Achan Sermchai Jayamaṅgalo(1929 - 2018)
The Most Venerable Phra Thepyanmongkol was born on 6 March 1929. While he was a layman, he worked as a research specialist at the United States Information Services (USIS) in Bangkok. Also, he was a visiting lecturer in research methodology, research and evaluation, and public opinion surveys to various academic institutions in Thailand. Sermchai began practicing meditation in 1970. After he made an attainment according to the Dhammakaya Meditation, he furthered his meditation to the advanced level with the Most Venerable Master Phrarajbrahmathera (Veera Kanuttamo), the vice abbot and head of Vipassana Meditation department of Wat Paknam in Bangkok, who studied the superknowledge of Dhammakaya directly with the Most Venerable Grand Master Phramongkolthepmuni (Luang Por Wat Paknam). After his achievement in meditation, Sermchai entered Buddhist monkhood on 6 March 1986. As a Buddhist monk, he spent years studying Buddhist doctrine and Pali language until he completed the advanced level of Dhamma study and level six of Pali curriculum. In 1991, he established Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dhammakayaram to be a center for Dhamma study and meditation practice in Rajaburi Province. In 1996, he became a certified Buddhist preceptor. As a recognition to his works which benefit Buddhism and the society, Venerable Sermchai was promoted for the first time to the ecclesiastical title of Phra Bhavana Visutthikhun in 1998. In 2004, he was promoted to the title of Phra Rajyanvisith. He was promoted again to the higher ecclesiastical title of Phra Thepyanmongkol in 2011. Throughout years of his monkhood, the Most Venerable Sermchai has promoted Dhamma study and Dhammakaya Meditation practice in order to create peace among human societies. With his qualified knowledge gained from the modern education system and profession as well as knowledge about Dhamma doctrine and meditation experience, the Most Venerable Sermchai has authored many books on Buddhism and meditation. In addition, as the abbot of Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dhammakayaram, he has organized meditation retreat and training for both Thais and foreigners. Venerable Master Sermchai initiated many projects which benefit Buddhism and the propagation of Dhammakaya Meditation which includes the establishment of Buddhist college located within the area of his temple in Rajaburi Provice. Consequently, with his work achievement and qualification, in July 2018, Venerable Master Sermchai (Phrathepyanmongkol) was granted the title of 'Associate Professor' by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) which is the prominent Buddhist University in Thailand. (Source Accessed Apr 4, 2022)
