The Biography of Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto

Early Life

Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, originally named Sila Nilchan, was born on October 14, 1945 (Year of the Rooster) in Ban Boet, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province. He was the fourth child of Mr. Kaen and Mrs. Noi Nilchan, who were farmers. Due to drought and hardship, his parents migrated to Ban Song, That Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province, in 1945. In 1951, they relocated to his mother’s birthplace, Ban That Prathap (Ban Yang Krathat), Chiang Khwan District, Roi Et Province.

Monastic Life and Education

From 1957 to 1972, Luang Pu Sila stayed at Wat Burapha Phiram, Roi Et Province:

• In 1957, at the age of 12, he was ordained as a novice monk at Wat That Prathap (Mahanikaya Sect). His preceptor was Phra Upajjhaya (Phim). He joined a monastic pilgrimage to pay homage to Phra That Phanom and served as an attendant to renowned forest tradition monks, including Phra Khru Salkhansangwon (Onsi Sumetho) in Mukdahan and Phra Dhamma Rachanuwat (Kaeo Kanthopaso), former abbot of Phra That Phanom Woramahavihara.

• 1957 (Age 12): Passed Nak Tham (Dharma studies) Grade 3.

• 1958 (Age 13): Passed Nak Tham Grade 2 (records lost).

• 1960 (Age 15): Passed Nak Tham Grade 1.

• 1963 (Age 18): Passed Pali studies (three levels).

• 1964 (Age 19): Passed Pali studies (four levels).

• 1966 (Age 21): Ordained as a monk at Wat Burapha Phiram, Mueang District, Roi Et Province. His preceptor was Chao Khun Phra Siriwuthimethi, the provincial monk governor.

• 1967 (Age 21, First Vassa): Became a Buddhist studies teacher at Wat Burapha Phiram and passed the fifth level of Pali studies.

• 1972 (Age 26, Sixth Vassa): Passed the sixth level of Pali studies.

Seeking Solitude and Pilgrimage

In 1973, Chao Khun Phra Siriwuthimethi intended to appoint Phra Maha Sila Sirichanto as the district head monk of Nong Phok. To avoid administrative duties, he relocated to Wat Nong Du, Thawat Buri District, Roi Et, where he taught Buddhist studies. His rigorous studies included Khmer, Thai Noi script (ancient Thai script), and medicinal knowledge recorded on palm leaf manuscripts. His reputation for knowledge and protective amulets grew, especially during the communist insurgency, when sacred objects were vital for morale.

A significant event in 1972 demonstrated his devotion to the monarchy. He created five sacred cloth inscriptions, selecting two to present to King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit through the Royal Thai Air Force. One of the remaining three pieces became known as the “Maha Yantra.”

During the communist insurgency, Phra Sila took refuge in a cave near the Mekong River in Sangkhom District, Nong Khai, later traveling to Pak Chom District, Loei Province. After the political situation stabilized, he returned to Wat That Prathap, Roi Et, at the request of his family.

Temporary Disrobing and Reordination

In 1979, due to his mother’s illness and family responsibilities, he temporarily left the monkhood to become a teacher at That Prathap School. However, he struggled with corporal punishment in teaching and soon reordained at Wat Maluka Vanaram, Thawat Buri District, Roi Et, receiving the monastic name Suriyajitto. Between 1979 and 1996, he alternated between residing at Wat Non Due, Thawat Buri, and Wat That Prathap, Chiang Khwan, Roi Et.

In 1996, after his elder sister, the family’s main supporter, fell seriously ill and later passed away, he disrobed for eight months to care for his family. Upon completing family duties, he reordained on December 22, 1996, at Wat Saeng Prathip, with Phra Khru Withan Samana Kit as his preceptor. He continued his monastic practices and pilgrimages, including residing in Ban Phan Muean, Mueang District, Udon Thani.

Recent Years

• 2016: Moved to Ban Nong Saeng, Phu Khieo District, Chaiyaphum.

• 2016: Invited to reside at Pa Cha Muang Na, Don Chan District, Kalasin.

• 2019-2022: His teachings gained wide recognition, leading to the establishment of a monastic retreat at Wat Pho Si Sa-at.

• Presently: Resides at Tham Uthayan Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, Mueang District, Kalasin, frequently visiting Wat Phra That Muen Hin.

Monastic Ranks

• 1972: Passed Pali studies (six levels).

• April 29, 2021: Appointed “Phra Khru Palad Wachira Sophonyan Vimolsilachari Wisit Paisan Sasana Kitjathon,” an assistant ecclesiastical prelate under Phra Phrom Wachiraphon of Wat Bueng Phra Lan Chai, Roi Et.

• June 30, 2023: Elevated to “Phra Ratchawachara Dhammasophon,” a royal prelate rank, during the royal investiture on King Rama X’s birthday at the Grand Palace.

Awards and Recognitions

• 2021: Received the Phra That Na Dun Gold Award for outstanding contributions in the Northeast from Mahasarakham University, presented by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Contributions to Society

Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto has consistently contributed to social welfare and public benefit projects, including:

• 1974: Constructed the Great Phra Maha Kaccayana Buddha at Wat Santi Vihara.

• 2015: Built monastic facilities in Maha Sarakham Province.

• 2018: Built monastic structures on temple land at Wat Pho Si Sa-at.

• 2019-2020: Completed a Buddhist ordination hall at Wat Phon Pong, Nong Khai, and restored the roof of Wat Pa Sri Phon Thong in Roi Et.

• 2020-Present:

  • Built a bridge to the “Three Lords Shrine” at Wat Phra That Phanom.

  • Donated an emergency rescue vehicle to the Viro Rescue Foundation, Maha Sarakham.

  • Constructed an emergency relief and rescue center in Maha Sarakham.

  • Established special patient rooms at Sutthavej Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University.

  • Donated medical equipment to Kalasin and Roi Et hospitals.

  • Contributed to constructing and funding the “Three Lords Shrine.”

  • Established senior schools in Roi Et and Kalasin.

Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto continues to serve as a revered spiritual leader, guiding disciples and contributing to Buddhism and social welfare in Thailand.