THUNG: AN ISAN CULTURE AND MIND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Isan is an area with ancient civilizations. The majority of the inhabitants are Thai with Lao and Khmer descents. Their ideologies are tightly tied to ancient traditions that are continuously preserved. The land is, thus, full of aura of culture and traditions combining with beliefs in spirits together with Buddhism. Bun Phawed, commonly known as Bun Mahachat following Heet-Sib-Song (twelve customs) of Isan people is believed to be a sacred event that anyone who finishes listening the Mahachat sermon within one day and practicing virtuousness will gain blessings in the next birth. The fourth lunar month of Bun Mahachat or Bun Phawed in Isan language is believed that the silk or cotton thread used for making a Thung like spider webs will lead the believers to heaven. There are 3 styles of Thung spider webs including:  a square means the Four Noble Truths; a hexagon refers to the six kings in the story of Vessantara that is the Jataka preached in the period of Bun Phawed; octagon means The Eightfold Noble Path or eight angles of the Dhamma cycle. Thung making, thus, defines all the Dhamma.