A Study of Beliefs and Worship Rituals for Phra That Phu Sri of Luang Prabang People

Abstract

The aims of this research were as follows: 1) to study the worship of Phra That (cetiya) in Buddhism; 2) to study beliefs and rituals for worshiping Phra That Phu Sri (Phu Sri Cetiya) of Luang Prabang people; 3) to study the value of beliefs and rituals for worshiping Phra That Phu Sri (Phu Si Cetiya) of Luang Prabang people. This study was a qualitative research. The tools used in the research were an in-depth interview, and an observation form. The key informants included 6 monks, 4 scholars and 5 individuals (total 15). The obtained data were analyzed by using research methodology. The research results are presented by using an inductive analysis.
The results were as follows:
1. The research results showed two types of worship (Pūja) of Phra That in Buddhism: 1) Āmisa-pūja (Material Worship); 2) Paṭipatti-pūja (Practical Worship). Luang Prabang people believe that there are gods living in Phra That Phu Sri to help and protect them from dangers. That is why the people of Luang Prabang have made and arranged sacrifices for Phra That Phu Sri called ‘Boon Mahachat Kom Phra That Chom Si’ with the chanting tray with hundreds of variant flowers, monks’ chanting, and monk’s sermon on the Mahajātaka story and Sangha offering.
2. The worship of Phra That Phu Sri has a valuable effect on the life of the people of Luang Prabang in five aspects: mental aspect, the people of Luang Prabang are happy to be able to make merit in the worship of Phra That Phu Si; family aspect, it creates happiness and peace within family; society, it creates unity in the activities of the community; economy, to worship Phra That Phu Sri generates income for those in the community; Buddhism, the Buddhist dhammas have been studied, prolonged and propagated through the worship of Phra That Phu Sri.