Profile revealed "Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto" the renowned Buddhist teacher, after resigning as abbot of "Wat Phra That Muang Hin"
Following "Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto" announcing his resignation from the abbot position at "Wat Phra That Muang Hin" in Kalasin province, citing it was time to rest due to old age and health issues. The Sangha council held a tense meeting urging him to reconsider, reaching a preliminary agreement that he would continue as patron for two temples, as previously reported.("Luang Pu Sila" resigned as abbot of "Wat Phra That Muang Hin," stating it was appropriate to take a break.)
Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, also known as Phra Thep Watchara Dhammasophon, is a well-known Buddhist teacher with disciples all over the country.His birth name wasSila Nilchan, born Sunday, 14 October 1945 (8th day of the waxing moon, 11th lunar month, Year of the Rooster) in Ban Bert, Bert Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province. He was the fourth child of Mr. Kaen and Mrs. Noi Nilchan, rice farmers. In 1945, his parents migrated to Ban Song, That Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province, fleeing drought and harsh conditions.
In 1957 (mid-Buddhist era), at age 12, he was ordained as a novice at Wat That Pratab (Mahanikaya sect). He followed his teachers on ascetic pilgrimages, visiting Phra That Phanom. During these pilgrimages, he served prominent forest-dwelling monks, including Phra Kru Salakhansangwon (Onsi Sumetho) in Mukdahan Province, a disciple of Ajahn Mun Puritatto, and received teachings in Isan dialect from Phra Thammaratanuwat (Kaew Kanto Phaso), former abbot of Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan.
In 1973, Phra Khru Phasiwuttimethee invited then-Monk Maha Sila Sirichanto to serve as chief monk of Nong Phok District, assigned to Wat Nikom Kanaram to teach Buddhist scriptures. Upon learning of this, he sought to avoid administrative duties by retreating to reside and teach at Wat Nong Du in Nong Du Village, Thawat Buri District, Roi Et Province, near Wat Santiviharn, whose abbot was Phra Ajahn Saman Dhammarakkhito.
From his novice days until 1973, Luang Pu Sila studied not only Buddhist scriptures but also traditional monastic customs of northeastern monks and novices, including ancient scripts such as Akson Tham, Khmer script, and Old Thai script (Akson Noi). He mastered the Molka Chaiyarn tradition thoroughly. His worldly and religious knowledge, including occult sciences, herbal medicine, and astrology, were all recorded on palm leaf manuscripts.
Luang Pu Sila was highly knowledgeable in Molka Chaiyarn and various sciences, gaining renown in that era. An event at Wat Santiviharn earned him respect for boosting the morale of disciples through the 'dog collar takrut' (canned fish amulet). At that time, communist ideology was widespread, making talismans important for encouraging people during fearful times.
Later, Luang Pu Silawas urged by relatives to disrobe to become a teaching assistant at That Pratab School because his mother and elder relatives had been seriously ill for a year.However, Teacher Sila could not bear instructing students and felt sorrowful, so he reordained in 1979 after the death of his relatives.
After his ordination from 1979 to 1996, Luang Pu Sila resided alternately at Wat Non Duea in Non Duea Village, Thawat Buri District, Roi Et Province, and Wat That Pratab in That Pratab Village, Chiang Khwan District, Roi Et Province. After his mother passed away and his elder sister became seriously ill, he disrobed for eight months to manage family affairs, care for the sick, support the family, and complete his sister's funeral.
Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto reordained immediately on 22 December 1996 at the boundary of Wat Saeng Prateep, with Phra Kru Withan Samnakit as preceptor. He resided at Wat That Pratab, alternating with ascetic pilgrimages in Ban Phan Muean, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province. From 2019 to 2022, his fame and respect spread widely.
In 2022, Luang Pu suffered from ischemic heart disease and was treated at the Sangha residence at Phra That Chom Si, Maha Sarakham Province. He was appointed to perform the Thulhee ceremony under the Dhammayut order, affiliated with Wat Bueng Phra Lan Chai, serving as chief monk at Wat Phra That Muang Hin, while recuperating at the Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto Dharma Park. In 2023, he officially became abbot of Wat Phra That Muang Hin.
Many projects sponsored by Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto have been built to benefit the public, easing suffering in religious, hospital, and educational sectors for monks, novices, students, and society overall, totaling over 100 million baht.
Thanks to the Facebook pages of Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto and Chanawut Utto