A Study of Belief Form towards Luangpho Chamnit, Chamni District, Buriram Province

Abstract

             The purposes of this research were: 1) to study the belief form regarding to Buddhist images in Buddhism, 2) to study the belief form of the people towards Luangpho Chamnit of Wat Janataram, Chamni District, Buriram Province, and 3) to study the influence of the people's belief in Luangpho Chamnit, Wat Janataram, Chamni District, Buriram Province. This is a qualitative research study involving documentary research and field interviews with 25 monks/peoples. The data is analyzed using descriptive analysis.
             The results of research found that:
             1. Forms of belief in Buddhism, It was found that Buddhists adhere to the principles of Kalama Sutta, which means emphasizing the use of wisdom to carefully consider and ponder before believing what they have seen and heard. It also believes in four principles: 1) Believe in the law of karma. 2) Believe in the results of karma. 3) Believe that all beings have their own karma. 4) Believe in the wisdom of the Buddha's enlightenment and practice good traditions and show gratitude to benefactors.
             2. The belief pattern of the people towards Luang Pho Chamnit, Chanataram Temple, Chamni District, Buriram Province. In summary, there are four points: 1) Believe in actions, that is, worship Luang Pho Chamnit with offerings. 2) Believe in the results of actions, that is, believe that good deeds bring good results, and bad deeds bring bad results. 3) Believe that all beings have their own karma, that is, act through meditation. 4) Believe in the wisdom of the Buddha's enlightenment, that is, believe in the sacredness of Luang Por Chamnit.
             3. The influence of people's beliefs towards Luang Pho Chamnit, Chanataram Temple, Chamni District, Buriram Province, It was found that having faith in Luang Pho Chamni will result in 4 good results: 1) Personal aspect: it will result in happiness all the time. 2) Family aspect: creates warmth within the family. 3) Social aspect: creates good relationships among neighbors. 4) Cultural aspect: has an annual tradition of paying homage to the sacred Luang Por Chamnit.