Phutthathamnai Khwamfan Phrachao Pasenthikosala of the Thai National Library versions : Relation to Prophetic Lament for Krung Sri Ayutthaya

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to compare the relationship between a story of The Prediction of King Prasenajit’s Dream (No.196) from Thai national library, which was influenced by Aṭṭhakathā Mahāsupina Jātaka text, with The Prophetic Lament for Krung Sri Ayutthaya. The author then discovers that the latter’s content looks similar to what mentioned in Aṭṭhakathā Mahāsupina Jātaka. Some of the dreams and predictions added in this Ayutthaya apocalyptic literature were derived from the Pali text, but the selected stories were abbreviated and did not follow by their former orders. Nevertheless, according to both books, the suggestion is that the future distress would cause by men’s evil deeds. The prediction warned the Buddhists not only to avoid committing any sins but also to practice morality in order to save themselves from the catastrophe. The literary relation reflects the popularity of Aṭṭhakathā Mahāsupina Jātaka, which was reproduced and re-created as The Prediction of King Prasenajit’s Dream or other Thai literature.