THE CONCEPT AND IDENTITY PRESERVATION OF LANNA BUDDHA SCULPTURES

Abstract

          This article is part of the dissertation entitled to “The Concept and Identity Preservation of Lanna Buddha Sculptures”. The objectives is to study the concept and custom of creating the Buddha image in Buddhism, to explore the development and identity of Buddha sculpture in Lanna and propose guidelines for maintaining the identity Buddha image in Lanna.

          In the study, it was found that:

1. The results revealed that the concept and custom of creating the Buddha images in Buddhist tradition were only the concept of using the symbolic viz. the Buddha footprint, lotus pedestal and Dhammacakka (the Wheel of the Doctrine). Later, the Buddha images were created from stories based on Buddhist history and Jataka stories such as the Twin Miracle, the Legend of Phra Kaen Chan. The creating Buddha image was originally found in the reign King Menander and it was developed in the following era – Gandhara, Mathura, Amravati, Gupta and Pala.


2. The Lanna Buddha images have evolved in 2 lines, namely the first line influenced the art of Pala via Bagan, and the second was influenced by the art of Sukhothai. resulting in the Lanna Buddha sculpture being a mixed art between Hariphunchai, Mon, Burma, Southern China, Sukhothai and Lan Chang. The Buddha sculptures are divided into 3 types, namely, Phra Buddha Singh 1, Phra Buddha Singh 2 and Phra Buddha Singh 3.


3. Guidelines for maintaining the Lanna Buddha image identity, it is important to disseminate the wisdom remain with the society over the following guidelines : 1) emphasizing the importance and value, 2) creating awareness of wisdom conservation, 3) applying indigenous wisdom to the modern age, 4) transferring knowledge through basic institutions by teaching methods, practice, and teacher ceremony, 5) promoting activities to create networks and 6) publishing through various forms of media.