The Model for Paying Homage to Buddha Relics in KhonKaen Province

Abstract

The aims of this research were: 1) to study the history of the Buddha relics in Buddhism; 2) to study the worship of the Buddha relics in KhonKaen; 3) to present the appropriate model for paying homage to the Buddha relics in KhonKaen. In this study, the qualitative research methodology was used to collect the data and the descriptive analysis was used to interpret the obtained data according to the deductive method.
The research results revealed that: the suitable worship of the Buddha relics in KhonKaen have three place; Phra That Kham Kaen Wat Chedi Ya Phum, Amphoe Nam Phong, KhonKaen; Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, Wat Nongwang, Amphoe Mueang, KhonKaen; Buddha relics in His Majesty at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University KhonKaen Campus; can be divided into two types: 1) worship with material things (āmisa-pūjā) such as flower, joystick, candles, golden flat items, robes and etc.; 2) worship by practice (paṭipatti-pūjā) such as precept observation, dhamma practices and listening to the sermon in the important days: Visakha-puja, Asaraha-puja and Buddhist Lent. The appropriate model of worship is that the shrine of the Buddha relics should be in the high position, surrounded by the celestial images (deva; god) in four directions; the chanting and listening to the sermon should be practiced monthly; the charity should be made during the ceremony; the venue and car park should be clean and adequate; the community product sale, Isan cultural performances in relations to Buddhism should be organized; all stakeholders should participate in the event to raise the faith and proudness of the participants; this is for prolonging the religion and preserving the valuable cultures and tradition.