THE LANNA BUDDHIST ARTS, CONCEPT AND VALUES IN THE SOCIAL ETHICS ENHANCE : A CASE STUDY IN CHIANG MAI AND LAMPHUN PROVINCES

Abstract

This research is using participatory action research methodology having done with selecing the 6 Lanna Buddhist Arts temples located in Chiang Mai and Lam Phun provinces. The interview form is used to collect data. This research is of 3 objectives: 1) to study the history, concepts and values ​​of the Lanna Buddhist Arts, 2) to study the Buddha teachings having effected on the creation of Buddhist Arts, 3) to analyze the concept of enhancing social ethics in the systematic conservation of Lanna Buddhist Arts.

          The results were found that:

          On the history, concepts and values ​​of Lanna Buddhist Arts, the arts is related to the creation and expression of human heart’s emotions, feelings, appreciation for the beauty. Therefore, the religious arts is granting many benefits to humans such as : 1) the benefits of living 2) having created mental enjoyment 3) it binds religious faith, for example, Phra Buddha Sihing, a Lanna style, its chest looks like a lion’s chest. On the aspect of Buddha Teaching, it was found that the artist has conveyed the Dharma through Buddhist arts on the basis of faith having led by wisdom by focusing on the principles of truth and rationality based on nature of human life that wants to seek for the happiness and the escape from suffering.

          The Buddhist arts is truly valuable to society in enhancing the social ethics. Such values ​​may vary considerably. In addition to the obvious artistic value, they still generate the educational, historical and even economic values. For instance, the temple opens to many tourists to visit, either it is not the true purpose of the temple, but it is the empirical result. As found in the civilized countries having cultural heritages. Thai architectures have developed from the Buddhist concept. It shows that Buddhism prays the important role over to Thai society.