DEVELOPMENT OF THE WISDOM INHERITOR IN CARVING A WAX CASTLE OUT OF THE BANANA TRUNK IN THE BUDDHIST INTEGRATION OF COMMUNITIES IN LOM SAK DISTRICT, PETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to study community participation, conservation and restoration approaches, and successor development strategies for the cultural wisdom of banana stalk carving in making Buddhist-integrated wax castles in Lom Sak District, Phetchabun Province. A mixed-methods research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was conducted across three communities: Ban Tha Kok Kae, Ban Huai Poon, and Ban Hin Ngon. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with five key groups: cultural leaders, community leaders, government representatives, local experts, and tourists. The study revealed three key findings: 1) Regarding participation and successor development, the wisdom faces a crisis due to a decline in skilled artisans and waning interest among the younger generation. Sustainable development requires joint efforts across three dimensions: skills and knowledge, space and opportunity, and collaborative networks involving temples, households, schools, and government agencies. 2) In terms of conservation and restoration, the approach emphasizes integration into daily life, the promotion of cultural tourism, and the adaptation of traditional patterns merged with Buddhist symbols - driven by core activities such as banana stalk carving, wax castle making, and wax castle parades. 3) For Buddhist-integrated successor development, the framework incorporates the five Bahussuta principles: learning (Suta), memorization (Dhata), verbal recitation (Vacasa Paricita), mental reflection (Manassnupekkhita), and conceptual clarity (Ditthiya Supatividdha). Access to the principles of patience, mindfulness, and unity, which help successors to sustainably continue the profession and local wisdom.