An Analytical Study of Belief in I-San Meritorious Rituals Related to the Atthagatha Dhammapada Scripture

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the belief and ritual in the
Atthagatha Dhammapada scripture; 2) to study the belief and ritual of I-san people in consistence with the Atthagatha Dhammapada scripture; 3) to analyze the belief of I-san meritorious rituals related to the Atthagatha Dhammapada Scripture. This study was conducted by means of documentary research methodology through studying books, texts Buddhist academic works. The findings were presented based on the descriptive analysis.
The research results were as follows: Reveals that the beliefs and rituals in the Atthagatha Dhammapada scripture are: 1) Boon Khao Kam; 2) Boon Koon Lan; 3) Boon Khao Chi; 4) Boon Sam Ha; 5) Boon Khao Sak; 6) Boon Khao Pradupdin. These six meritorious rituals are the moral of beliefs and rituals of the I-san people according to the twelve months, called ‘Heat Sip Song’. The stories in the Atthagatha Dhammapada scripture consistent with the meritorious ritual are that the story of Araka Naga is consistent with Boon Khao Kam; Kamma of Aññā-kodañña Bhikkhu is consistent with Boon Koon Lan; Lady, Dasīpuṇṇā is consistent with Boon Khao Chi; Kamma of the Buddha is consistent with Boon Sam Ha; Kamma of Uruvelakassapa is consistent with Boon Khao Pradupdin; Yaksinī story is consistent with Boon Khao Sak.
The analysis of beliefs and rituals in the Atthagatha Dhammapada scripture suggests that Boon Khao Kam is the belief in Sangha ceremony (in accordance with the discipline); Boon Khao Chi is also the same (generosity); Boon Khao Pradupdin and Boon Khao Sak are that of gratitude expression (meritorious dedication); Boon Koon Lan and Boon Sam Ha are that of ways of life.