The first edition Luang Pho Tha cast medal is a supreme sacred object famed for its invincibility and protection, especially editions 1 and 2 (made around 1907). It is an ancient pentagonal cast medal modeled after the principal Buddha image. It has many documented cases of protection and earned Luang Pho Tha the nickname "Tiger Monk" of Wat Phaniang Taek, known for his strictness.
"Luang Pho Tha" of Wat Phaniang Taek created the first edition cast medal. Originally, the temple was abandoned until Luang Pho Tha came on a forest retreat, stayed there, and restored it. The temple's name "Phaniang Taek" (Broken Firework) originates from an annual event when Luang Pho Tha blocked the mouth of a firework tube with his finger, causing the tube to break without harming him. Locals witnessed this and called him "Luang Pho Phaniang Taek."
The reason he did this was likely to intimidate local troublemakers so they would fear him and be more receptive to his guidance toward becoming better people.
Luang Pho Tha was born in 1836 in Bo Phak Kut Subdistrict, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province. He ordained at age 15 at Wat Photharam in the same district and was fully ordained in 1872 at the boundary marker of Wat Ban Khong. After ordination, he dedicated himself to studying the Buddha's teachings and meditation, then practiced ascetic wandering and studied occult arts in remote forests and mountains.
After becoming abbot of Wat Phaniang Taek, he was appointed chief monk of Nakhon Pathom district. During King Rama V's reign, the king renovated Phra Pathom Chedi and appointed four senior monks to protect and honor the chedi in the four cardinal directions. Luang Pho Tha was the first appointed for the northern direction, known as "Phra Kru Utharakarnabodi." He had many disciples, including Luang Pho Daeng of Wat Thung Khok, Luang Pho Chaem of Wat Taklong, and Luang Pho Wong of Wat Thung Phak Kut, all of whom studied under him. Luang Pho Tha passed away in 1920 at age 84, after 48 years in monkhood.
According to history, the first edition cast medal was not made at Wat Phaniang Taek but at Wat Bang Luang in Bang Len District, Nakhon Pathom Province, where Luang Pho Tha helped renovate. At that time, Luang Pho Chaem, abbot of Wat Bang Luang, was a disciple of Luang Pho Tha, who oversaw the completion of the ordination hall. During the boundary marker consecration in 1912, Luang Pho Tha created the cast medal to distribute to those donating for the embedding of the boundary stones.
The first edition Luang Pho Tha cast medal is shaped with a rounded top like a Buddha image in a pointed arch. It measures about 1.8 cm wide and 2.7 cm high, cast from a bronze alloy. The inner metal is dense with a brownish-golden color, and the surface is brownish-black. The medal is quite thick, with filing marks visible on the edges.
The front of the medal depicts the Buddha seated in meditation on a pedestal, with a bodhi leaf pattern forming an arch above. The back bears yantra inscriptions "Ma A U" and "U Ma."
The medal's spiritual powers are notably strong in invincibility and weapon resistance. Numerous stories recount its potent protection. Wearers of Luang Pho Tha's cast medal are believed to be safe from harm if they maintain good conduct. Even if shot or stabbed, the body would feel no injury. Additionally, it has auspicious powers that repel evil. I wish everyone safety and protection from all dangers.
