ABSTRACT
This thesis entitled “A Study of the Belief on Vessavaṇa in Thai Society” is of three objectives (1) to study the story of Vessavaṇa in Buddhist scriptures; (2) to study the belief on Vessavaṇa in Thai society ; and (3) to study the influence of Vessavaṇa in Thai Society
Research results are as follow :
Vessavaṇa or Kuvera is one of the for guardians of the world reigning in the north direction. This god is the most powerful among the four guardians of the world in Thai society. His story and accounts appear in many Buddhist literatures, paintings, sculture, and architecture. His long past lives related to a brahmaṇa named Kuvera who had rendered a lot of charity to public and as result made him born as Vessavaṇa or Kuvera in the present life, as a world-protector of the North. This story had related to the Buddha and Buddhism in many respects from the inception of the Buddha in the mother’s womb to his Enlightenment. He recommended a sutra called Ᾱṭānāṭiyaparitta to the Buddha to advice his disciples to cite in order to prevent from bad living beings or ghosts
Thai people respect Vessavaṇa as the most powerful god able to render all whatever the worshipper prayed. Thus come various ceremonies and prays to this god. Besides, art objects of Vessavaṇa relate to Buddhist arts like scultures attacted to chedi or pagodas as well as small pieces of mullets of Vessavaṇa have been made by his worshippers. Many claim as his spirit boast of powerful magic rendered by Vessavaṇa even god named Catugama-Ramadeva has been built in his name. Objects of worship on Vessavaṇa have been made from time to time. This faith same to be mistake from Buddhism. There should be the right and correct teachings to be instructed and advised.
Much influence of Vessavaṇa is over Thai society both of art objects in Buddhist arts like scultures in many chedis and pagodas including halls of the Four Gods, the world Protectors. Besides, Vessavaṇa mullets have been respected. Thus the right practice is to be advice to follow the right way of Vessavaṇa as a good Buddhist. What to be bone in mind of Thai Buddhists is to respect Vessavaṇa as a strict Buddhist and as offering to devatā or gods.
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