Presenting a now very rare sacred amulet, from the 2554 BE edition of Luang Phu Sawad, a highly renowned, tried and tested, and sought after amulet from the Golden Era of New Age Thai Amulets; Phu Ruesi Hmor Chiwok Jivaka Gomarapacca, in Nuea Pong Ya Tewada Bork (Deva foretells you of lucky windfalls or dangers) Fang Pratat Lersi (Relics/Remains of an ancient Hermit inserted) Takrut Tong Kam (Gold takrut spell scroll inserted), from the Great Luang Phu Sawad, Sirimangkalō, of Wat Kaset Sukh, in Payao, Northern Thailand. Jīvaka, also known as Jīvaka Komārabhacca in Pali and Jīvaka Kaumārabhṛtya in Sanskrit, was a renowned physician in ancient India. He was born during the time of Gautama Buddha and is considered one of the most famous physicians of that era. Jīvaka's life and teachings are primarily recorded in the Buddhist scriptures, particularly in the Vinaya Pitaka and various Jātaka tales.

The front face of the amulet features the image of Phu Ruesi Hmor Chiwok Jivaka Gomarapacca, seated on an elevated platform seated in the Bhumispara Mudra of subduing Mara (ignorance) calling witness to earth (elements of Ayurvedic Natural Medicines), steadfastness (imperturbability). A small piece of 'Pratat Lersi' relics of the Hermit Gods is inserted into the front face of the Sacred Muan sarn Powder Clay, along with a gold Takrut scroll spell with hand inscriptions by Luang Phu Sawad. Released in the 'Plord Roke Plord Pai Metta Mee Sadtang' (iIlness-free, Danger-Free, Mercy Charm and Wealth) edition, in the year 2012.

The rear face of the amulet, has the Yant Hnaa Pra Yantra with Khom Agkhara Sanskrit spell inscriptions embossed on the surface, increasing power of attraction and mercy charm, and popularity. Local Devotees like to call Luang Phu Sawad ‘Por Phu Ruesi’. This is because before he was a Monk, he was a practicing Ruesi practicing in the depths of the forest, residing in caves in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmmar (then Burma). He travelled all over the place, collecting Wicha from various other practitioners (both Monks and Ruesi) who he met and exchanged magical arts with them, and mastered a great number of magic spells.

Luang Phu Sawad needs little preamble for many Buddhists in South East Asia, such as Singapore and Malaysia, who know this Master very well and revere his amulets since decades. During the initial years of his practice, Luang Phu dedicated himself to residing in the wilderness until he attained proficiency in both Wicha Akom (the magical arts) and Vipassana Kammathana practice. Powerful amulets do not solely derive from knowledge of magical arts and rituals. The practitioner must also possess developed mental abilities to bestow empowerment upon the amulet. Typically, reaching a meditative state at the Jhanic level through Vipassana Kammathana practice is necessary for imbuing amulets with empowerment. This particular method is a significant catalyst for the emergence of Jhanic power within a practitioner.

One fateful day, he encountered an elderly monk whose spiritual strength and purity were sufficient for him to become Luang Phu's mentor, and so he decided to ordain. Following his ordination, he requested permission to embark on Tudong, a journey of wandering. As he traveled, the local community began to hold great faith in Luang Phu, pooling their resources to purchase land for him to establish a small forest Sangha temple called Samnak Songk. Witnessing the fulfillment of his forest mentor's prophecies, Luang Phu realized that he was destined to become a revered teacher (Gaeji Ajarn). Thus, he dedicated himself to developing the land he had been granted.

Over time, the temple, now known as Wat Kaset Sukh, flourished and drew devotees from all corners of the country and even abroad. The number of visitors paying their respects and seeking blessings from LP Sawad continues to grow daily as stories of individuals who have used his amulets and experienced swift, wish-fulfilling results spread far and wide. Suffice to say that LP Sawad has fulfilled both requirements to be able to be called an Adept practitioner. He stayed many years in the forest until one day his Kroo Ruesi teacher told him that he should go and ordain as a monk; ‘You can ordain already, you can be an Ajarn now’ he was told. So Luang Phu travelled up to the North to find an Upachaya monk who would be good enough to ordain him. LP Sawad would use his Jhanic powers to examine each monk, for he said that if the monk who ordained did not have enough Baramee (greatness and merit), then it could cause that Ajarn to become ill and have inauspicious Karma (referring to someone less realized Ordaining someone more realized).

Key points about Jīvaka:

1. Life and Background: Jīvaka was the son of a courtesan named Sālāvati and was raised in the city of Rājagaha (present-day Rajgir in Bihar, India). According to the Buddhist texts, his father's identity remains uncertain.
2. Association with Gautama Buddha: Jīvaka had a close connection with Gautama Buddha and was considered his personal physician. It is said that he treated the Buddha and his monastic community, including prominent disciples, for various ailments and injuries.
3. Medical Expertise: Jīvaka was highly skilled in medicine and had an extensive knowledge of traditional Indian medicine, which included herbal remedies, surgical techniques, and other therapeutic practices. He was particularly known for his expertise in surgery.
4. Establishment of Hospitals: Jīvaka is credited with establishing hospitals in ancient India, making him one of the earliest proponents of organized medical care. He founded a famous hospital in Rājagaha known as the Jīvaka's Mango Grove, which provided medical services to people regardless of their social status or ability to pay.
5. Generosity and Compassion: Jīvaka was known for his compassion and generosity towards both human beings and animals. He would often treat and provide medical care to the poor and needy free of charge. His acts of kindness and philanthropy earned him a great reputation during his time.
6. Ethical Practices: Jīvaka was committed to ethical medical practices and is considered an early advocate for patient welfare and medical ethics. He emphasized the importance of compassion, honesty, and moral conduct in the practice of medicine.
7. Jātaka Tales: Jīvaka is also mentioned in several Jātaka tales, which are stories recounting the Buddha's past lives. These tales highlight Jīvaka's virtuous qualities, medical expertise, and his interactions with the Buddha in previous lives.

It is important to remember, that while the accounts of Jīvaka's life are found in the Buddhist scriptures, some details may have been subject to embellishment or mythologizing over time. Nevertheless, Jīvaka remains an influential figure in the history of medicine and serves as a symbol of compassion and ethical medical practice in Buddhist traditions.

KATAS BUCHA RUESI CHIWOK

In Thailand, Jīvaka Komārabhacca is revered as a prominent figure in traditional medicine and is often associated with amulets, statues, and sacred textiles. Thai culture has a long-standing tradition of incorporating spiritual beliefs, magical practices, and protective talismans into their religious and daily lives. Here are some details about Thailand's version of the Jīvaka story and the use of his image for worship:

1. Amulets and Statues: In Thailand, amulets and statues depicting Jīvaka are popular among Buddhists and collectors. These artifacts often portray Jīvaka in his traditional physician attire, holding medical tools, or engaged in healing activities. People believe that wearing or carrying these amulets can provide protection, promote good health, and ward off negative influences.
2. Sacred Textiles and Yantra Design: Yantra is a form of sacred geometry or mystical diagram that holds spiritual significance in Thai Buddhism. The image of Jīvaka, along with associated magical spells and symbols, is sometimes incorporated into Yantra designs. These designs can be found on linen cloths known as pha yant, which are considered sacred and used for various purposes, including protection, blessings, and healing.
3. Magical Spells and Incantations: The image of Jīvaka, when used in amulets, statues, or textiles, is often accompanied by magical spells or incantations. These spells are believed to imbue the object with specific powers and blessings, enhancing its protective or healing properties. The recitation of these spells may also be part of worship or rituals involving Jīvaka's image.
4. Belief in Healing and Protection: Many Thai people hold a strong belief in the healing and protective qualities associated with Jīvaka. They may seek solace, guidance, or assistance from Jīvaka's image when facing health issues, physical ailments, or other challenges. It is believed that Jīvaka's presence and blessings can bring about positive outcomes and aid in the process of healing.
5. Devotional Practices: Devotees often pay homage to Jīvaka by making offerings at shrines or temples dedicated to him. These offerings may include flowers, incense, candles, and fruits. People may also engage in meditation, prayer, or recitation of mantras as a way to connect with Jīvaka's healing energy and seek his blessings.