An Analysis of the Principles of Buddha Dharma Appearing in the Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition of Khon Taek Sub-district Communities, Sangkha District, Surin province

Abstract

This research article has three objectives: 1) to study the belief in Boon Khao Pradap Din Tradition in Thai society, 2) to study the patterns and ceremony in the Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition of Khon Taek sub-district communities, Sangkha district, Surin province, and 3) to analysis the Buddha Dharma appearing in the Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition of Khon Taek sub-district communities, Sangkha district, Surin province. This is qualitative research done by studying documentaries, related research work, and in-depth interviews with the key informant groups consisted of 4 groups: 1) Monks, 5 monks; 2) Executives/community leaders/local leaders, 10 people; 3) Village elders/tourists, 5 people; 4) Local people, 10 people, totaling 30 monks/people. A descriptive analysis was also made respectively.

The research results were as follows:

1.The belief in Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition in Thai society found that Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition is one of 12 Heet 14 Kong. This tradition is a tradition of Esan people that has been practiced for a long time, reflecting the local beliefs and culture and is a charity for Buddhists to make merits and donate alms. This tradition has appeared in Khon Taek sub-district Communities, Sangkha District since 2514 B.E. until now.

2.The patterns and ceremony in in the Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition of Khon Taek Sub-district Communities, Sangkha district, Surin province has been the one tradition in 12 Heet, which is commonly done the waning moon 14th night of the ninth month, also known as the ninth month of merit. The Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition is a merit made to dedicate charity to the hunger ghost (called Peta in some Isaan localities) or relatives and friends who have died. The Khao Pradap Din consists of steamed rice and sweet and savory dishes with betel nuts, cigarettes wrapped in banana leaves, and bananas, placed under trees, hanging on the tree branches, along the temple walls, or placed on the ground. This is called “Hor Khow Noi” (Little Rice Wrapper) along with inviting the spirits of relatives and friends. The last step is to offer alms food to monks and novices and then dedicate charity to the deceased by pouring the water.

3.The Buddha Dharma appearing in the Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition of Khon Taek Sub-district communities, Sangkha district, Surin province, namely; 1) the three bases of meritorious actions (Puññakiriyâ-vatthu) include generosity (Dâna), morality (Sîla) and mental development (Bhâvanâ), 2) the states of conciliation, 3) the six directions (Disâ) and 4) the dedicating merit to the departed (Pubbapetapalî), and the Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition this a tradition that should be preserved and continued the Boon Khao Pradap Din tradition, so that future generations can study and learn.