AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE KIN-OR-PHAYA CEREMONY OF PHUSANG DISTRICT, PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

A thesis had three following aims: 1) to investigate the origins and methods of the so called ‘Kin-Or-Phaya Ceremony in Phusang District, Phayao Province, 2) to examine the values of the mentioned ceremony in Phu Sang District, Phayao Province, and 3) to analyze the Buddhist principles in the mentioned ceremony in Phu Sang District, Phayao Province. This was a qualitative research based on documentary analysis and interviews. The results showed that; 1) The study revealed that the ceremony of reed-eating of the people in Phu Sang District, Phayao Province had a long history, dating back to ancient times. It was a combination of traditional beliefs and customs with Buddhist beliefs, which was recorded in the palm lief manuscripts. The practice of eating reeds helped empower the will power, reduced anxiety, and got over the low self-esteem. It was said that the ceremony would make a person smart, quick learner with strong memory across a variety of disciplines. The eating reeds could improve will power and confidence in their knowledge and skills. The ceremony consisted of two steps: preparation of materials and equipment, and the ceremony process. 2) The values of Kin-Or-Phaya Ceremony, there were five values: psychological, social, traditional, economic, and environmental values. 3) The Buddhist principles included in the mentioned ceremony, these were the six G rava principles, namely Satthu-g ravat : respect for the Buddha, respect for the Dhamma was known as Dhamma-g ravat , respect for the Order was known as Saṅgha-g ravat , respect for the Training is known as Sikkh -g ravat , respect for sincerity was known as Appam da-g ravat , and respect for hospitality was known as Paṭisanth ra-g ravat . At present, the said ceremony still plays an important role in Phusang District, Phayao Province in terms of the local norm and tradition for booting confidences in learning along with the Buddhist teachings through the ceremony process.