EAP177/2/1/25

The Sangharat Thammayanamahathera (Bounthan), the Supreme Patriarch of Kingdom of Laos was born on 8th February,1892 at Ban Pakham,Luang prabang was the son of Mr. Xiengphouy Bouphalath and Mrs.Pong Bouphalath.In 1908,when he was 12 years old he became to be the novice at Wat Longkoun,Chomphet district,Luang prabang province sponsored by Phrakou Laekyai (who was his preceptor). He had studied the novice precepts or the novice rules,all the chants ,and all the sermons .He had also studied Chinese math which was very famous in that time.He had also trained Samathavipassana (Pacification of mind and contemplation), Thoudongkavat (13 kinds of special ascetic practises), and he used to stay up Rookkhamoon (Stay under the tree and practice meditation in the forest) with his abbot in every years.In 1912, when he was 20 years old he became to be the monk at Wat Paphai, he named Thammayano Phikku. Mrs. Saenmeuxa was his faith. Phra Akkhalavorarath Khou Pheng Phouthalakkhito,the abbot of Wat Thamsakkalinthakhouha was his preceptor, Phrakhou Phoumma Phothipanyo, the abbot of Wat Pasiew was his right hand sponsor, and Phrarathkhou Pha Phommasalo, the abbot of Wat Kinnor was his left hand sponsor.Then he went back to live at Wat Longkhoun.In 1912, after he had became to be the monk for 2 months and 28 days he had sacralised or promoted to be Phrasamdej Bounthan.In 1915, he had promoted to be Phraxa Bounthan.In 1919, he had promoted to be Phrakhou Bounthan.In 1922, he had promoted to be Phralakkham Thammayana visothikhoun.In 1927, he had promoted to be Phraloukkeo Thammayana visothikhpun.In 1936, he had promoted to be the Sangharaj Thammayana ( The Supreme Patriarch of Kingdom of Laos).In 1976, he was the highest advisor for The Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization. He was also the leader for monks in Luang Prabang to practice Parivassakam (Ritual period of purification and stay up under the tree and practice meditaion) at Wat Paphonphao, Luang Prabang.

Original material consists of: colour halftone print