Unesco listing sought for venerated monk

Thailand plans to ask Unesco to add one of the country's most venerated monks to its list of "world's eminent personalities", Deputy Education Minister Udom Kachintorn said yesterday.

Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta Mahathera

Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta Mahathera, also known by the name Luang Pu Mun, passed away after being credited with spending his life reviving and later popularising a form of traditional meditation practiced by the kingdom's so-called "forest monks".

The practice is known among Buddhists as Dhutanga Kammatthana, and forest monks are often referred to using the honorific Phra Dhutanga. Dhutanga is a group of 13 ascetic practices in Theravada Buddhism.

The monk led an exemplary life, serving as a model for his peers and younger generations to follow, both in his teachings and the way he lived his life, according to his champions.

Nine temples have some connection to the monk.

Dr Udom said he would support the Culture Ministry's move to nominate the monk. He urged the public to engage in dhamma chants to press Unesco into considering the proposal.

He was speaking at a press conference attended by Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat.

Events have been organised this weekend to fete the monk's 149th birthday on Monday.