Guidelines for Promoting Community Peace with Buddhist Principles in Khon Taek Sundistrict, Sangkha District, Surin Province

Abstract

This research article has three objectives: 1) to study the conditions of the Buddhist communities in Khon Taek Sub-district, Sangkha district, Surin province, 2) to study the pattern and tradition of making merit together among the Buddhists in Khon Taek sub-district, Sangkha district, Surin province, and 3) to analysis the Buddha Dharma appearing in the tradition of making merit together among the Buddhists Khon Taek sub-district, Sangkha district, Surin province. This is a qualitative research consisting of two parts: the documentary part by analyzing data from Tripitaka, academic documents on Buddhism, and related research; and the field part by interviewing 35 key informants. A descriptive analysis was also made respectively.

The results of the study are as follows: -

              The background of the Buddhist communities in Khon Taek Sub-district, Sangkha District, Surin Province found that the majority of this sub-district are Buddhists.  Khon Taek sub-district was founded, in 2514 B.E. (1971 C.E.), by Mr. Heam Heamtong and his relatives and councils were emigrated from Champasak City, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. They were the founder of the village. Future, there was Mr. Thiam Manirat as the first Village headman. The SUAI language has been used in communication in these communities. The cultures, traditions, and beliefs include; Boon Khow Je tradition, Boon Phra Ved tradition, and Boon Roum Mitra Tradition (the harmonious meritorious deed).

The pattern and tradition of making merit together is the tradition of meritorious deeds of the Kui Community Khon Taek Sub-district to promote the cultural merit of the Kui Community. It has been around for more than 30 years and is organized as a kind of ceremony. The sequence of the ordinance is the preparation of the place, the preparation of equipment, the preparation of the personal preparation, and schedule preparation. As for the elements of the tradition of making merit with friends, there are four things; rituals, ceremonies, master of ceremony (MC), and the singing melody Sarabhanya’s chanting activity.

The Buddha Dharma appears in the tradition of making merit together namely; 1) the three bases of meritorious actions (Puññakiriyâ-vatthu) include generosity (Dâna), morality (Sîla) and mental development (Bhâvanâ), 2) the Bases of social solidarity viz; 1) generosity (Dâna), 2) kindly speech (Piyavâca), 3) life of service (Atthacâriyâ), and 4) even and equal treatment (Samânattatâ). 3) The principle of conciliation Dhrama, but another the principles of Buddhadharma namely; the state of conciliation (Sâraniyadhamma) viz; 1) to be amiable in deed (Mettâkâyakamma), 2) to be amiable in word (Mettâvacikamma), 3) to be amiable in thought (Mettâmanokamma), 4) to share any lawful gains with virtuous fellows (Sâdhâranabhogitâ), 5) to keep without blemish the rules of conduct along with one’s fellows (Sîlasâmaññatâ), 6) to be endowed with right view (Ditthisamaññatâ). Lastly, there is a preservation and continuation of the tradition of making merit and friendship of the Buddhists in Khon Taek Sub-district from the past to the present.