Phra Ajahn Yai, a Noble Disciple of the Buddha,
who is of supreme wisdom and impeccable virtue and samadhi.
A Stainless One, with a mind of enabling goodwill toward all beings,
engagingly teaching the people
for their fulfillment of the noble path until Nibbana is attained.
With head lowered, I humbly pay homage to Phra Ajahn Yai,
who is indeed one no longer ever stricken. 

Phra Ajahn Yai, Abbot of this temple was born into the Tanngamtrong Family of Ratchburi province in July of 1963 and was named Somsak, meaning ‘rightly pure’. His father’s name is Sunan and mother’s name is Somjit.  Both are deceased. He also has two younger sisters.  He studied past the high school level and worked as an Engineering Technician for Thai Airways International.

On the 15th of December in 1986, Phra Ajahn Yai ordained as a bhikkhu, or monk, at Wat Mueahwhon in Ratchburi and took residence at Wat Tringati, which is located in the same province. He received the Pali name Ñanagutto, meaning ‘Guardian of Awakened Knowledge’.

He spent many years in intensive practice and came to know the Dhamma in a penetrating and insightful way. However, he felt it was very important to complement his intuitive knowledge with academic training, whereby he passed his higher Buddhist exams in 2004 and received a special title ‘Phra Samusomsak Ñanagutto’.  A few years later, in 2008, he received the very special designation, ‘Phra Kru Pitaksasanawong’, meaning ‘Guardian of the Buddha-Dhamma’, in recognition of his spiritual and scholastic achievements.

In May, 2010 he established his residence at Samnaksong Trairongvisudhidham in order to fulfill the invitation of his lay disciples that he be the spiritual director and building and construction advisor of the place.  He undertook the role to advise in the temple’s development, personnel training, and Dhamma training of monks, novices, nuns and the laity, and continues in this role until the present time.

In February, 2012 the National Department of Buddhism officially made us a temple with the name of Wat Trivisudhidham.  Later that year, Phra Ajahn Yai was officially installed as the abbot.

Session Times to Pay Respect to Phra Ajahn Yai

Most people come to the temple to pay their respect to Phra Ajahn Yai and usually consult Him a question regarding their Buddhist practice, health, business or personal problems. He is known for His refined virtuousness, all-encompassing compassion, vast wisdom and precise practical insight. The temple provides the following opportunities, five times daily, including all Public Holidays:

Please note that occasionally the temple may change a time or cancel a session if not enough people are present in order to preserve the well-being of Phra Ajahn Yai.

Also, one must be present at the Guest Reception Area of Sala Yai (Very Large Pavilion), no later than 15 minutes before a session time. This will allow you to prepare yourself and your belongings, to follow the etiquette as shown below, to organize an offering of a garland or any other alms, to listen to the introduction provided by temple personnel, and to meditate for a few minutes in order to fully prepare the mind to honor Phra Ajahn Yai.

Appropriate Attire

For Men: No sleeveless tops, no shorts; long trousers required.

For Women: No sleeveless or see-through tops; must wear a white meditation sarong over your lower body. Contact a staff member for assistance.

Mobile phones or other communication devices, bags, bottles... are NOT allowed. Thus, leave all other personal belongings in the Guest Reception Area lockers.

An Audience with Phra Ajahn Yai

It is a matter of courtesy to behave appropriately when in his presence and to note the following:

1. When it is near the session time, temple personnel will lead you to Phra Ajahn Yai’s dwelling. Remove/leave your shoes outside before entering.
2. Sit in an orderly fashion, such as in rows. Please remain quiet at all times, especially when placing anything on the floor. Please do not chat, make any loud sounds or sit carelessly while in the room.
3. Together with the Assistant Nun and the rest of the group, bow to the Triple Gem (the Buddha, his Teachings and the Monastic Community) and to Phra Ajahn Yai. If a monk or novice is also present, then let him bow first. See image below for the correct way to bow.