Lao Buddist monks from Vat Mahabuddhavongsapaluang (Vat Sokpaluang), Vientiane Capital, which is the temple that was built by Phra Ajan Maha Panh Anandho who was the abbot of this temple. He patronized and sent his monk pupils to train Vipassana (insight meditation) to the Foundation of Abhidhamma University at Vat Mahathat in Bangkok, Thailand, for three months in C.E. 1967. After graduation they were expected to come back to be Vipassana teachers at Vat Sokpaluang. He also sent his monk pupils to train Vipassana in Thailand and Burma every year. The monks who went to be trained in this group are Phra Lakkhamdhammajan (Outhes Rajachak- middle in the first row) who is Chao Khana Khoueng (a chief monk of the provincial Buddhist Sangha) of Khammouane Province. Sathou Saysamout Chotiko (1st from the right in the first row) is the first monk from Luang Prabang who went to be trained Vipassana in Thailand and Burma. He built Vat Pa Phon Phao to be a Vipassana place since 1975 and he built the School of Abhidhamma, which is diminished now because he suffered from paralysis and there was nobody to take care of. There are many Kutis and Parivassakam's cells for practicing Vipassana. This photo was taken at a Studio in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1967 by Khoun Vatthanai Nainanon.
Original material consists of: silver gelatine DOP print.
