Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro (หลวงปู่สด จนฺทสโร)
Experience his grace?
Core Teaching: Dhammakaya Meditation Luang Pu Sodh taught that enlightenment is realized by entering the “Dhammakaya” (Body of Dhamma) through stillness. Key Principles Stillness is the path The center of the body (two finger-breadths above the navel) is the focal point A calm, neutral mind leads to inner clarity and wisdom Meditation Method Sit comfortably and relax Focus gently at the center of the body Use a mental object (crystal ball, Buddha image, or the word Samma Arahang) Allow the mind to become completely still Inner bodies and higher wisdom naturally arise He taught that: “Stopping the mind is the true beginning of wisdom.” Spiritual Attainment Luang Pu Sodh openly taught that: Enlightenment is attainable in this life Meditation leads to direct realization, not belief The Dhammakaya exists in all beings His teachings influenced: Wat Paknam lineage Wat Phra Dhammakaya movement Modern Thai meditation practices Legacy Revived intensive meditation for laypeople Made meditation accessible beyond forest monks Known for strong protective blessings and amulets Revered for compassion, discipline, and deep samādhi Significance Luang Pu Sodh is regarded as: One of Thailand’s great meditation masters A pivotal figure in urban meditation revival A bridge between monastic and lay spiritual practice
Biography
Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro was born in Suphan Buri Province, Thailand. He was ordained as a monk at a young age and showed exceptional discipline and dedication to meditation.Despite limited formal education, he possessed profound spiritual insight. Through intense meditation practice, he rediscovered the Dhammakaya method, which he later taught openly.
He eventually became Abbot of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, Thonburi (Bangkok), transforming it into a major center of meditation and Buddhist learning.
Under his leadership:
Wat Paknam became one of Thailand’s most influential temples
Thousands of monks, nuns, and laypeople trained in meditation
Education for monks and lay students was strongly supported