AN ANALYSIS OF THE VALUE OF THE BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES IN THE TENTH LUNAR MONTH TRADITION OF BUDDHISTS IN BANG PHRA NUA SUBDISTRICT, LA-UN DISTRICT, RANONG PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of the research paper were 1) To study the tenth-lunar month tradition of Buddhists in Bang Phra Nua Subdistrict, La-un district, Ranong province, 2) To investigate the Buddhist principles in the tenth-lunar month tradition, and 3) To analyze the value of the Buddhist principles in the tenth-lunar month tradition of the Buddhists of Bang Phra Nua sub-district, La-un district, Ranong province. It is qualitative research in which the focus of the study was based on documents and data collection was conducted by in-depth interviews and a descriptive form was used to present results. Results were as follows: 1) The tenth-lunar month tradition was believed to be the way to dedicate merits to the deceased ancestors and as a way to express gratitude to those who the benefactors. The activity was divided into two phases: the first dealing with the day of receiving grandparents, which falls on the 1st waning moon of the 10th lunar and the second phase dealing with the day of sending grandparents, which falls on the waning day of the 15th waning moon of the 10th lunar month. 2) Buddhist principles in the tenth-lunar month tradition were 2.1) Gratitude, the principle showing love to those who have passed away or those who are still alive who are our benefactors; 2.2) Unity showing expression of kindness to each other; 2.3) Bass of meritorious action consisting of charity, precepts, and mental development, 2.4) Principles of service, the principle that the people’s mind to live together happily, with the data, piyavaca, atthacharya, and samanattata. 3) The value of Buddhist principles in the tenth lunar month tradition resulted in the quality of life in all 4 aspects: psychological or mental with consciousness and compassion, and community; Unity with volunteering, knowing how to sacrifice for the benefit of the community; community way with knowing the duty of responsibility to the community; Religion and culture by inheriting Buddhism and cultural traditions.