Description
Wat Pa Saeng Tham Khantiko (วัดป่าแสงธรรมขันติโก) is a unique forest temple overlooking the Nam Un Reservoir in Sakon Nakhon province (Amphur Phanna Nikhom). It's located just 2 kilometers south of the hilltop island temple Wat Doi Thep Niramit and 57 kilometers from Sakon Nakhon city.
The temple is named after its revered abbot Luang Phor Bunpeng Khantiko (หลวงพ่อบูญเพ็งขันติโก), whose visage appears on a number of sacred coins which are sought-after for their alleged spiritual properties. As a younger monk, Luang Phor Bunpeng stayed in caves like the legendary Thai monks Ajahn Mun and Ajahn Fun, the latter having developed the famous Thailand cave temple Wat Tham Kham.
Luang Phor's kuti (residence) at the temple, which is located up the hill of the temple grounds, is uniquely designed to look like a cave. Near the foot of the hill is a cave like pagoda that surprisingly is actually the abbot's bathroom. There are other natural cave structures in the forest, as well.
Wat Pa Saeng Tham Khantiko also goes by the name Wat Pa Phuttha Utthayan Phu Lom Khao (วัดป่าพุทธอุทยานภูล้อมข้าว), which is the name on the signage pointing toward the entrance of the temple. The Thai word "utthayan" (อุทยาน) translates to garden or park. The area indeed has a large garden or park like feel, with sculptures of white cattle, water buffalo, and tigers, along with statues of the Buddha in various poses, including one unique sculpture where he appears almost merged with a tree.
Wat Pa Saeng Tham Khantiko is very much a dharma retreat. So, if you do visit, please remain quiet while walking the grounds. As you ascend the hill, you'll enjoy a lovely view of the Nam Un Reservoir Dam. And there are areas in which to rest and meditate on life, love, and the meaning of the dharma.
