The Four Guardian Gods: Soft Power Communication from Gods to Religious Spiritual Materialism in Thailand

Abstract

          This research has three main objectives: 1. To study the beliefs related to the Four Great Kings (Thao Chatulokaban) according to Buddhist principles 2. To develop the soft power communication of the Four Great Kings, transitioning from deities to Buddhist sacred objects and 3. To drive the soft power communication from deities to Buddhist sacred objects. This is a qualitative research study. The data was collected from a specific group of 30 key informants, including Buddhist scholars, cultural experts, and community members. Data collection methods involved in-depth interviews and group activities. Data analysis was conducted using a combination of documentary analysis and interview data, employing thematic analysis and triangulation before presenting the findings in a descriptive format. Key Findings: 1. The belief in the Four Great Kings in Buddhism reflects cosmological concepts through artistic creations. These deities are positioned as the guardians of the four cardinal directions and the Dharma. This belief is also intertwined with the monarchical institution, where the king, as a "Dharmaraja" (righteous king) and "Sammati-thep" (assumed deity), has the role of patron and protector of the religion, mirroring the function of the Four Great Kings. 2. The development of the Four Great Kings' soft power communication, transitioning from deities to sacred objects, operates on two levels. At the community level, it addresses psychological and material needs, such as a desire for good fortune and protection. At the institutional level, this belief is elevated into a cultural heritage through storytelling and used as a symbol that reflects the cosmological order of governance. The driving force behind the soft power communication from deities to Buddhist sacred objects is the mobilization of sacred capital. This process is driven by three key dynamics: a. Buddhist Context: The abstract attributes of the deities are transformed into concrete forms. b. Historical Context: Legends and narratives are utilized to establish sacredness and collective memory. c. Cultural Context.