Phra Ajahn Thate Desaransi (1902–1994), who lived in Northern Thailand, was one of the most famous meditation masters of the “Thai Buddhist forest tradition,” a movement within Theravada Buddhism.
He became famous not only in all layers of the Thai population, but also internationally, for his humility and the development of his mind through Buddhist meditation. Ajahn Thate had many Western meditation students.
On May 26, 1982, the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhism (the deceased Somdet Phra Vasana Mahathera) came for an official opening of the Mondop building, and named Wat Hin Mark Peng “model monastery.” He also gave Ajahn Thate official recognition for his high status in Thai Buddhism.
The cremation of Ajahn Thate was visited by as many as a hundred thousand people from all over Thailand, and ten thousand monks, led by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Royal Family. Half a million books commemorating Ajahn Thate’s teachings were provided free of charge to all who attended.
