Luang Pu Khao Analayo
 | This article may incorporate text from a large language model. (September 2025) |
Luang Pu Khao Analayo | |
|---|---|
 Luang Pu Khao Analayo | |
| Title | Phra Khao Analayo (พระขาว อนาลโย) |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Khao Koratha 28 December 1888 Ban Bo Chaneng, Amnat Charoen Province, Siam |
| Died | 16 May 1983 (aged 94) |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Other names | หลวงปู่ขาว อนาลโย |
| Occupation | Buddhist monk |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| School | Theravāda |
| Lineage | Dhammayuttika Nikaya |
| Dharma names | Analayo (อนาลโย) |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Wat Tham Klong Phen, Nong Bua Lamphu |
Luang Pu Khao Analayo (หลวงปู่ขาว อนาลโย; 28 December 1888 – 16 May 1983) was a Thai Theravāda Buddhist monk of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. He was widely respected as a meditation master in the vipassanā tradition, and a close disciple of Ajahn Mun.
Early life
[edit]Luang Pu Khao Analayo was born as Khao Koratha on Sunday, 28 December 1888 (Year of the Rat) in Ban Bo Chaneng, Nong Kaeo Subdistrict, Amnat Charoen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province (today part of Amnat Charoen Province). His parents were Phua and Rod Koratha. He was the fourth of seven children in the family, who were rice farmers and merchants.
At age 20, in 1909, he married Mee Koratha and had three children. After 11 years of married life, he ordained as a Buddhist monk. Notably, Ban Bo Chaneng was also home to other distinguished monks related to him: Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong (Manit Thawaro), abbot of Wat Samphanthawong, Bangkok,[1] and Phra Ratchaprichayanmuni (Lom Mahaviro), abbot of Wat Bo Chaneng and provincial ecclesiastical head of Amnat Charoen.[2]
Ordination
[edit]He was first ordained on 2 May 1919 at Wat Pho Si (today Wat Bo Chaneng), Nong Kaeo Subdistrict, Amnat Charoen, in the Mahanikaya order. His preceptor was Phra Khru Phutthasak, district ecclesiastical head of Amnat Charoen.
Later, in 1925 at age 37, he reordained into the Dhammayuttika Nikaya at Wat Phothisomphon, Udon Thani Province, under Phra Ubali Khunupamacharn (Chand Sirichantho). Phra Dhammajedi (Chum Phanthulo) acted as preceptor, and Ajahn Bun Panyavudtho as kammavācācariya.
Monastic life and practice
[edit]After joining the Dhammayuttika order, he spent eight rains retreats in Udon Thani, then went wandering on dhutanga pilgrimage with Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, practicing in forests and mountains throughout Thailand. He also practiced alongside other eminent disciples of Ajahn Mun, such as Ajahn Fan Acharo, Ajahn Waen Suchinno, Ajahn Thate Desaransi, and Ajahn Chob Thanasamo.
Living long years in the wilderness, he developed strong meditative abilities and gained a reputation for deep insight. Biographical accounts mention mystical experiences with wild animals such as elephants and tigers, which seemed to appear in response to his contemplations.
Luang Ta Maha Bua recounts that Luang Pu Khao attained the highest realization of Dhamma during his 16th or 17th rains retreat at Loeng Khod, Phrao District, Chiang Mai Province.[3]
In 1958, he settled permanently at Wat Tham Klong Phen, Nong Bua Lamphu, where he remained until his death.
Death
[edit]Luang Pu Khao died on 16 May 1983 at the age of 94 (64 rains). King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously sponsored his funeral rites. A royal cremation was held on 11 February 1984, presided over by King Bhumibol himself, accompanied by Queen Sirikit and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Tens of thousands of devotees attended, making it one of the largest monastic funerals in modern Thai history.
Teachings
[edit]Luang Pu Khao emphasized strict morality, diligent meditation, and insight into impermanence. A well-known excerpt of his teaching states:
- "People are born different because of different conduct. Good deeds, generosity, and virtue bring wisdom and favorable conditions. All actions bring results, whether wholesome or unwholesome. Thus, we should make merit, keep pure morality, and cultivate meditation to bring calm and clarity of mind..."*
He often taught meditation with the mantra *“Buddho, Buddho”* to anchor the mind and prevent distraction.
Legacy
[edit].jpg/250px-Statue_of_Luang_Pu_Khao_Analayo,_Thai_Human_Imagery_Museum_(1).jpg)
Wat Tham Klong Phen became his principal legacy, preserved as a forest monastery with a museum of his relics and personal effects. His disciples continued to spread his teachings throughout Thailand and abroad.
Notable disciples
[edit]- Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara (Charoen Suvaddhano), later Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
- Ajahn Chuan Kulachettho, Wat Phu Tok, Bueng Kan
- Ajahn Chia Chunno, Wat Pa Phurithat, Pathum Thani
- Ajahn Chanda Thawaro, Wat Pa Khao Noi, Phichit
- Ajahn Khan Thanavaro, Wat Pa Ban Lao, Chiang Rai
- Ajahn Boonpeng Khemapirot, Wat Tham Klong Phen, Nong Bua Lamphu
- Ajahn Boonma Suchivo, Wat Pa Sukkasem, Nong Bua Lamphu
- Ajahn Preeda (Thui Chandako), Wat Pa Danwiwek, Bueng Kan
- Ajahn Boonpin Katapunyo, Wat Pa Phathapnimit, Sakon Nakhon
- Ajahn Wilai Khemiyo, Wat Tham Phaya Chang Phueak, Chaiyaphum
- Ajahn Kamsuk Yanasukho, Wat Pa Sap Kham Kong, Phetchabun
- Ajahn Swat Thawaro, Wat Ao Mu, Chanthaburi
- Ajahn Unla Thitthammo, Wat Pa Kaew Chumphon, Sakon Nakhon
- Ajahn Thun Khippapanyo, Wat Pa Ban Kho, Udon Thani
- Ajahn Khamphong Panyavudtho, Wat Pah Nanachat, Virginia, United States
- Ajahn Sngiem Samajaro, Wat Pa Dan Thep Mongkhon, Bueng Kan
- Phra Thepwimonnyan (Maha Thaworn Jittathawaro), Wat Pathum Wanaram, Bangkok
References
[edit]- Anālayovāda, collected teachings of Luang Pu Khao
- Biography published by Wat Tham Klong Phen