A MODEL OF SHARING AND CREATING GRATITUDE IN THE ISAN BOON JAEK KHAO

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were (1) to study the beliefs and activities in the Boon Jaek Khao of the Isan people; (2) to study the pattern of sharing and creating gratitude in the Boon Jaek Khao of the Isan people; (3) to analyze the values of gratitude, through the activities of giving merit to Boon Jaek Khao of the Isan people. This research is a qualitative research. The target group for this research was Isan people involved in the rice distribution event. Who domicile in 4 provinces, namely Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham and Roi Et, by selectively selecting 60 people.

The results of the study revealed that as for the activities in making merit and Boon Jaek Khao, there are 2 main activities which are 1) preparatory activities and 2) operational activities which are divided into 3 periods: 1) Wan Souk Dip, Isan is called “Hand Worker” 2) Work Day in Isan is called “Home Meal” 3) Wan Boon, Isan called “Giving Rice Meal”. There are 2 beliefs that cause merit to distribute rice: 1) Believing in the old-fashioned way, because of fear that the deceased will not have rice to eat, 2) believe according to the Buddhist scriptures, about the duty of children to make merit for their parents after death.

There are 5 forms of sharing in the rice merit making event: 1) sharing of duties 2) sharing material things 3) sharing dharma 4) sharing merit-merit and 5) sharing Thai Dharma utensils As for showing gratitude in the rice merit-giving ceremony in various activities, they are 1) making merits. and then dedicate the merits to them 2) ordained as a monk in Buddhism 3) merit making merits 4) by making merit and dedicating Kathin to build permanent objects for public benefit.

Values in Boon Jaek Khao in the past, rice merit making was done about 1 year after death, but not more than 3 years, but now the living conditions in society have changed. Therefore, it is popular to make merit and distribute rice urgently. The northeast is called “Giving out hot rice” means the funeral has been completed. Bring the ashes to the merit-making ceremony to distribute rice the next day. Some values may deteriorate. Some new values have emerged. Caused by balancing to suit the changing social and economic conditions, but still maintains the essence of making merit, giving away rice that adheres to the filial piety.