Master Somthat
(Full name: Somthat Khemjari) is a renowned legendary master from Thailand, famous for his profound magical skills and unique personal experiences.
1. Identity and Background
Legendary Event: The Healing of Dr. Idiom
Master Somthat gained fame in the Buddhist year 2523 (1980 AD) for successfully healing Dr. Idiom Bua Phim:
Background of the Event: Dr. Idiom is a top medical doctor and violinist in Thailand who was cursed out of jealousy, resulting in sudden paralysis of his left hand, leaving modern medicine helpless.
The Healing Process: Master Somthat bathed him in holy water and recited scriptures, then extracted three rusty 2-inch coffin nails from Dr. Idiom’s left shoulder, right shoulder, and head. The process was perilous (as the nails attempted to re-enter the body, requiring the strength of many to pull them out), and ultimately, the doctor made a full recovery.
The Social Impact: This incident caused a sensation in Thailand, serving as proof of Master Somthat’s magical abilities and bringing him into the public eye from his previously secluded life.
2. Training Experience and Lineage
Early Training:
In his youth, he ordained with Luang Por Mee at the same temple, but later returned to lay life due to his eccentric personality, while still maintaining close ties with senior monks, who invited him to participate in blessings at annual ceremonies.
Between the Buddhist years 2500-2510 (approximately 1957-1967), he practiced austerities with renowned monks like Luang Por Tien (Fat Tien) in the Khao Quality Dong cave in Laos, during which he oversaw the creation of the first batch of sacred objects.
Characteristics of His Magic:
He specializes in talismanic inscriptions and healing spells. His talismans were widely praised for their “divine power,” but due to misuse by followers leading to criminal acts, Master Somthat felt deep remorse and ceased to create talismans for ordinary people after the Buddhist year 2523, only occasionally making cloth talismans for border soldiers.
It is said that during his recitations, he can summon spiritual snakes to join in his practice, demonstrating a deep connection with the natural world.
3. Representative Sacred Object: The Luang Por Coin (2528)
Master Somthat oversaw the creation of the Luang Por coin in the Buddhist year 2528 (1985 AD), which is his most famous sacred object:
Background of Production: Over three years (2528-2530), nine ceremonies were held, each lasting seven days and nights, gathering over a thousand senior monks from Ayutthaya to bless it, resulting in extremely high blessing intensity (the sacred object ultimately “jumped out of the basket and stood up”).
Effects: It encompasses a wide range of functions including protection from danger, dispelling evil, enhancing wisdom and inspiration, and assisting in fulfilling wishes, especially revered by practitioners, and is known as a “master-level sacred object.”
Market Position: Due to its affordability and effectiveness, there were no imitations in the early years, but caution is advised in identification as its popularity has risen in recent years.
4. Social Evaluation and Legacy
Peer Recognition: Notable masters, including Ajahn Sutthak (Sukho), openly wear his Luang Por coin and praise his skills.
Practice Philosophy: He adheres to a life of secluded austerity, rejecting commercialization, and only intervenes to help when necessary, embodying the core spirit of the Luang Por tradition of “valuing practical cultivation over fame and profit.”
