The Maker: Luang Por Sakorn Manunyano

Luang Por Sakorn was a highly respected monk from Wat Nong Krub in Rayong Province, Thailand. He was a direct disciple of the legendary Luang Por Tim Isarigo, the creator of the famous Kun Paen Pong Prai Kumarn amulets. Luang Por Sakorn inherited the sacred knowledge and rituals of his teacher, making him one of the foremost masters in the creation of Thai Buddhist amulets. His ability to imbue amulets with spiritual energy through meticulous consecration ceremonies has earned him widespread admiration among devotees and collectors.

The 70th birthday commemorative edition reflects his lifelong dedication to spreading blessings and spiritual protection to his followers. Immediately following his ordination, in a move that would define his entire life, Luang Por Sakorn was sent by his parents to Wat Laharn Rai to serve and study under Luang Pu Thim Issarikō. Luang Pu Thim, who was famously discerning and rarely accepted students, recognized in the young monk an unwavering determination and a profound capacity for spiritual practice. He accepted Luang Por Sakorn as his personal apprentice.

For years, Luang Por Sakorn dedicated himself to the rigorous training regimen set by his master. This involved not just the study of Dhamma and Vinaya but also the arduous practice of meditation and the memorization and inscription of countless yantras and kathā (incantations). Luang Pu Thim transmitted his complete body of knowledge to Luang Por Sakorn, holding nothing back. This included the most guarded and dangerous of his sciences: the Wichā Sang Phong Phrāi Kumān (วิชาสร้างผงพรายกุมาร), the method for creating the sacred Phrāi Kumān powder. Luang Pu Thim is said to have prophesied that Luang Por Sakorn was the only one who could successfully inherit and continue his lineage.

While his foundation was firmly rooted in the teachings of Luang Pu Thim, Luang Por Sakorn’s thirst for knowledge led him to study with other great masters of the era, further enriching his spiritual arsenal. At Luang Pu Thim’s own recommendation, he studied with Luang Pu Hin of Wat Nong Sanom, a master of Ruesi traditions. His quest for knowledge also took him across borders, studying with adepts in Myanmar (in 2503 B.E.) and Cambodia (in 2518 B.E.). He also exchanged knowledge with many revered Thai masters, including Luang Por Koon Parisuttho of Wat Ban Rai (in 2526 B.E.). This diverse education made him a singularly accomplished master of a wide spectrum of Buddhist esoteric arts.

The Edition: Celebrating 70 Years of Spiritual Service

The "Run tee Raleuk 70 OPansa" edition was released in 2551 BE to commemorate Luang Por Sakorn’s 70th birthday. This special edition included a diverse range of sacred items, each crafted with precision and consecrated in an elaborate ceremony at Wat Nong Krub. The items were designed to serve specific spiritual purposes, such as protection, prosperity, charisma, and kindness, while also celebrating the legacy of Luang Por Sakorn’s teachings and practices.

Sacred Items in the Edition

The commemorative edition featured several types of amulets, including:

• Tewada Riding a Himapant Lion Medal: This medal depicts a celestial deity riding a Himapant Lion, symbolizing majesty, courage, and spiritual authority. The Himapant Lion, also known as the Singha Lion, is revered in Thai culture as a powerful and noble creature, making this depiction a representation of strength and stability.
• Jaroen Porn Lockets: These lockets were crafted with intricate designs and often included materials such as gold takrut, gemstones, and relics like Luang Por Sakorn’s hair or sacred powders.
• Kun Paen Amulets: Double-sided Kun Paen amulets with sacred inscriptions and embedded relics were also part of this edition, offering powerful protection and attraction to their bearers.
• Oval-Shaped Medals: Crafted from sacred alloys such as Nawaloha, these medals feature detailed imagery and inscriptions that enhance their spiritual efficacy.

The "Tewada Riding a Himapant Lion" Medal

Among the sacred items in the edition, the "Tewada Riding a Himapant Lion" Medal stands out for its unique artistry and spiritual potency. Crafted from Nawaloha alloy, this medal was produced in a limited quantity of 1,999 pieces, adding to its rarity and desirability among collectors. The celestial deity riding the Himapant Lion symbolizes courage, authority, and divine blessings, while the consecration ceremony imbued the medal with powerful protective energies. The medal is particularly effective for enhancing charisma, safeguarding against harm, and attracting prosperity and kindness.

Consecration Ceremony

The consecration ceremony for this medal was conducted by Luang Por Sakorn himself, following traditional rituals to invoke celestial blessings. The process included chanting sacred incantations, meditation, and invoking deities to empower the amulets with spiritual energy. This meticulous process ensures that the medal serves as a potent talisman for its bearer, offering protection, blessings, and spiritual upliftment.

Documentation and Authentication

The items in the "รุ่นที่ระลึก ๗๐ พรรษา" edition are officially documented in sacred item catalogs and widely recognized within the amulet community. This documentation guarantees their authenticity and enhances their value as collectible items. Platforms like Prapantip and Puntana Amulets provide detailed information and facilitate the exchange of these sacred items among collectors and devotees. The coins have of course series code numbered stamps and Sacred Na stamps stamped into the rear face too.

Market Availability and Popularity

The "Tewada Riding a Himapant Lion" Medal and other items from the commemorative edition are highly sought after by followers of Luang Por Sakorn and collectors of Thai Buddhist amulets. They are widely discussed and traded on online platforms such as Facebook groups and dedicated amulet websites. The rarity and spiritual potency of these items make them a valuable addition to any collection, as well as a source of blessings and protection for their bearers.

The "Tewada Riding a Himapant Lion" Medal, part of the "รุ่นที่ระลึก ๗๐ พรรษา หลวงพ่อสาคร วัดหนองกรับ" edition, is a sacred artifact of profound spiritual and artistic significance. It reflects the legacy of Luang Por Sakorn and his dedication to empowering his followers through sacred items. Whether purchased for worship, spiritual protection, or as a collectible, this medal serves as a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of Thai Buddhism. For those seeking to connect with the blessings and teachings of Luang Por Sakorn, this medal offers a tangible and meaningful way to do so.

Brief Background on Luang Por Sakorn Manunyo:

Luang Por Sakorn was not merely a disciple; he was the anointed heir, the lūksìt ēk (ศิษย์เอก) or prime apprentice, entrusted with the complete transmission of Luang Pu Thim's formidable Wichā (วิชา, esoteric knowledge). This inheritance included the arcane science behind the creation of the most famous and powerful spiritual substance in the Thai amulet world: Phong Phrāi Kumān (ผงพรายกุมาร), a necromantic powder of unparalleled efficacy. The sacred objects he consecrated are, therefore, not just artifacts of faith but are considered direct continuations of the spiritual power and compassionate intent of his revered teacher.

This document seeks to provide a comprehensive exegesis of the life and work of Luang Por Sakorn. It will delve into the history of his temple, Wat Nong Grub; chronicle his spiritual journey from a young seeker to a master of great repute; analyze the profound esoteric sciences he mastered; and present a detailed, chronological catalogue of his most significant and venerated amulets. It is an exploration of a legacy built on devotion, discipline, and the mastery of sacred power, a legacy that continues to resonate powerfully within the hearts of devotees across the world.

Wat Nong Grub: The Seat of a Master

Before examining the life of its most famous abbot, it is essential to understand the history of Wat Nong Grub, the institution that Luang Por Sakorn would elevate to national prominence. The history of Wat Nong Grub is rooted in the faith of the local community in Rayong. While detailed records of its earliest foundation are sparse, it existed as a local monastic center for generations. The name "Nong Grub" refers to the local geography, likely a marshland or pond area. Before Luang Por Sakorn's tenure, the temple was served by a succession of abbots who maintained its role as a spiritual heart of the community. One of the most significant preceding abbots was Luang Por Pheung (หลวงพ่อเพิ่ง), who was not only a respected administrator but also Luang Por Sakorn's first teacher in the sacred arts and his preceptor (Phra Upatcha) upon ordination.

However, it was under the leadership of Luang Por Sakorn, who became abbot in 2508 B.E. (1965 A.D.), that Wat Nong Grub underwent a profound transformation. Using the funds raised from the creation of his now-famous amulets, he initiated numerous construction and renovation projects, including the main Uposatha (ordination hall), monk's dwellings (kuti), and, most notably, his visionary project: a three-story Yant Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ยันต์). This project was intended to preserve and display the sacred geometrical designs and incantations that form the basis of Thai Buddhist esoteric practice, many of which he had inherited from Luang Pu Thim. His leadership turned Wat Nong Grub from a local temple into a major center for pilgrimage, renowned as the home of the direct successor to the Wat Laharn Rai lineage.