A Spiritual Journey to Wat Pa Tueng – Kruba La Tathip (The Divine Eyes) & Lanna Heritage - Chiang Mai - Thailand.

I had the opportunity to visit Wat Pa Tueng in Chiang Mai at around 6:00 PM, just as the peaceful atmosphere of the evening settled over the temple grounds. It was a truly fortunate and meaningful experience, as I was able to pay my respects to the venerable Kruba La Tathip, one of the most respected masters in the Lanna Buddhist tradition.

The moment I entered the temple, I felt a sense of calm and spiritual energy that is difficult to describe in words. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the temple and the devotion of the local community, I experienced a deep feeling of peace and gratitude. Paying respect to Kruba La at this sacred place felt like receiving a blessing from a lineage of great Dhamma masters who have preserved the teachings of Buddhism for generations.

Wat Pa Teung is not only a historical temple but also a place where spiritual practice and faith remain alive. My visit left me with a profound appreciation for the Dhamma and the importance of cultivating mindfulness, humility, and compassion in daily life. It was an unforgettable experience, and I feel truly blessed to have visited this spiritual sanctuary and paid homage to Kruba La Tathip.

Kruba La Tathip, also known as Phrakru Chanta Samankhun, was widely respected among local devotees for his strict moral conduct, humility, and spiritual discipline. Many followers believe he possessed special insight or “divine vision,” and because of this, he became known as “Kruba La Ta Thip”, meaning “Kruba La with the Divine Eyes”. Apart from other renowned Lanna masters of Chiang Mai, such as Kruba Srivichai of Wat Doi Suthep and Luang Pu Waen Sujinno of Wat Doi Mae Pang, the name Kruba La Tathip of Wat Pa Tueng is also counted among the respected teachers who dedicated their lives to doing good and preserving the Dhamma. 

He was born during the reign of King Rama V, in a period when Chiang Mai was transitioning under the rule of the 7th ruler of Chiang Mai, Chao Intawichayanont (1883–1896), and the 8th ruler, Chao Intawaroros Suriyawongse (1899–1909). He was born on Thursday, September 22, 1898, in Ban Pong, On Tai Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province. At the age of 8, his mother entrusted him to Kruba Pinta, the abbot of Wat Pa Tueng, where he began his early education as a temple boy, studying traditional Lanna texts. At the age of 11, he was ordained as a novice and practiced strict ascetic discipline, including forest-based training and cemetery meditation practices (known in the local tradition as Khao Sosan Kaema), which are intended to develop mindfulness and detach from worldly desires. At 18, he moved to Chiang Mai city to study Dhamma at Wat Chedi Luang (Wat Chetupon). However, after only one year of study, he returned to Wat Pa Tueng to care for his aging teacher, Kruba Pinta. In 1914, Kruba Pinta passed away at the age of 74, and Kruba La, then 27 years old, succeeded him as abbot of Wat Pa Tueng. He was later appointed as the monk dean of On Tai Subdistrict in 1933.In 1961, he was officially conferred the ecclesiastical title Phrakru Chanta Samankhun at the age of 63. Kruba La passed away on February 16, 1993, at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, discipline, and spiritual teaching that continues to be deeply respected in Northern Thailand.

Inside the sermon hall of Wat Pa Tueng, visitors are immediately greeted by a profound sense of peace and reverence. One of the most striking features is the life-sized standing wax statue of Kruba La Tathip, which captures his gentle presence and calm demeanor. The statue stands gracefully within the hall, allowing devotees to feel as though they are standing before the revered master himself. Many visitors pause quietly to pay their respects, offer flowers, incense, and prayers, and reflect upon his teachings. Behind is the glass coffin with the incorrupt body of Kruba La Tathip, enshrined and covered with layers of gold leaf applied by on the body. The golden appearance radiates devotion, faith, and gratitude from generations of disciples who continue to honor him. The shrine is often surrounded by offerings, candles, and fresh flowers, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual significance.

The wiharn (prayer hall) at Wat Pa Tueng reflects the calm and traditional character of a Lanna forest temple. Built in a classic northern Thai style, the wiharn features a brick structure with a gently sloping roof, detailed carvings, and warm earthy tones that blend naturally with the surrounding environment. The craftsmanship is simple yet elegant, showing the influence of traditional Lanna architecture rather than modern decorative excess.

Inside Wat Pa Tueng, one of the most distinctive structures is its thin, tall chedi that stands quietly within the temple grounds. Unlike the broader, bell-shaped stupas commonly seen in many Chiang Mai temples, this chedi has a slender and vertical form, giving it a light and elegant appearance. Its narrow structure draws the eye upward, creating a strong sense of height and spiritual aspiration, as if pointing toward enlightenment.

The golden bronze statue of Kruba La Tathip at Wat Pa Tueng is one of the most important sacred objects in the temple and serves as a focal point of devotion for visitors. Located within the sacred area of Wat Pa Tueng, the golden bronze image is not just an artistic representation, but a spiritual symbol of Kruba La Tathip’s legacy—his discipline, compassion, and teaching that continue to inspire devotees across Northern Thailand.

As I walked around Wat Pa Tueng in the quiet evening, I was captivated by the beautiful wooden sermon hall buildings that surrounded the temple grounds. This wooden sermon hall is where the incorrupt body of Kruba La Tathip enshrined. The traditional Lanna-style craftsmanship, with its intricate carvings and aged timber, blended harmoniously with the peaceful atmosphere. The gentle evening light cast a warm glow upon the wooden structures, creating a serene and spiritual environment. Standing among these historic buildings, I felt a deep sense of calm, as if time had slowed down, allowing me to fully appreciate the sacred beauty of this remarkable temple.

The incorrupt body of the revered Dhamma master, Kruba La Tathip (Phrakru Chanta Samankhun), is enshrined in the sermon hall of Wat Pa Tueng, where devotees and visitors come to pay their respects. His body is remarkably well-preserved and has become an object of deep faith among believers. Kruba La was a highly respected Buddhist monk and meditation teacher in Northern Thailand, known for his spiritual practice, compassion, and dedication to the Dhamma. Standing before his shrine, covered in gold leaf offered by devotees, one can feel the profound reverence and gratitude that continue to surround this beloved Lanna master.

A close view reveals the standing wax statue of Kruba La Tathip beside his incorrupt body enshrined within the hall. The statue is crafted with lifelike detail, portraying his calm and compassionate presence, while the incorrupt body is carefully covered in layers of gold leaf by temple. Together, they create a deeply reverent and solemn atmosphere, where visitors pause in silence to pay respects and reflect on his enduring spiritual legacy.

It is commonly said in local temple history and community memory that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) visited Wat Pa Tueng during his travels in northern Thailand. Inside the temple, there are photographs and royal portraits displayed to commemorate these visits. These images are usually placed in respectful areas within the hall or near the main sacred spaces, reminding visitors of the royal connection and the importance of the temple to the local community.

During my visit, I was welcomed with kindness and a simple conversation about the temple’s history and the legacy of Kruba La Tathip. The assistant abbot spoke in a humble and friendly manner, making the atmosphere feel very open and peaceful. There was no sense of formality or distance—only sincere hospitality and a focus on Dhamma. After the greeting, I had the opportunity to take a photo with him as a small memory of the visit. The moment felt meaningful, not because of formality, but because of the sincerity and warmth of the encounter. It added a personal connection to the temple experience, making the visit feel even more memorable and complete.

At Wat Pa Tueng, the temple gate and surrounding area give visitors a calm first impression of a traditional Lanna Buddhist monastery. The entrance gate is modest yet meaningful, marking the transition from the outside world into a peaceful spiritual space. Once inside, the atmosphere quickly becomes quiet and shaded, with tall trees and open pathways leading deeper into the temple grounds. Around the compound, several important buildings are arranged in a harmonious layout. The wiharn (prayer hall) stands as the main sacred structure, reflecting traditional northern Thai architecture and serving as the center for chanting and ceremonies. Nearby, there is also a museum building, where containing ancient artifacts from San Kamphaeng district and from Wat Chiang Saen. Scattered across the grounds are the monks’ kuti (living quarters), simple wooden or concrete dwellings that reflect a life of humility and discipline. There is also a Dhamma study building, used for teaching scriptures and training monks in Buddhist studies. This space supports both traditional learning and monastic discipline, continuing the educational role of the temple.

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