Beliefs about Making Merit and Dedicating in Buddhism: A Case study of Ban Na Saeng, Na Saeng Subdistrict, Lom Kao District Phetchabun Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the belief in making merit in Buddhism 2) study the pattern of belief in making merit in Buddhism, a case study of Ban Na Saeng, Na Saeng Sub-district, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province 3) study and analyze the pattern of belief in making merit in Buddhism, Ban Na Saeng, Na Saeng Sub-district, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province. The key informants were the sample group using the Krejcie & Morgan table, totaling 33 individuals. The qualitative research methodology was in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The content data was analyzed and the belief in making merit in Buddhism as stated in the Tripitaka was presented. The research found that 1) Beliefs in making merit in Buddhism Making merit in Buddhism, believing in what should be believed, believing with reason, not believing blindly, such as believing that good deeds bring good results, bad deeds bring bad results, that is, believing in the law of karma or believing in merit and sin, giving merit and demerit, believing that the world is always fair. 2) Forms of beliefs in making merit in Buddhism Making offerings or giving food and consumer goods to the deceased so that the deceased will receive the benefits of happiness in the next life, so relatives bring clothes and various items and have the belief that it will make their children and grandchildren happy and prosperous in their careers. 3) Analysis of forms of beliefs in making merit in Buddhism found that it is a principle of control in teaching ethics to society. It is also a creative and uplifting community, a medium of relationship between the family institution, the group of relatives, and the community. It is considered an activity that shows the goodness, unity and kindness that support each other of people in society, which will be a force that helps drive the activities of groups of people in society to be with understanding and helping each other.