Meet Our Chief Advisor, the Supreme Patriarch

By Mohammad Nomani

Before he was appointed the Supreme Patriarch by the King of Thailand, Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong was the abbot at Wat Ratbophit. Among five senior monks who were nominated for the biggest leadership position in Buddhism, Muniwong was selected by King Rama X.

The 92 year old Supreme Patriarch is a much loved figure around the world.

At his 2017 ceremony of investiture, he promised to be a worthy successor to the late, highly reverted supreme patriarch, Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who passed away on Oct. 24. His commitment to the ascetic life, staying away from the pleasures and comforts of the physical world has been a factor in him being appointed for the grand position.

Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong, right, is invited to become supreme patriarch of Thailand's monastic sangha by office minister Omsin Chivapruek. From thenation.com

His role in spreading Buddhism worldwide is also credited. Being among the first group of Phra Dhammaduta - a delegation of Buddhist monks sent to spread Buddhist teachings overseas, he led a delegation to Sydney to lay a foundation for Theravada Buddhism to gain a foothold in Australia. Because of his pioneering role, he has gained a wider following in other major cities like Canberra, Melbourne and Darwin.

Residents who live in the neighborhood of Fueang Nakhon Road near Wat Rajabopit have witnessed him taking the daily alms with other Buddhist monks, barefeet and hold him in the highest esteem and admiration. The Supreme Patriarch follows the rules of the clergy set forth in the sacred scripture of the Patimokkha of the Vinaya Pitaka, the disciplinary code of conduct for Buddhist monks.

Pope Francis meets with Buddhist Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong, at the Wat Ratchabophit Buddhist temple in Bangkok

Filial piety or respect for elders holds a deep value in the heart of the Supreme Patriarch. When he was young, he would make the long journey home to Ratchaburi every month to visit his parents, said Phra Thepsumethi, also the Ratchaburi chief monk.

Aside from having the highest position in Buddhism in the world, the chief monk also serves as Executive Mentor to the World Peace Association. The organization's vision is shared amongst the highest teachings of Buddhism, to promote peace and tranquility to affected regions in the world.

His advisory role is appreciated by the World Peace Association and the organization hopes to collaborate more and learn from the Supreme Patriarch in our efforts globally. It is a privilege and an honor to learn from the best and the highest ranking person in the world regarding Buddhism.