The monk who meditated in his cave for 6 years

The monk who meditated in his cave for 6 years

I had the honour of meeting Luang Phor Juan Khemajaro, an amazing monk who spent 6 years in retreat in a cave at his temple, Wat Tham Khao Paen Ti. I checked out his cave too, and it matches Luang Phor’s description, full of bats, damp and wet during the rainy season…Quite unlike Tham Muang Na or Tham Sai. 

How did Luang Phor Juan manage to meditate in this cave for 6 years? Together with snakes, bats, centipedes and scorpions? Furthermore, Luang Phor never spoke to anyone in 6 years except once. As he had not touched his food, his disciples thought something happened to him and wanted to break the cement wall which Luang Phor built to seal himself in. 

Suddenly, Luang Phor spoke up saying, “I am fine, there’s no need to come down, it is forbidden,” much to the relief of his disciples. His disciples had been lowering food through a basket to him as the cave was sealed off for 6 years. Usually, Luang Phor would not speak but communicate by writing notes stating that he is fine. 

Luang Phor told us that is he 65 this year. He stayed in his cave from around 2002 to 2007, if I wasn’t mistaken. He mentioned during our chat of the importance of Sacca which is a Parami. Sacca means Truthfulness, but in the Thai tradition it is also something like keeping one’s word. For example, if we say we are going to do something, we have to do it. 

We don’t keep changing our minds and being wishy-washy. So when he made the adithan (determination) to practice seriously and stay in the cave for 6 years, Luang Phor told us that he was willing to die inside the cave if he had to. I asked Luang Phor whether he had any lung problems in the damp cave, Luang Phor replied he could use meditation to adjust his elements and heal himself. 

There is an interesting book written about Luang Phor’s experiences by a devotee, talking about Kasina, Chao Mae Kwan Yim, the Guardian Devas of the cave and more. Unfortunately it’s in Thai so I can’t really read it. 

The temple grounds are very quiet, despite there being several monks living there. The monks there seem to take their practice very seriously. However, the area is very serene and cool, and I personally feel that it is an extremely sacred place protected by the Devas. 

If Luang Ta Ma is the epitome of Faith (Saddha) in his teacher Luang Pu Doo, and Luang Phor Jamnian exemplifies Metta (Loving-Kindness), then Luang Phor Juan definitely personifies Sacca (truthfulness) and Khanti (patient-endurance). I recommend brothers and sisters to visit him and he welcomes all to come and practice. 

Luang Phor was also kind enough to give me a Rian of his to remember him by. He is certainly very inspirational, and I must thank my good kamma for being able to meet him.