Description
Ajarn Toh – formally known as Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi (A.D. 1788-1872), was one of the most widely known monks during the Rattanakosin period ruled under King Rama. He was born in Kamphaeng Phet Province before his father became King Rama I. Ajarn Toh was named “Toh” before his monkshood and “Phromorangsi” as his ordination name. He is widely known as Arjan Toh, now among worshippers and amulet collectors.
Ajarn Toh was ordained at the age of 12 and was brought to Wat Mahathat, a temple North of the Grand Palace, and is one of the few temples of the highest grade among the Royal Temples. Later, he moved on to Wat Rakhang to study the sacred Pariyatti scriptures of Buddhism with the help of many masters. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for Prince Mongkut, who became King Rama IV later.
Ajarn Toh is well-versed in Thai poetry and can combine it with his preaching skills to show the beauty of Buddhism. He is approachable despite his ranking and close connection with the royal family. He is humble and blesses people from all walks of life.
He was the creator of “Somdej” amulets, which portray a Buddha in the lotus position and seated on a three-tier throne representing the Buddhist cosmology (Heaven, Earth, and People). There are also Phra Somdej with up to thirteen-tiered thrones, but the concept is the same. The most famous are the three-tier thrones Phra Somdej from Wat Rakhang and Wat Bangkhunprom and the seven-tier Phra Somdej from Wat Ketchaiyo.
Ajarn Toh made the Katha Chinabanchorn popular. Katha Chinabanchorn is a sacred Katha that he received from a Sri Lankan monk. Ajarn Toh edited and improved the original Katha making it easier to comprehend and pray. Katha Chinabanchorn is used for ceremonial chanting, the blessing of amulets, and meditation. It is one of the most powerful ancient Katha as it invites the magical powers of many Buddhas and Phra Arahants. Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang amulets are blessed with this Katha by Ajarn Toh and many senior monks. After that, Phra Somdej amulets were very popular and are known as the King of amulets.
