A 71-year-old Buddhist monk presided over a unique, ancient healing practice at the serene surroundings of Wat Pa Theppitaks Daennabun, nestled in the verdant landscapes of Nong Mod Daeng, within the Lahan Sai District of Buriram Province. A sacred relic of history, this ancient method of fire-stepping is regarded as a potent medium to alleviate a range of ailments and purify one’s karma.
Popularized through the medium of social media, a video has surfaced revealing the moving act of the monk trudging onto a blazing iron plate or a tractor blade, and following this, imprinting footprints onto the patient’s body. Revered as Ajarn Surat Rattanyano, the elderly monk deconstructed the healing process for the unversed.
The start of the entire process is depicted by the patient lying face-down, shielded by a virginal white cloth. Following this, the monk immerses his foot in a concoction of sesame oil imbued with a blend of roots and plants. Upon this preparatory ritual, he then carefully treads onto the searing iron plate or a tractor blade. Keeping in tune with the rhythm of sacred mantras, he steps onto the precisely defined sections of the patient’s body which are the epicentre of pain.
According to Ajarn Surat, the striking imagery of treading on a tractor blade bears a metaphorical significance. It symbolizes the action of ploughing away the patient’s negative energy, thereby nurturing the field of their life with positivity. Fire stepping, hence, is viewed as a powerful means to ascertain a delicate balance of energy and rid the patient’s aura of past negativity.
Subsequently, various malaises like joint pain, muscle stiffness, bone pain, paralysis, numbness, and muscle atrophy have been reported to be benefited by this unorthodox treatment. It’s worth noting that in the olden days, a burnt plough leaf served the purpose which is now being substituted with the more available tractor blade.
Ajarn Surat opines that this form of the fire-stepping practice doesn’t infringe the monastic code as it ensures no direct bodily contact with the patient. His pure intention lies in offering solace to those enduring different disorders and to keep up with this stance, he covers his foot with a white cloth before beginning the treatment, mentioned KhaoSod.
In the age of ever-evolving science, such traditional practices remind us of the interplay of faith and healing in our lives. To stay updated with more stories of such intriguing practices, follow The Thaiger on their Facebook page HERE.
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