Ariyo World 6 - Luang Por Wan Chantasaro of Prasit Chai Temple, Trang Province

On Monday, February 2, 2026, we remember the 66th anniversary of the passing of "Phra Barisutthsilajarn" or "Luang Por Wan Chantasaro" of Prasit Chai Temple in Bang Rak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trang Province - a venerated Buddhist monk deeply revered by the people of Trang. Born into the Manaso family on January 21, 1878, in Khuan Khan Village, Tub Thiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trang Province, he was the eldest of three children. His parents were Mr. Jok and Mrs. Khlay Manaso, and the family worked in agriculture. During his childhood, he was sent to live with relatives in Pa Payom Village, Khuan Khanun District (now Pa Payom District), Phatthalung Province in 1900, staying with Phra Khu Rueang, the temple abbot. He learned to read and write Thai, Khmer, and Thai numerals. At 17, he was ordained as a monk, with Phra Khu Kasat from Wat Pa Lilai as his ordination mentor. He studied Buddhist scriptures, Dharma, Pali, and various mystical sciences. Upon completing 20 years of age, he was fully ordained on June 28, 1898, at Pa Payom Temple. Throughout his monastic life, he became the abbot of Prasit Chai Temple (then called Wat Tha Chin) and was known for his high compassion, constant smile, and strict adherence to Buddhist disciplines. He was highly respected by the monastic community and received several prestigious religious appointments, including becoming the Trang Provincial Monk Chief in 1950. Recognized as a meditation master and a revered monk of Trang, he passed away peacefully on February 2, 1960, at 9:10 PM, at the age of 82 years and 11 days.