AN ANALYSIS OF BELIEVES AND WORSHIPS IN THE BUDDHA’S FOOTPRINTS OF LANNA BUDDHISTS

Abstract

The research entitled “An Analysis of Believes and Worships in the Buddha’s Footprints of Lan Na Buddhists” consists of three objectives: 1) to study the believes in the Buddha’s footprints in Buddhism, 2) to explore the worships of the Buddha’s footprints in line with Buddhism and 3) to analyze the believes in worships of the Buddha’s footprints of Lan Na Buddhists. This is conducted by the qualitative research method. The in-depth interview with some specialists was also conducted. The results of the study showed:- Believes in the Buddha’s footprints in Buddhism can be divided into two groups: One group believes that the Buddha came and stepped down on himself or the Buddha’s footprints may be created by humans. Another group believes that the Buddha’s footprints were created by humans only. In case of believes in worships of the Buddha’s footprints in Buddhism, it can be also divided into two groups: One group believes that those worshiping the Buddha’s footprints, when dead, will not fall into Apāyabhūmi (planes of loss and woe). Another believes that falling into Apāyabhūmi or Sugati (happy states) is based on the mental rotation of dying. That means one, when dying and holding on what is charity, can reach the Sugati. That’s why those who always worship the Buddha’s footprints, when approaching spiritual death, could make a mental note of charity and will not fall into Apāyabhūmi. If their minds cling to what is evil, they had the opportunity to go Apāyabhūm undoubtedly. For believes in the worships of the Buddha’s footprints of Lan Na Buddhists, it can be also divided into two groups corresponding to the above. Lan Na Buddhists believe that in worshiping the Buddha’s footprints, we must be mindful of both body and mind cleanliness; cleaning the body and maintaining five or eight precepts before worshiping the Buddha’s footprints. Those wearing hats and shoes or being women are not allowed into the forbidden. The altar is usually worshiped with flowers, incense, candles and gilding. Every year of worshiping, the pod liquid turmeric water (nam khamin sompoi) has been extraordinarily used. In some places water from the sacred well or royal water would be taken for one who presided over the ceremony, while the general public used the pod liquid turmeric water. In addition, one does not spit betel quid, phlegm and saliva on the area around Buddha’s footprints. One should sincerely pay a respect with body, speech and mind. That, the Lan Na Buddhists believes in worshiping the Buddha’s footprints with pod liquid turmeric watering, is because Lan Na people assume the pod liquid or Acacia Concinna (sompoi) as a sacred plant to eliminate evil things out of life. The term of “Poi”, in Lan Na tradition, refers to liberate the cursed and misfortunes meaningfully. Last, for the advantage of worshiping the Buddha’s Footprints of Lan Na Buddhists during the time of life, they believe that it can make
themselves and their families happy, free from disease, escape from dangers and progress in the work. Besides, the rain has to be seasonal marvelously. It is a valuable belief of the Thailand’s Lan Na ancestors who have cultivated and transmitted to the future generations significantly.