Luang Pu Doo Phrommapanyo

Luang Pu Doo was born on 29 April 1904 at Ban Khao Mao in Uthai district, Ayutthaya province. He lost both parents young and was raised by his grandmother and an older sister. He ordained at Wat Sakae on 10 May 1925, aged 21, and was given the name Phrommapanyo. Luang Por Klan, abbot of Wat Phra Yat Karam, was his preceptor. He studied meditation first with Luang Por Klan and then, after Luang Por Klan died, with Luang Por Phao.

From late 1943 he went on foot into the forests and caves of Kanchanaburi province to practise. Thai Wikipedia reports that he later said his early studies were driven partly by a wish for revenge on thieves who had robbed his parents, and that he let the anger go after realising how long it had troubled him. He then committed to the training in precepts, concentration and wisdom. He lived at Wat Sakae afterwards. The same source says that from before 1947 he declined invitations to go outside the temple, so that people who came to hear him would always find him there. He died on 17 January 1990.

His teaching was plain. Thai Wikipedia says he used the repetition of the Three Refuges (buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi, and so on) as the meditation phrase, and that he put daily practice first. His recorded sayings include “Keep at it”, “Keep watching the mind and look after it”, “Don’t forget that you will die” and “Reflect on impermanence, suffering and not-self”. The same source says he never spoke ill of other practice centres, and that when two of his students told him they were going to practise with Ajahn Maha Bua at Wat Pa Baan Taad, he raised his hands and said he rejoiced with them.

The temple is also known for objects blessed by him, and the sources spend much of their space on them. DharmaBase leaves those aside and describes only his teaching.