Cultural Geography: History, Propagation Routes of Buddhism, and Principles of Buddhadhamma in Thailand

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were to study the history, propagation routes of Buddhism, and principles of Buddhadhamma appeared in archaeological evidences in Dvaravati, Srivichai, Lop Buri, Sukhothai, Lan Na, and Ayuttaya periods. It was a qualitative research. The data collection consisted of studying related documents, observation, interview, and group discussion. The results were found that:

Theravada Buddhism from India was propagated from India to Suvannabhumi by sea. It was presumed that the land was either Satherm in Myanmar or NakhonPathom in Thailand, then continued to Funan, Thawarawadee, and Lop Buri. And Mahayana Buddhism was spread to Suvannabhumi by sea and landed at Malayu Peninsula and continued spreading to the kingdoms of Srivijaya, Khmer, and Thailand in Lop Buri period. Therefore, Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism had continued to prosper till Sukhothai Period. When Mahayana Buddhism had declined its influence, Pagan Buddhism and Lankan Buddhism came to prosper and spread to Lanna Kingdom. And when the Pagan Buddhism had degenerated, the Lankan Buddhism got its influence in Ayutthaya period and had continued to the present time.

The principles of Buddhadhamma appeared in the archaeological evidences in Thailand in the periods of Thawarawadee, Srivijaya, Lop Buri, Sukhothai, Lanna, and Ayutthaya were Ariyasacca 4 (the Four Noble Truths), Punnakiriyavatthu 10 (the ten Bases of Meritorious Action), Rattanattaya (the Triple Gem), Sacca (the Truth), Caga (Liberality), Saddhama-antaradhan 5, Rajadhamma 10 (ten virtues of a ruler), Tilakkhana (the Three Characteristics), Niraya (Hell), Sagga (Heaven), Mangala 38 (thirty-eight blessings), Nibbana (the supreme goal of Buddhism), Dullabha-puggala 2 (two rare persons), Disa 6 (six directions), Rajadhamma (ten virtues of a ruler), Iddhipada (four paths of accomplishment), Saddha 4 (four faith), Tilakkhana (the Three Characteristics), Puja 2 (two acts of worship), Garava 6 (six reverence), Parami 10 (ten perfections), Kusalamula 3 (the three Wholesome Roots), and Akusalamula 3 (the three unwholesome Roots).