An Analytical Study of Peta (Hungry Ghosts) in Thai Society

Abstract

The objectives of this research paper were 1) to study the history of Peta (Hungry Ghosts) in the Buddhist scriptures; and 2) to analyze beliefs in Peta in Thai society. It was a qualitative research by studying and analyzing documents, Tipitaka that was the main, research papers, theses, books, textbooks and academic works and using descriptive content analysis techniques. The results of the research showed that 1) in terms of the history of Peta (Hungry Ghosts) in Buddhism, Tipitaka talks about the relationship which includes Niraya (Hell), Pittivisaya (ghost sphere), Asurakaya (host of demons) and Tiracchana (animal). For Petabhumi (ghost sphere) appearing in Sutra, Commentaries and Scriptures, it can be classified into 37 types, but only one type can receive portion of merit from their relatives with the blessing of merit, that is, "Parattujivivikapeta" or "Paratdattupajivitapeta". These Peta (hungry ghosts) have different shapes and characteristics depending on the individual action; and 2) beliefs of Peta in Thai society are beliefs of the result of Kamma that causes Peta. That Kamma gives birth to Peta.The evil deeds that each of Peta has done are not the same. Human beings are born to be Peta depending on the sins they have committed on the human world. However, Peta has a horrifying appearance because of the difference in the evil deeds of each Peta. The story of Peta is considered to have reminded the people and tried to cultivate in order to gain faith to behave according to Dhamma for the sake of happiness. Such influence is also one of the factors that contribute to the stability of Buddhism. The creation of Peta statues in various ways in temples in Mueang District, Phichit Province is another example of showing people who see them will be afraid of the sins that will make them Peta in Samparayabhava (future existence) as an example of self-teaching and next youth.