A Study of Belief Appearing in Bun Chaek Khao Tradition of Ban Phai Community, Chiang Kwan District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the present conditions of Bun Chaek Khao tradition of Ban Phai Community, Chiang Kwan District, Roi Et Province; 2) to explore the belief in Bun Chaek Khao tradition in Ban Phai Community, Chiang Kwan District, Roi Et Province; and 3) to analyze the change in the belief of Bun Chaek Khao tradition toward the way of life of Ban Phai Community, Chiang Kwan District, Roi Et Province. The study applied a qualitative research method by studying documents from documents and conducting a field study for interviews.

From the study, it is found that the Bun Chaek Khao tradition of the Ban Phai Community is similar to that of the general Isaan people, where the tradition lasts three days: ‘Wan Khao’, ‘Wan Home’, and ‘Wan Tha Wai.’ Presently, the villages have shortened the tradition to only one day in order to save money and time.

The belief in the Bun Chaek Khao tradition or merit-making for the departed is held by Ban Phai Community and Isaan communities who desire to express their respect and love for their parents and the departed in order for their spirits to be peaceful and get the merits. It is also an expression of gratitude to the ancestors, with the merit being made through monks as a means to send the merits to the departed. The belief of Ban Phai Community is similar to that of the general Isaan people that performing the Bun Chaek Khao ritual allows them to give, observe the precepts, and cultivate their minds. The type of merit-making that produces a lot of merit is comprised of three criteria: those who make must observe the precepts; those who receive must observe the precepts; and when the departed receive the merits, they will give blessings to those who are still living for the merits they make through Bun Chaek Khao tradition.