A Study of Dhamma Principles Appeared in Kaelmor Rite of Ban Saensuk, Tambon Huai Thalaeng, Huai Thalaeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

Kaelmor rite of Saensuk Village, Tambon Huai Thalaeng, Huai Thalaeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province is rooted in the belief that when villagers get ill but the cause cannot be diagnosed, villagers of Kui descent will ask the respected person as a spiritual teacher to act Lam Song (Kabmae) to find the cause. The rite starts by Kaelmor in daytime and Kaelor in the evening. The rite sometimes takes the whole night till dawn. There are necessary offerings especially rice wine and musical instruments i.e. reed mouth-organ. Nowadays, Kaelmor and Kaelor rites can be generally found in Kui community. There are also cultural values hidden in all stages of the rite.    

                   Dhamma principles that appear in the Kaelmor rite of Saen Suk Village, Tambon Huai Thalaeng, Huai Thalaeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province include: 1) belief in the matter of karma; 2) belief in transmigration; 3) belief in a refuge; 4) belief in the ritual of communication with spirit; 5) faith; 6) gratitude; 7) bases of meritorious action; 8) worship; and 9) the Three Characteristics.

              Analysis of the Dhamma principles that appear in the Kaelmor rite of Saen Suk Village, Tambon Huai Thalaeng, Huai Thalaeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province found that: The ritual process is the combination of spiritual communication and Buddhist teachings. The ritual performers include Poh-kru and Mae-kru as the spiritual leaders, the hosts, relatives of the hosts, and other participants. The participants especially the hosts will raise the trays of offerings consisting candles, incenses, silk cloth, breast cloth, silverware etc. asking for forgiveness from their parents. This mental behavior expresses their gratitude towards their parents. In addition, this also deals with concentration development in keeping mental peace and acting three bases of merit including giving, being compassionate and observing precepts. Chanting in the rite also harmonizes the participants. Overall morality of the rite includes respectfulness towards the power of sacred items, merit making and mental development.