The Great Memorial Hall of Phramongkolthepmuni
Located opposite to the main entrance of the Dhammakaya Temple, the dome-shaped shrine was built on a circular base, symbolising a sphere that spreads the dhamma teachings of Lord Buddha. The Great Memorial Hall of Phramongkolthepmuni was built in 2545 B.E. (2002), funded by donations from disciples of the late Ven. Phramongkolthepmuni, in honour of the highly revered monk whose rediscovery of the Dhammakaya tradition of meditation in 2457 B.E. (1914) had greatly revived the public interest in meditation and Buddhism. Also known as Luang Pu Wat Paknam (the abbot of the Paknam Temple), the Most Venerable had dedicated himself to the study, practice, and teaching of meditation. His famous concept is that stillness of the mind is the key to material and spiritual success has helped many to discover the purpose of life and to experience inner peace and self-sustaining happiness.
Equipped with state-of-the-art air and temperature control systems, the shrine is an oasis of serenity for those seeking a refreshing retreat and spiritual relaxation–within an hour drive from the capital city. The shrine contains seven meditation rooms, enough to seat 350 people, and a center chapel that can accommodate 1,500 people. At the center of the shrine is a stone altar supporting the solid gold statue of Ven. Phramongkolthepmuni, who had brought back the Dhammakaya (the body of enlightenment) lost to the world for over 2,000 years i.e. about 500 years after the Nibbana (passing) of the Lord Buddha.
The golden statue is a tribute to Phramongkolthepmuni’s rediscovery and dissemination of the knowledge that Dhammakaya or the body of enlightenment is naturally present in every human being. Thus, it is a source of ultimate happiness any human being can experience regardless of one’s personal circumstances, race, and religious belief.
In February 2537 B.E. (1994), more than 100,000 monks and disciples of the late Phramongkolthepmuni gathered for a ceremony to cast a larger-than-life statue of the Most Venerable with solid gold. Ven. Phramongkolthepmuni was also renowned for his rediscovery of the lost knowledge that the center of the body is the natural home of the human mind where enlightenment occurs in the midst of stillness.
