The Journal of the Thai Khadi Research Institute

Phra Pairee Pinas: Adapting Javanese Buddhist Art to the King Rama IV Style

Sarun Makrudin — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Phra Pairee Pinas is a significant Buddha statue at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Bangkok received by His Majesty King Mongkut (Rama IV) when Rama IV was abbot of the temple. In style, it resembles Dhyani Buddha statues at Candi Kalasan, Klaten, Java, Indonesia, of the late Central Java era (from the eighth to ninth century CE).

As a sign of respect, the name Phra Pairee Pinas was bestowed to convey Buddhist virtues that help vanquish enemies, and the artistic design adapted to the style of the era of Rama IV.

Cultural Reproduction of Legendary Phra Buddha Sihing - Phra Singh Narratives in Contemporary Thai Society

Karakkada Bunwichai, Poramin Jaruworn — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article collects reproduced cultural information about legendary Phra Buddha Sihing - Phra Singh narratives in the context of contemporary Thai society and ideologically analyzes the reproduction. Documentary and fieldwork data were gathered from October 2019 to June 2021, along with supplementary analytical information online and from other related field work. The principle of cultural reproduction was used as guidelines for data analysis.

Results were that all 64 cultural items reproducing legendary Phra Buddha Sihing narratives were in the form of literature, painting, sculpture, liturgical and sacred objects. Concepts reproduced of legendary Phra Buddha Sihing narrative continuity may be classified into four sources: local narratives and beliefs; history; lore; and ancillary or combined origins. These findings underline the intense contemporaneity of Phra Buddha Sihing - related beliefs in contemporary Thai society.

The Influence of Ayutthaya Style on Burmese Buddha Statues of the Ava Kingdom

Sura Piriyasanguanpong — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Although Burmese Buddha statues of the Ava Kingdom stylistically developed from the previous Bagan dynasty, further exterior influences altered them from preceding styles. This study examined style by art historical research methodology to discern origins and inspiration for diverse features of Ava Kingdom Buddha statues.

Analytic results indicated connections with artistic style of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in Thailand period in diverse seated and standing Buddha statues without royal attire. These findings suggest that the unique style of Burmese Buddha statues of the Ava Kingdom evolved from Bagan dynasty influences with the Ayutthaya Kingdom, underlining the international impact of Thai art stylistics.

From Devandha Jataka to Thewan Kham Kap: An Adaptation of the Pannasa Jataka Tale to Kap Folklore

Nattha Khamchoo — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article presents analytical findings about 1) Devandha Jataka in Pannasa Jakata and the Thewan Kham Kap poem inscribed in Samud Thai, a Thai manuscript in the National Library of Thailand; and 2) the background and adaptation of related stories. It was assumed that Devandha Jataka might have been composed later due to narrative complexities and lack of focus on meritorious acts or virtuous attributes of the Bodhisattva. In addition, some motifs and events resemble preceding apologues. In its era, Devandha Jataka was so renowned that it was adapted into the Thewan Kham Kap poem, recited until 1886 during the reign of King Rama V in the Rattanakosin Era. For adaptation, elite poets skillful in literary adaptation may have employed diverse techniques, including changing details, expansion, omission, transposition, supplementary narratives to facilitate memorization, adapting motifs or situations for familiarization, concordance with beliefs or lifestyles, and popular humor. These findings indicate that Devandha Jataka and The Thewan Kham Kap poem are two literary works deserving of preservation and transmission for future readers to appreciate the identity and value of Thai literature.

The Meanings and Lessons Learned from the Story of Being an Arahanta of Phra Ongkhulimal

Tiamjit Puangsomjit — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article, “The Meanings and Lessons Learned from the Story of Being an Arahanta of Phra Ongkhulimal”, has the objective to present the results of studying the meanings and lessons learned from the story of being an Arahanta of Phra Ongkhulimal focusing on the search from Tripitaka Canon and Atthakatha (commentaries). It was found that this was the story of the life of an Arahanta Savaka (disciple) named Ongkhulimal that occurred as Kamma and results of Kamma for several Bhava (existences) and several Jati (births) until he had achieved the state of Arahanta by living the life of a recluse to practice Samana Dhamma (Dhamma for Buddhist monks) alone with the intention to devote both his body and mind to the practice and refrain from Pamada (carelessness) until he had achieved the supreme Panna (wisdom). As for the concealed meaning, it is the meaning in terms of Buddhist Dhamma principles which comprise the Kamma principle caused by Akusalamula (the three roots of evil: Lobha (greediness), Moha (ignorance) and Dosa (anger) respectively), and the ability to escape from these three evil roots by adhering to the Dhamma principle of Trisikkha (training in higher morality, in higher mentality, and in higher wisdom), with the Buddha as Kalyanamitra (good friend) to provide guidance and assistance. It can be mentioned that this is a Sutta (discourse) that ingeniously compiles the meanings of important Buddhist Dhamma principles under the life story of a disciple who had achieved the state of Arahanta. There are several lessons that can be learned from this story, namely, the importance of changing Dhitthi (belief) from Micchadhitthi (false belief) to Sammadhitthi (true belief); the having of Trisikkha; the importance of Kalyanamitra; the damages caused by having Papamitra (sinful friend); the precautious idea on giving an opportunity for misbehaved persons to correct themselves that should be within the laws, regulations and appropriateness in order to prevent injustice in the society; the story of the occurrence of Jati (birth or rebirth) in the instant mind that is useful for achieving Dhamma; and the concept of Kamma will have effects that are highly sustainable. Therefore, each person should highly control his/her own body, words and mind in committing their own Kamma.

Western Influences on the Performance of Thai Dance: A Case Study of Striptease in Thailand from the Second World War to 2021

Nareerat Phinitthanasarn — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative research had two objectives: to study 1) the history and context of Western influence on Thai dance performance through a case study of striptease from the Second World War to the present; and 2) artistic and overall ideal perspectives regarding striptease ensembles in Thai society. Data was collected from documentary studies and academic articles on issues related to literary theory and concepts, history, anthropology, social science, and dance. Additional data was obtained from interviews with researchers, teachers, performing artists, and actors. Data was analyzed and synthesized by theory and concepts of diffusion of cultural modernization and postmodernism according to the research methodology and findings resulting in historical and artistic knowledge of the dance field.

Results were that the strip dance, a performance in which dancers are garbed in partial costumes inspired by Thai society, is a means of presenting dance as entertainment at the popular level, adapted for a society in early stages of modern development, reflecting cultural communication from Western visitors to Thailand from the Second World War to the present. The show evolved a style related sequentially to historical events, leading to two types of performance: one whose original form was inspired by the West, and another modernized from older Thai culture to become universal and respond to consumer demand in terms of contemporary international trends. Artistic dimensions of the strip dance represented innovative creativity, design, and performance elements. Its primary three elements may be defined as 1) the purpose in creating the event; 2) exhibition venue; and 3) pleasing an audience seeking to recognize aesthetic origins of the work in addition to entertainment by observing, studying, and receiving the event.

From University Back to the Kitchen: Representations of Women and Male Anxiety in Modern Dikir Music of the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Pichet Saengthong — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article studied the representation of women in modern dikir music performed by popular male singers in Southern border provinces of Thailand from 1987 to 1997. Results were that songs constructed views of women as opposites of men, through virtuous patterns based on patriarchal discourse defining values of good wives and mothers confined to the domestic sphere. Individual statements were taboo as representing freedom and expression of personal desire. Ideal femininity was related to traditional societal values more than modern society. By contrast, males were unrestrained, active outside the home in modern society. Male prowess amounted to the degree of control over women. Therefore, modern dikir music and its diverse patterns of female representation expressed male anxiety in a patriarchal discourse.

Knowledge, Power, and Feng shui expertise in Thai society

Pinyapan Potjanalawan — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study contextualizes the current state of feng shui in physical space management as well as the cultural dynamics of feng shui practice in Thailand. In the late 1980s, feng shui began to impact private and public spaces, nationally dominating economic operations and political strategies. Feng shui represented a novel to societal application of space management expertise. Previously, only professionals such as architects, interior designers, engineers, and contractors had access to this information, some of which was published in construction journals and advertisements. As a result, feng shui became easy - to - learn, readily available lore from broadcast media and online activities. Feng shui experts were akin to life coaches resolving personal problems. These space coaches often collaborated with other advisors employing astrological instruments to design space management.

Suphasit Son Ying Phinit

Rujeeluck Seelakate — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

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