BUDDHIST ART PATTERNS OF THE PAGODA IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this article included: 1) to study the patterns of Buddhist art, 2) to analyze Buddhist art patterns of the pagodas in Southern Thailand, and 3) to analyze the beliefs, Dhamma principles and values of Buddhist art of the pagodas in Southern Thailand. It was a qualitative research conducted by collecting data from documents and interviewing 18 experts. The research results were descriptively presented. The results of this study were as follows. 1) In patterns of Buddhist art, the Buddhist art patterns in Thailand are different according to beliefs and practices that can be divided into four periods including: (1) Hinyan cult like Theravada (before 500 B.E.) enshrined in Nakhon Pathom, Buddhist art in this era follows a pattern from India; (2) Mahayana (1300 B.E.) believing and respecting Bodhisattva, the Buddhist art is in the pattern of Phra Borommathat Muang Chaiya; (3) Mahayana cult like Bagan (1600 B.E.) entered the north of Thailand, the pattern of Buddhist art is in the Northern style; (4) Lankavamsa (1800 B.E.) extended into Thailand in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the pattern of Buddhist art is, therefore, the style of Phra Borommathat Nakhon Si Thammarat. 2) The patterns of Buddhist art of the pagodas in Southern Thailand,   the patterns of Buddhist art of the Pagodas in Southern Thailand is divided into two eras including: 1) the pattern of Buddhist art influenced by Mahayana cult as evidenced at Phra Borommathat Chaiya, and 2) the Buddhist art pattern influenced by Lankavamsa as evidenced at Phra Borommathat Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phra Borommathat Wat Khian Bang Kaew. 3) The beliefs, Dhamma principles and values of Buddhist art of the pagodas in Southern Thailand, it is believed that the pagodas in Southern Thailand are the place where the relics of the Lord Buddha are enshrined. It is a sacred place. There is the doctrine of the Buddhist precepts, meditation and wisdom. The Buddhist art of pagodas in Southern Thailand helps creating social values in Buddhist doctrine, cultural traditions, tourism economy and social aspects.