Chao Fa Ngum and Buddhist Propagation in Lan Xang Kingdom

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to study the history of Buddhism in Lan Xang kingdom, 2) to study to study the history and works of Buddhism of Chao Fa Ngum, and 3) to analyze specific characteristics of Buddhism along the lines of Chao Fah Ngum. This research was documentary research that analyzed data by means of content description. The results revealed that: 1) Lan Xang kingdom was located in the present Laos. In the past, people in Lan Xang kingdom embraced Animism, especially worshiping the sky spirit (Phi Fa Phi Thaen) and ancestor spirits. Then, Chao Fah Ngum and Queen Phra Nang Keaw Keng Ya introduced Buddhism from Cambodia to propagate in Lan Xang for people to worship and to hold on as a refuge as a result, Buddhism has been adhered and followed by the Lan Xang people, so that it has been flourished throughout the period of Lan Xang Kingdom. 2) For the contributions to Buddhism, Chao Fa Ngum brought Buddhism from Cambodia to propagate in Lan Xang, he made offerings to Buddhist monks and took care of Buddhism and monks. He also built religious places for monks and people. 3) With the characteristics of Chao Fa Ngum as a brave and maker of solidarity in territories under the Kingdom of Lan Xang, he promoted and supported Buddhism and ruled over the kingdom by applying Buddhist principles in reigning especially the Brahmavihara or 4 sublime states of mind. Therefore, he has been regarded as one of 4 great brave kings in Laos’ history. Every regimes that ruled over the land felt grateful to him and respected him as the brave king of Laos ever since.