Product: Coin (Rian) of Luang Phor Kasem Khemako
Origin: 7th Army Region, Sura Sak Montri Camp. Copper material.
Period: B.E. 2518 (Yr 1975)
Enclose casing (Color): Decorative Gold Micron Case
Size of Amulet (approx): 26 mmW x 39.5 mmH x 3.6 mmT
Size of Case (approx): 31.6 mmW x 51.3 mmH x 11.7 mmT
 
Luang Phor Kasem Kemagoh – The Forest Sage of Lampang
Luang Phor Kasem Kemagoh, a revered ascetic monk, was born on Wednesday, 28 November B.E. 2455 (1912) in Lampang Province. He was of noble lineage, descending from the royal family of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
He entered the monastic life at the age of 13 in B.E. 2468 (1925), following the death of his uncle, the abbot of Wat Bunyeun. Driven by a thirst for spiritual knowledge, he journeyed to Bangkok in B.E. 2470 (1927) to study Pali at Wat Setuwan. After excelling in his studies, he returned to Lampang and continued his education at Wat Seelom and Wat Bunyawat. By B.E. 2475 (1932), he passed his Pali examinations with distinction, ranking first in his cohort.
 
In B.E. 2476 (1933), at age 21, he was ordained at Wat Bunyeun under the preceptorship of Dhan Chao Khun Tammajindah and received the monastic name Kemagoh Bhikkhu.
 
Eager to deepen his practice, Luang Phor Kasem traveled to Chiang Rai, where he encountered the famed forest meditation master, Luang Phor Kruba Gaen. Under his guidance, Luang Phor Kasem embraced the austere Tudong lifestyle—wandering the wilderness and meditating in forests and cemeteries to cultivate deep states of samadhi (meditative absorption).
 
Years later, following the resignation of Wat Bunyeun’s abbot, the local villagers entreated Luang Phor Kasem to return as the new abbot. Though he accepted, his heart remained anchored in solitude and renunciation. His growing insight into the impermanence of life eventually led him to relinquish all worldly roles. In B.E. 2492 (1949), he departed the temple and took up residence at Sahahn Sahlahwangthan, a cremation ground on the outskirts of Lampang.
 
There, among the ashes of the departed, he sought the highest realization through solitude and silent meditation. Luang Phor Kasem would sit in stillness for hours—sometimes even months—beneath the blazing sun and monsoon rains, never seeking shelter, sustenance, or comfort. He observed cremations as meditation on mortality, contemplating the transience of the human body. His discipline was so resolute that he once meditated continuously for three months and fasted for 49 days.
 
From B.E. 2514 (1971) onwards, Luang Phor Kasem reportedly bathed only once a year. Yet, he emitted no foul odor, even under extreme heat. Strangely, not even mosquitoes would bite him as he sat exposed in the open cemetery.
Renouncing all material possessions, he kept only his alms bowl, his robe, and a human bone used as a meditation aid. He walked barefoot and never used a pillow—seeing it as an unnecessary luxury. He slept in the same prostrated position and exact spot where he meditated. Any offerings made to him were promptly given to others. Though born into privilege, Luang Phor Kasem sought neither comfort nor fame, choosing instead a life of utter simplicity and profound spiritual depth.
 
His unwavering commitment to Dhamma, meditation, and detachment earned him widespread reverence across Thailand. Luang Phor Kasem passed away peacefully in B.E. 2538 (1995) at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of purity, discipline, and timeless wisdom.