Monk and Divine visions

The Slumbering Land

On a vast expanse of land surrounded by rice fields and a gentle breeze, this place was once a tranquil spot, seemingly forgotten by time. There were no opulent buildings, no hustle and bustle of people; only the sounds of nature, the expansive sky, and a solitude rarely found in a world that moves at a rapid pace.

The story begins with the serene footprints of Phra Maha Banjob Khantiko, a venerable monk dedicated to practicing and propagating Buddhism. He embarked on a pilgrimage and decided to set up his temporary dwelling on this land. His small umbrella, spread out in the middle of a rice field, provided shelter from the sun and rain, becoming a haven where Dharma began to take root in this slumbering land.

Every day, Phra Maha Banjob lived a simple and humble life. He practiced meditation and walking meditation amidst the serene silence of the surrounding nature. The morning sunlight shining on his saffron robes and the twinkling stars at night bore witness to his unwavering dedication. The land itself seemed to sense the pure energy radiating from his rigorous spiritual practice.

Visions in the Night

One night, amidst the darkness that enveloped the area, the chilly air of the late-night dew did nothing to diminish the serene state of mind of Phra Maha Banjob. As he practiced meditation, maintaining unwavering mindfulness until his mind plunged deep into a refined tranquility, a miraculous phenomenon occurred.

In the stillness, a luminous vision appeared in the depths of his meditation, manifesting as tree spirits and sacred beings who protected this land. A soft light radiated, accompanied by a palpable current of compassion. A voice resonated within, gentle yet profound and powerful.

“This land is no ordinary piece of land… but a land with meaning and a great opportunity for merit awaiting it. In the future, this place will become an educational institution, a large Pali school that will perpetuate the true teachings of the Lord Buddha for generations to come.”

The voice also issued a clear and firm warning:

“Your Reverence, please remain and watch over this place in peace. Do not attempt to construct anything of your own. Your duty is to preserve this place and await the auspicious time. For when the time is right, a ‘great one,’ a person of great merit, will appear and lead the creation and completion of everything.”

As the vision gradually faded with the approaching dawn, Phra Maha Banjob opened his eyes, gaining a profound understanding of his mission. He realized that pitching his tent at this spot was no accident, but a preparation for something great to come in the future.

A Decade of Patience

The waiting began, not just for months or years, but for over 10 years. Seasons changed, from the scorching summer to the stormy rainy season and the biting winter. His once-new umbrella grew old and worn with time. But what remained unchanged was the patience and faith of Phra Maha Banjob.

Throughout that decade, many people came and went. Some looked on with incomprehension, wondering why the venerable monk endured such hardship in a desolate place. Some offered to help build a permanent dwelling or a meditation hall so he could live more comfortably, but Phra Maha Banjob gently declined. He remained steadfast to the message he had received in his divine vision. He chose to simply guard the place, adhering to the vow he had been given.

These ten years of perseverance are a great testament to the meaning of khanti (patience), befitting his title Khantiko. He did not rush time, nor did he force nature to conform to his desires. He simply remained, practiced righteousness, and kept this place pure, waiting to receive the seeds of greatness that would be sown when the season arrived.

The Prophecy Fulfilled

And then, the wheel of time turned to its opportune point. As the old saying goes, “When the time is right, the flowers will bloom.” News of the devout monk and this tranquil land reached the ears of faithful Buddhist followers who loved to study Pali.

The idea of promoting the study of Pali and the Tripitaka—a crucial foundation for the transmission of Buddhism—began to take shape among administrators and qualified academics. They were looking for a suitable location to establish an educational institution for monks and novices.

Eventually, a highly respected figure, renowned both in terms of spiritual merit and position, arrived on this land. The moment they experienced the atmosphere and heard the story of Phra Maha Banjob’s long wait, everything miraculously connected. The vision that had been kept solely in the heart of the venerable monk was now perfectly aligned with the vision of the visitors. High-ranking individuals and their supporters, united by their fervent faith, unanimously pushed forward the large-scale educational institution construction project without any prompting from Phra Maha Banjob.

A School in the Rice Fields

From an empty plot of land in the middle of a rice field, construction began on a grand scale, yet filled with simplicity and harmony with Buddhist principles. The dream of a ‘school in the rice field,’ intended as a place to cultivate knowledge of Pali for monks and novices from diverse nationalities, gradually took shape.

The sounds of machinery, carpentry, and the collaborative effort of the people became a new melody of faith, replacing the past silence. School buildings, monks’ quarters, and pavilions were meticulously constructed to accommodate the monks and novices who came to study Buddhist scriptures.

This achievement was not merely about constructing buildings, but about establishing pillars for Buddhism, ensuring the continuity and stability of the Dharma. The miraculous power of this collective effort unfolded exactly as foretold in the divine vision: ‘When the time comes, those of high status will personally oversee the construction.’

Maha Vajiralongkorn Pali Theravada Royal College

Finally, what began as a small, humble project and a vision of anticipation was elevated to its highest glory when the educational institution received the royal grace of His Majesty the King, who bestowed upon it the official name Maha Vajiralongkorn Pali Theravada Royal College.

This auspicious name is not only the highest honor to the place, but also a guiding light that proudly propels the institution forward as a royal college focused on the study of Pali, the language that preserves the original teachings of the Buddha in the Theravada tradition.

Today, anyone who has the opportunity to step into the college will see a magnificent and majestic sight, imbued with serene tranquility. The chanting and recitation of Pali grammar by hundreds of monks and novices resonate throughout the grounds, a sound of intellectual flourishing that the deities in visions had foreseen decades prior.

A Living Legend

The story of Phra Maha Banjob Khantiko and this piece of land is therefore not just a legend or a tale told for entertainment, but a ‘living legend,’ a history that blends spiritual beliefs, pure faith, and human perseverance.

Angelic visions may be just an invisible beginning, but it is the patient waiting and faithful action of people that makes those dreams a reality. Every time the wind blows through the grass at the Royal College, if we listen carefully, we may still hear the whispers of time—a voice reminding us that the greatest things often begin with silence, faith, and waiting for the perfect moment.