Photo Gallery and Chanting - Ajahn Dhammasiha staying at LP Tong Daeng's Monastery

A few photos from Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang, Luang Por Thong Daeng's monastery in Chiang Mai, Thailand where Ajahn Dhammasiha stayed for 3 weeks over Xmas & New Year 2023.

Scroll to bottom of post for YT video of Dhammacakka Chanting.

On New Year's Eve, Luang Por Tong Daeng was leading the Sangha of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang in 3 hours of Pali Chanting!

However, as probably only few of our listeners would have the time and patience to listen to 3 hours straight, we rather publish a series of the most interesting parts one by one. And what better way to start than with the first discourse of the Buddha, the famous 'Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta', 'Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma'.

Delivered at Isipatana in the Deerpark near Varanasi to the first five disciples (the 'Pañca-Vaggiya'), the Buddha expounds the Middle Way and the 4 Noble Truths in their 3 circles and 12 fold aspects. The chanting is in Pali, the ancient Indian language spoken by the Buddha himself.

It is recited in the 'Makhot' style, which is common in the Dhammayut Nikaya. You can probably hear the difference to the 'Sangyot' style, which is usually chanted in the tradition of Ajahn Chah, which belongs to the Mahanikaya. I'm very happy with the recording: sonorous and powerful, and including a strong female chorus as well. Reverb wasn't added, but is natural.

True HQ stereo, best enjoyed with around-the-ear headphones or large speakers with decent bass. The slideshow shows Buddha Statues and sacred objects on the shrine in the Dhammahall of Wat Doi Phra Jao Ton Luang, and the Nagas from the staircase leading up to the Uposatha Hall and freshly renovated Stupa.