The Analytical Study of the Beliefs and Values of Worshipping Buddha’s Footprints of People in Sahatsakhan District Kalasin Province

Abstract

        The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the history and development of Buddha’s footprints in Theravada Buddhism; 2) to study the culture related to Buddha’s footprint worship of Buddhists in Na Makhuea sub-district, Sahatsakhan district, Kalasin province; 3) to analyze the values of Buddha’s footprint worship of the Buddhists in Na Makhuea sub-district and its relation to Buddhist principles. This study was conducted by means of the qualitative research methodology through investigating Buddhist books, texts, academic works and in-depth interviews. The obtained data were presented by using the descriptive analysis.
        The study found that Buddha created his footprint at five places, namelySuwan Malika Mountain, Bannaphot Mountain, Sumanakut Mountain, Yonok Buri City and the beach in the stream Mondanadī. The footprint is believed to be Udesika pagoda in which Buddhists pay their respects and take the Triple Gem as a relic. The Buddhists in Sahatsakhan district worshiped the footprints with three incense sticks representing Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, two candles representing Dhamma and Vinaya meaning the light of life. Also, flowers refer to the monks who come from different families to be united as a beautiful group of people worthy of worship. There are five values of Buddha’s footprint worship of the Buddhists in Sahatsakhan district: 1) value for oneself, 2) value for society, 3) value for community, 4) value for economy and 5) value for Buddhism.