Buddhist Innovation in Funeral Ceremony of Venerable Samana Bodhiraksa

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the concept, principles and ceremonies of funerals in Buddhism, 2) study the context and problems of funeral ceremonies in Thai society, and 3) present the Buddhist innovation of funeral ceremonies of Samana Pothirak using qualitative documentary research. Using qualitative documentary research combined with in-depth interviews and participant observation. Population and sample groups are 1) members of the Asoke community, consisting of monks, novices, village headmen of the Asoke community, community committee members, and servants at various work stations, totaling 20 people; 2) a group of people outside the Asoke community, totaling 25 people. The research results found that the concept, principles, and ceremonies of funerals in Buddhism are frugal, simple, and do not involve complicated ceremonies. As for the ceremonies of the Buddha's royal funeral, they show the Buddha's lack of extravagance and aim to make monks aware of their duty to purify their defilements. The Buddha did not call for or support any extravagant or unnecessary royal funeral ceremonies. Funeral ceremonies in Thai society are culturally and spiritually significant to express respect and grief. They often involve lavish and extravagant merit-making, financial burdens on the family, and violations of the precepts. Reflecting the belief in sending souls to a good place, the innovative Buddhist funeral ceremony of Somana Pothirak is economical, simple, and without complicated ceremonies. The merit-making of the Asoke people is the purification of defilements or the practice of living a simple life. It is frugal, simple, modest, not wasteful, not destructive, not luxurious, extravagant, and wasteful.