The Image of Buddhist Monks in Ancient Lanna Documents

Abstract

This article aims to study the image of Lanna monks from various ancient documents in order to understand the phenomena related to Lanna monks that are based on social structure and the expectations of society on the role of Lanna monks. The results showed that the good image of the monks in the written documents was very rare. While the image of the monks in documents related to the state refers to monks as ordinary people as a part of state and under the authority of the state. For the oral literature will present images of monks who are ordinary people in society, able to make fun of parodies. In addition, it also reflects the Lanna society structure that has the power negotiation in which monks are in the position of food harasser. Therefore, the image of the monks presented is a negative image to release the stress of society. However, the government and the Lanna civil society sectors did not expect the monks in terms of liberation, if only expecting to act in accordance with the principles of morality.