Luang Phor Kasem Khemako is a respected and venerated personage in Lampang and Thailand. When you are in the city and province, you will certainly come across monuments and photos of him in many places. So who was he, and what significance does he have for the people of Lampang?
Luang Phor Kasem Khemako – the story of a great monk
Birth and early years
Luang Phor Kasem Khemako, also known as Khruba Chao Kasem and formerly Chao Kasem Na Lampang, is considered an Arahant by Buddhists in Thailand. He was born on November 28, 1912, the son of a district official, and was the great-grandson of Bunyawat Wongmanit, the last ruler of Lampang from the Thipphachak dynasty.
He was first ordained as a samāṇera (novice monk) when he was 13 years old. However, he disrobed after 7 days and was re-ordained 2 years later. During this time he lived at Wat Bunyuen in Lampang, where he studied the Dhamma. It continued until he passed the second level of the Dhamma examination in 1931 and was ordained a monk the following year. He also received the religious name Khemako from the provincial abbot, which means one with a peaceful Dhamma.
Exploring the Dhamma and Vipassana
In 1936, Luang Phor Kasem Khemako passed the highest Dhamma examination and learned the Pali language. He refused to take the examination to obtain a degree. He did this so that his teachers would understand that he did not want a high ecclesiastical title and that he studied the Dhamma in order to explore the Buddha’s teachings.
After completing his studies, he began to seek out teachers who had knowledge and experience in Vipassana meditation. He followed the famous monk Khruba Kaen Sumano on a pilgrimage to seek solitude and practice meditation in the forest. During the Buddhist Lent, when monks had to temporarily interrupt their pilgrimage, he had to part with his teacher and return to live at Wat Bunyuen. After Lent ended, he followed his teacher on a pilgrimage again.
In the following years he held the position of abbot at Wat Bunyuen, although he wanted to resign several times. Finally he went to Sala Wang Than, where he wrote a letter of resignation.
The importance of Buddha’s teachings
Luang Phor Kasem Khemako was a monk who did not attach himself to any place. Moreover, he ate food in small amounts not for pleasure, but to keep his body alive. He practiced the teachings of Buddha, thus not succumbing to any defilements. For this reason, he is respected by Buddhists in Lampang and Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited him many times to pay homage to him.
Luang Phor Kasem Khemako died in Lampang Hospital on January 15, 1996.
Luang Phor Kasem Khemako – images and amulets
In Lampang, you will definitely see many statues of this great monk. The same applies to the pictures that are in many places – in temples, shops, restaurants, hospitals, homes, etc.
Amulets depicting Luang Phor Kasem are also very popular. Especially among the people of Lampang and northern Thailand.
Luang Phor Kasem Khemako – summary
When visiting Lampang, it is worth remembering that this monk is highly venerated. Therefore, it is important to show respect near statues and images of him. It has great cultural significance, and the residents of the city and the province will certainly appreciate such a gesture, as well as the knowledge of who Luang Phor Kasem was. Especially since he and his history are inextricably linked to Lampang.
