The Role of Monks in the Conservation of Local Plants and Religious Rituals and Folk Agriculture

Abstract

This academic article aims to present the role of Buddhist monks in preserving local seed varieties through practices rooted in the daily lives of rural communities. By adhering to long-standing traditions, customs, and rituals such as “Boon Koon Lan” (Rice Seed Blessing) and “Boon Bang Fai” (Rocket Festival), part of the Isan region’s and Lao descendants' cultural calendar, Buddhist monks act as spiritual leaders who play a vital role in promoting and sustaining local agricultural practices. These two festivals, observed in the second and sixth months according to the traditional twelve-month calendar (Hit Sip Song), serve as a mechanism for protecting and propagating indigenous plant seeds. The monks' leadership encourages villagers to value and safeguard these seeds, which are vital for maintaining agricultural biodiversity. During the “Boon Koon Lan” ceremony, seeds are brought together for religious rituals, where the best seeds are selected and preserved for future planting. As the farming season approaches, this tradition fosters a community-wide effort to ensure seed quality and abundance. Meanwhile, the “Boon Bang Fai” festival serves as a rain-petitioning ceremony, essential for securing water for crops. Held at local temples, this festival is constructed with the craftsmanship of monks and novices and is believed to help maintain the natural conditions needed for successful farming. Collectively, these traditions allow communities to preserve local seed varieties, ensuring their continuity for future generations.