- Somdej Toh
Somdej Toh (1788-1872; B.E. 2331-2415), known formally as Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi, was one of the most famous Buddhist monks during Thailand's Rattanakosin Period.
Biography
Somdej Toh was born in
Kamphaeng Phet Province , possibly the son of King Rama I. He studied the Buddhist scriptures of thePāli Canon with several Buddhist masters. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for PrinceMongkut , later King Rama IV, when Mongkut became a monk. During Rama IV's reign Somdej Toh was given the ceremonial name Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi.He was noted for the skill of his preaching and his use of
Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism, and for making amulets call Somdej. The amulets were blessed by himself and other respected monks in Thailand. He also appears in many versions of the story of "Nang Nak ".
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
