years in residence at Ban San Ko Ket Monastic Residence, Ban Klang Subdistrict, San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai Province. Following the passing of Than Por Lee, he returned to reside at Wat Asokaram. Ecclesiastical Positions and Honorary Titles * 1975 – Appointed to the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Khru Sanyabat (Third Class). * 1991 – Appointed Abbot of Wat Asokaram. * 1992 – On the auspicious occasion of the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, he was elevated to the rank of Royal Ecclesiastical Prelate and granted the honorary title Phra Yanawisit. Approach to Dhamma Practice Phra Ajahn Thong placed great emphasis on Vipassana meditation, viewing scriptural study as important but secondary to actual practice. His teachings focused particularly on understanding the mind. According to his approach, Samatha meditation develops calm and tranquility, while Vipassana develops wisdom and insight. He often explained that in the lineage of Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta, practitioners were taught to use the recitations Buddho, Dhammo, or Sangho as meditation objects. Than Por Lee later developed a method that combined mindfulness of breathing with the word Buddho—silently reciting “Bud” on the in-breath and “Dho” on the out-breath. He taught that true spiritual practice is fundamentally about calming the mind and establishing a firm inner foundation. Without mental stability, wisdom cannot arise. Once the mind becomes still through concentration, insight naturally develops. He emphasized that genuine understanding comes not from intellectual knowledge alone but from direct realization within one’s own mind. Continuing Service As of 2009, at the age of 77, Phra Ajahn Thong Jantasiri continued to dedicate himself tirelessly to the development of both Wat Asokaram and the spiritual well-being of the surrounding community. Renowned as a gifted Dhamma teacher, he remained in constant demand for invitations to teach and served as a source of inspiration and guidance for countless devotees. Just as Wat Asokaram provides a peaceful refuge amidst nature for all beings, Phra Ajahn Thong stood as a beacon of Dhamma, offering shelter and guidance to those seeking spiritual support and inner peace.