The faith still remains: the legend of Luang Phor Pern, a monk of the people.

The history of Luang Phor Pern

Birth and Early Life:

Luang Por Pern was born with the given name Pern Phurahong on Sunday, August 12, 1923 (B.E. 2466), in the 9th month of the Year of the Pig, at house number 4, Moo 4, Bang Kaew Fa subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si district, Nakhon Pathom province. He was the son of Mr. Fak and Mrs. Yuang Phurahong, and the ninth child among ten siblings.

Interest in Occultism:
Since childhood, Luang Por Pern showed a keen interest in the mystical arts. His family lived near Wat Bang Phra, a temple known during that era for its monks who were highly skilled in occultism. Young Pern frequently visited Wat Bang Phra, driven by his curiosity and desire to learn about these mystical practices.

Mr. Pern studied under Luang Phor Daeng of Wat Thung Khok, where he learned about herbal medicine for treating diseases, various incantations, and especially the renowned practice of sak yant (sacred tattooing) from Luang Phor Him Inthachoto, the abbot of Wat Bang Phra. Luang Por Him had a special affection and compassion for this student and imparted all his knowledge openly without holding anything back.

Ordination and Early Monastic Life:

On May 23, 1948 (B.E. 2491), which was a Friday, the 4th waxing moon of the 6th month in the Year of the Pig, Mr. Pern entered the monkhood at Wat Bang Phra in Bang Kaew Fa subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si district, Nakhon Pathom province. The ceremony was presided over by Phra Uppachaya Him Inthachoto, with Phra Ajarn Thongyu Patumratana serving as the teaching monk (kammavācācāriya) and Phra Ajarn Plian Thitthammo as the reciting monk (anusāvanācāriya). He was given the monastic name "Phra Thitkuno."

First Amulet Series: A Rare Item in the Amulet Market

Upon assuming the position of abbot at Wat Khok Khema, Luang Por Pern began developing the temple by constructing monastic buildings and repairing the ordination hall (ubosot). The progress was swift, driven by the strong faith the people had in Luang Por Pern at that time.

It was at Wat Khok Khema that Luang Por Pern created his first amulet, the "First Edition Luang Por Pern Medal" in 1966 (B.E. 2509). Today, this particular amulet is extremely rare and highly sought after in the amulet market due to its legendary status and the miraculous experiences reported by those who possess it.

Following the creation of his first bronze statue series, Wat Khok Khema continued to produce various amulets and sacred objects for the devotees. These items were made available for people to rent and worship, with the funds raised being used to further develop and maintain the temple.

Sacred Tattooing and Later Years

Luang Por Pern's practice of sacred tattooing (sak yant) was renowned for its spiritual power. In his early years, before receiving his royal ecclesiastical title, he personally inscribed the mystical symbols and incantations. As he grew older, he passed on his knowledge of tattooing to his disciples, who then performed the tattooing rituals. Luang Por Pern would conduct the blessing ceremonies.

Later, Phra Ajarn Thongyu Patumratana, Luang Por Pern's teaching monk, became the abbot after Luang Por Him and served until his passing in 1973 (B.E. 2516). The position of abbot at Wat Bang Phra then became vacant. The local villagers collectively requested Luang Por Pern to return and assume the role of abbot. Initially, Luang Por Pern was reluctant because there was no one to look after Wat Khok Khema, which he had extensively developed and felt responsible for. However, he eventually agreed to the villagers' request and returned to further develop Wat Bang Phra, fulfilling the wishes of the local community.

On December 2, 1980 (B.E. 2523), Phra Dika Pern of Wat Bang Phra, Nakhon Pathom province, was given the ecclesiastical title of “Phra Kru Thapanakit Sunthorn

Then he proceeded to create many sacred items, including the Phra Sangkajai statue, Luang Pho Pen riding a tiger, various coins and ceremonial cloths. The proceeds were used to restore Wat Bang Phra and the community, making the sacred objects of Wat Bang Phra scarce and highly sought after.

And even though he passed away over 20 years ago, the sacred reputation of Luang Pho Pen continues to be revered by those with devout spirits. This reverence ensures that the sacred items from each generation of Luang Pho Pen remain highly valued and in great demand in the market of sacred objects. However, what cannot be valued is the goodness and virtue that Luang Pho Pen cultivated, which has perpetuated his renown as a focal point of devotion for the faithful.