Buddhist Principles Appearing in Ta Haeg Ghost Tradition in Artsapangthong District, Savannakhet Province, the Laos People's Democratic Republic

Abstract

This research article aimed: 1) studying the interactions of beliefs between Animism, Brahmanism and Buddhism in Laos society,  2) studying the ritual of offering sacrifices to the Ta Haeg Spirits in Artsapangthong District, Savannakhet Province, The Laos People's Democratic Republic, and 3) analyzing the Buddhist principles in the aforementioned ritual.    It is qualitative research in Artsapangthong District obtaining data by means of documentation and interviewing 22 key informants. This research used in-depth interviews to collect data and analyzed data using content descriptions. The results of study showed that: 1) Regarding the interactions of beliefs between the Animism, Brahmanism and Buddhism in Lao society, although Buddhism has played a key role in shaping the way of life in aspects of education, society, traditions, arts and culture, yet, the Animism which earlier took deep roots still functions side by side with beliefs in Buddhism and Brahmanism that have been embraced later on. Hence, the Buddhist traditions and rituals cannot be clearly identified which parts belong to Animism, Brahmanism, or Buddhism. 2) The ritual of offering sacrifices to Ta Haeg Spirits is an offering sacrifices to the guardian spirits in the fields of the people in Artsapangthong District, Savannakhet Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic. It is held twice a year: before planting and after harvesting the rice. When the cultivating season comes in the sixth month, the farmers would perform a ritual which was to inform the guardian spirits or the forest guardians or Pu Haeg Yahaeg to know and ask for the spirit of Ta Haegs to bless the crops to grow perfectly. As for the details of the ritual and the words of worship are slightly different in each village. When the ritual is performed, then the cultivation starts. 3) Regarding Buddhist principles, before worshiping the Ta Haeg spirits, every farmer family prepare rice packs, food, cigaretts, betels, nuts and others as desired by their ancestors spirits. Then they placed in everything in a krathong or basket for religious ceremonies at the temple first so that the monks could pour water to dedicate the merits according to the ancient tradition. They offered breakfast to the monks first, after that, offerings are made to the Ta Haeg Spirits. When the planting is fruitful, they bring it to make merit at the temple again.