Ajahn Dune Atulo
Phra Ratchawutthachan (Thai: พระราชวุฒาจารย์) or more widely known as Luang Pu Dune Atulo was a Thai monk of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya, a senior Vipassana meditation master, and former Provincial Ecclesiastical Head of Surin. He was a disciple of Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta.[1][2] BiographyEarly lifeLuang Pu Dune was born in Ban Prasat, Chenian Subdistrict, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, on Tuesday, October 4, 1887 (Year of the Pig), during the 20th year of the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). His father was Daeng, his mother was Ngeum (née Deemak). He was the second of five siblings: Kling (sister), Dune, Khen (brother), Rat (sister), and Thong (sister). All of his siblings died before reaching age 70, while he lived until age 96.[1] OrdinationHe was ordained in 1910 at Wat Chumphon Suthawas in Surin with Phra Khru Wimon Silaprot as preceptor.[2] Initially, Luang Pu Dule devoted himself to meditation with great diligence. By his 6th rains retreat, he turned to the study of Buddhist scriptures at Wat Supattanaram Worawihan in Ubon Ratchathani Province, becoming the first in the province to pass the lower-level Dhamma exam. He also studied Pali grammar (Mulakaccayana) and could translate the Dhammapada. Because Wat Supattanaram belonged to the Dhammayuttika Nikaya, he transferred to the Dhammayutt order in 1918, with Phra Maha Rat as his preceptor. Soon after, he met Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, whose single Dhamma talk left him deeply impressed. He abandoned further scriptural study to practice meditation and went on tudong (forest wandering) with Ajahn Mun.[3] Later, Somdet Phra Maha Virawong (Ouan Tissaro)—then known as Phra Thammopamok, head of the Nakhon Ratchasima region—requested Luang Pu Dune to return to Surin to restore Wat Burapharam. In 1933 he ceased wandering and dedicated himself to the restoration, establishing the first Dhammayutt monastery in Surin. His lifelong dedication to the Sangha earned him recognition as a rare saintly monk.[2] Teachings
Relationship with the Thai Royal FamilyOn December 18, 1979, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Queen Sirikit, King Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, and Princess Soamsawali visited Wat Burapharam to meet Luang Pu Dune. The King invited him to deliver a Dhamma talk, which was recorded.[1] PassingLuang Pu Dune passed away peacefully on October 30, 1983, at age 96 after 74 years in the monkhood. His funeral was royally sponsored: the King granted royal water for bathing, funeral decorations, a royal catafalque, and a royal cremation ceremony. On July 8, 1985, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit presided over his cremation at Phanom Sawai National Park in Surin.[2] Ecclesiastical Administration
Ecclesiastical Titles
Notable Disciples
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