The Dhamma, the teachings of the Buddha, has been passed down from the past to the present through the interconnected path of the Dhamma and the Vinaya — the teachings and instructions well expounded by the Buddha. The Dhamma and Vinaya continue to serve as a guide following the Tathagata’s passing into nibbana. In his final sermon, he stated: “All conditioned phenomena are impermanent, suffering, and not-self. You should strive for your own benefit and the benefit of others with diligence. This is an immortal teaching that those who practice it will see for themselves.”
After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha began to share the Dhamma, which led to the formation of the Sangha, starting with the group of five monks. Over time, the Sangha grew significantly. By the time he delivered the Patimokkha sermon, there were already 1,250 arahant monks present.
The Dhamma-Vinaya was transmitted from India to Suvarnabhumi (modern-day Thailand). Monks determined to practice in accordance with the teachings of the Lord Buddha have continued to attain the highest goals: happiness, peace, the cessation of suffering, and the bliss of Nibbana. This remains clearly evident in the forest tradition, through many venerable teachers such as Luang Pu Sao, Luang Pu Mun, Luang Por Waen, Luang Por Fan, Luang Por Kinnaree, Luang Por Thongrat, and Luang Por Cha, among others.
At present, Luang Por Liam Thitadhammo (Phra Phromwachirayanasophon) oversees Wat Nong Pa Pong, Luang Por Cha’s monastery in Non Phueng Subdistrict, Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, continuing the work of Luang Por Cha.
This has led to the establishment and continued expansion of branch monasteries. Wat Nong Pa Pong has grown to include 475 branch monasteries, both in Thailand and abroad. Its clear, disciplined training and faithful adherence to the Dhamma-Vinaya continue to guide monks and novices toward their intended spiritual goals.
Wat Pah Sai Ngam, located in Mueang Det Subdistrict, Det Udom District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, is the 10th branch of Wat Nong Pa Pong. Its abbot, Phra Rajpawanawacharamuni (Luang Por Anek Yasadinno), practiced Dhamma under the guidance of Luang Por Cha for many years before founding Wat Pah Sai Ngam.
Wat Pah Na Kae, located in Non Sombun Subdistrict, Det Udom District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, is the 106th branch of Wat Nong Pa Pong. Phra Khru Wachirathamwong (Phra Ajahn Sawaeng Vaṁsadhammo), a disciple of Luang Por Anek, was appointed to oversee Wat Pah Na Kae. He too follows the Aranyavasi (forest-dwelling) tradition of practice, as did his teachers before him.
Like Wat Pah Na Kae, other branch monasteries of Wat Nong Pa Pong have been established and are overseen by Luang Por Anek Yasadinno and his disciples. These monasteries maintain ongoing connections with Wat Pah Sai Ngam and with one another, engage in joint activities, and offer mutual support.
What follows is a brief overview of the biographies of our lineage teachers, the history of Wat Pah Na Kae, and its connections with other monasteries in the same tradition, as well as with monastic communities in the region.