Wat Tam Doi Tone (Doi Tone Cave Monastery)
128 Moo 5, Baan Mae Sapok, Mae Win, Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Meaning of "Tam Doi Tone"
Tam: Cave
Doi: Mountain
Tone: An ancient Lanna dialect, similar to "Tone" in Central Thai dialect, meaning single, isolated, sole, an only child (Luuk Tone),garlic or having a single clove (kratiem Tone).
Tam Doi Tone is well known among the locals.
Reason for moving to the current site:
The original sacred site was a vihara for wandering monks passing through the area. It was constructed by the Dhamma Charika (ÚBuddhist Pilgrims) organization, for the holding of religious ceremonies. It was eventually abandoned by the organization due to the expansion of the surrounding village which encroached upon the tranquility of the retreat. Another reason for abandoning the Piyatassi Bhikkhu traveled to this area and was invited by the lay people to stay for the rains retreat (Buddhist Lent). In the middle of Lent, he advised the lay people to search for a new place which would be more favorable for studying and practicing Dhamma. The lay people then brought Piyatassi Bhikkhu to survey Doi Tone cave. The cave consisted of inner part and outer part with a ceiling which looked like a projecting roof. The cool air was ventilated from the inner room to the outer part. The distinctive feature of the area was the flat rice field of Ven. 11 rais, with title deeds (Nor Sor 3). site was that its location was a part of a national park which prevented it from being legally owned by any other individual or organization.
Founder of the monastery:
In the middle of 1985, Ven. Piyatassi was very pleased with the features of the land. He informed the lay people that he would consult with the Sanpatong Sangha District Council about founding a monastery. Prakru Khantayaporn, the chief of the Sanpatong Sangha District Council agreed to provide his valuable suggestions on founding the monastery. As he was the chairman of the Sanpatong Sangha Community, the foundation of this monastry was included in "The Wat Paendin Tham, Paendin Thong" project that honored the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King in 1987. Lieutenant Tawee Chemanasiri, Madam Kampui Chemanasiri, the owners of the land and devoted Buddhists, donated the piece of land in front of the cave to the Sanpatong Sangha Community for that purpose.
Date of the monastery foundation:
Monks and novices began to reside in the monastery for the Buddhist Lent in 1986. The founding permission was submitted to the government in 1995, and was granted by the Ministry of Education on April 10, 1997.
Area of the Land:
11 rai, 3 ngan and 84 sq. wa Title deeds (Nor Sor 3) No. 146 Vol. 1 page 99 Registered Moo 5 (6) Tambon Mae Win, Ampur Mae Wang (Sanpatong) Chiang Mai Province
Land Boundary
North Unoccupied Land
South Unoccupied Land
East Unoccupied Land
West Stream
Geography:
Wat Wimuttikaram, to the East is the closest temple. The mountain range of Mae Jaem District lies to the west. The mountain range of Samoeng District is in the north. The Mountain Range of Doi Lhor District is to the south.
Supporters and Donors
Lay people from Mae Sapok Village (approximately 70 households) with a population of 580 (at surveyed date).
Aim:
To be a center of Dhamma Practice and study for Thai and international meditators.
Brass Pagoda
The pagoda in the cave is an example of mixture between contemporary artistic styles of Pra Pathom Chedi and Pra Tart Doi Sutep. It is 1.25X2.56 meters and was erected by Prakhru Khantayaporn, the former Chief of Sanpatong Administrative Council to mark the 60th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen in 1993.
Doi Tone Pagoda
A replica of Buddhagaya, India where Buddha became enlightened. It is 3.90 meters at its base and 9.90 metres in height.. It was founded by Piyatassi Bhikkhu, Chairperson of the Sangha Community, Khun Boonrawd, Khun Chirapat Nooprasit, Khun Chatree Homrangsrit, and Khun Somchai, Khun Wanida Wittawaspan. Three families were sponsors and represented the lay people .It was erected on February 8, 2001, on the full moon of Maga Bucha Day.
Abbot
Phra Athikarn Nawee Piyatassi who has held the position since the monastery was constructed.Monastary Affairs Manager: Mr. Boonchuay Aajharn
Temple's Lay Committee
Mr. Chab Sirichai
Mr. Boonchuay Aajharn
Mr. Yuen Kamma
Mr. Muak Tipmoon
Mr. Sa-gniam Kamma
Mr. Pian Chaidee
Mr.Mit Jai-inn
Pra Arjarn Nawee Piyatassi
Chairperson of Tam Doi Tone Sangha Community
