Memory of Kruba Duang Dee at Wat Tha Jampee

Foto: Frank Hansen

Kruba Duang Dee was the last generation of Kruba Srivichai’s disciples. He spend 83 years in monkhood before he passed away 2 years ago (B.E. 2553) at an age of 104 years old. But Kruba Duang Dee is far from forgotten. His charisma, kindness and great dharma practice are still alive in thaipeoples hearts. He was abbot at Wat Tha Jampee in Sanpatong and the 6 th of february I went to the temple to honnor this legendary monk on his deathday.

See video from this day at the end of this article.

After about one hour drive from Chiang Mai city I took of on a small road which led me to a village in peaceful and natural surroundings. It was big contrasts to the busy and noisy mainroad. And suddenly it appeared, the beautyful and colorful temple of Wat Tha Jampee.

Wat Tha Jampee, Sanpatong in Chiang Mai. Foto: Frank Hansen

"Tam Bon" and showing respect after the speeches and chanting. Photo: Frank Hansen

The temple was crowded with thaipeople paying their respect to Kruba Duang Dee. In the mainhall there was a big cermony with many of the headmonks of the area. They where chanting buddhisttexts and holding speech in the memory of Kruba Duang Dee. Afterwards people «tam bon» giving sankratan gifts and donations to the temple. For me there where no doubts- Kruba Duang Dees heart is still beating in Wat Tha Jampee.

Kruba Duang Dee is mumified in Wat Tha Jampee. Photo: Frank Hansen

After the cermony the atmosphere changed. Different bands played traditional thaimusic and the local people «tam tan» through giving free food and drinks to the participants. As I ate a pad thai and enjoyed the moment, a man came to me. «Where are you from?» he asked kindly. «I am from Norway» I answered as true was. «Here is no boarders» he continued. «We are all brothers and sisters on this planet.»

Free food after the cermonies. Photo: Frank Hansen

I left with a smile on my face and warming feeling in my heart. If Kruba Duang Dees loving kindness and buddhist teaching can be remembered on this day, it is certainly an important occasion for the village, for Thailand and for the world.

Video: Frank Hansen, iThailand.no