The Representation of Nature in Thai and Khmer Tham Khwan Ritual Text
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Abstract
The research article aimed at investigating the representation of nature in Thai and Khmer Tham Khwan Ritual texts (or morale poems). The study employed a qualitative research method by using documentary research. The concepts of representation of nature and ecocriticism appeared in Thai and Khmer Tham Khwan Ritual texts were applied in the study. The documentary research was conducted through six Tham Khwan ritual texts, in which Thai Tham Khwan texts were 1) Tham Khwan Khao; 2) Tham Khwan Na; and 3) Tham Khwan Kra Bue, while Khmer Tham Khwan texts were: 1) Tham Khwan Khao (or Haw Praling Sreu in Khmer); 2) Tham Khwan Sat (or Haw Praling Sat in Khmer); and 3) Tham Khwan Kon Jeb Puay (or Haw Praling Nia Chumngue in Khmer).
From the study, it is found that both Thai and Khmer Tham Khwan ritual texts represent physical nature in many aspects, demonstrating the relationship between humans and nature. The representation of nature comprises three main issues: 1) The representation of nature as a conventional truth in sacred places through nature pictures of natural places such as the sky, rivers, mountains, caves, and sacredness in performing Tham Khwan rituals; 2) The representation of nature as cruel and dangerous as reflected by the danger from animals appearing in Tham Khwan ritual texts; and 3) The representation of nature as fertility through Tham Khwan ritual texts concerning occupations, namely Tham Khwan Khao and Tham Khwan Kra Bue. The representation of nature in Thai and Khmer Tham Khwan Ritual texts depict the relationship between humans and nature, particularly how humans learn from nature and coexist with nature by relying on it and supporting one another. Including, using animals to remind reminding the danger and cruelty of nature. Based on the ecocriticism of Khmer Tham Khwan Ritual texts in this study, the texts also show the danger that humans pose through the behavior of animals.
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