Description
Wat Pa Dong Chon (วัดป่าดงชน) is a tranquil Sakon Nakhon temple less than 10 minutes from Wat Pa Burapharam (วัดป่าบูรพาราม), with it's striking Burmese Buddha statue carved from solid rock. Wat Pa Dong Chon is home to a pagoda honoring the life of Phra Khru Khanti Thammarak (พระครูขันติธรรมารักษ์), who also went by the name of Luang Phor Samma Khantipalo (หลวงพ่อสัมมา ขนฺติปาโล).
Phra Khru Khanti was the founder of Wat Pa Dong Chon. He began building the temple in 1972, and remained there as the abbot until his death in 1994. He was known as a very humble and dedicated monk, who spent his time not only instructing younger monks on the Dharma and meditation practices, but also joined in the daily chores of the temple.
Phra Khru Khanti was known to emphasize the Buddha's teaching: Tham dee yôm dâi dee, tham chûa yôm dâai chûa (ทำดีย่อมได้ดี ทำชั่วย่อมได้ชั่ว), which could be translated as "Good begets good, evil begets evil."
The pagoda museum honoring Phra Khru Khanti is beautifully situated on a tree-lined pond at the temple, a small water-wheel adding to the tranquil setting. The forested area of the temple grounds is beautifully landscaped, with multiple cement paths leading to the many kutis (huts) where the monks reside. You can walk a little ways down the paths, but best not to travel too far in order not to disturb the monks.
Wat Pa Dong Chon's worship hall (viharn) has a unique design, the likes of which we have never seen before. It largely is painted in violet, with various wall areas fashioned in red brick, and 3 headed Naga serpents attached to all points of the roof. The temple is located about a 30 minute drive from Sakon Nakhon city.
