An Analytical Study of The concept of Deities in the Cakkavaladipani Scripture

Abstract

This thesis has three purposes. The first is an analytical study of the deities in Theravada Buddhist scriptures. The second is an analytical study of the deities in the Cakkavaladipani  scripture. The third is an  analytical study of the influences of deities on the Lanna Thai society by studying theravada buddhist scriptures and Cakkavaladipani scripture.

The results from this research find that Cakkavaladipani mentions the concepts of deities in the way of description and it has a strong influence from the commentator, sub-commentator and the other Buddhist works. These commentators mentioned deities by the way of the information that exists in the Buddhist scriptures. In Cakkavaladipani, there is a unique way and understanding that is different from the buddhist scripture. It is by this way because of Phrasirimangalachariya, the author of Cakkavaladipani. He had the purpose of teaching students to know about both rejoicing and sadness of deities. It systematically discusses many aspects about deities. Buddhism accepts the existence and excellence of deities. It is stated that the deities have a special body that has radiance in itself. Their lifespan is long. They have special nutrition that allows them to have a long life. They are the citizens of the heaven. They enjoy sensual pleasures by the five senses which are eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body.

They also enjoy supernatural power of knowing and extra-ordinary knowing. Deities come from human beings who have good behavior by body, speech and mind. These good actions are the causes of being born as deities. There are three ways of making merit in the first section, ten ways of making merit in the second section, five ways of readiness, seven ways of goodness, and two ways to exist for deities which are very beneficial for those who follow them, and using them for good living. They live with mindfulness. After they die, they will be born in a heaven that has many levels in accordance with the merits done well. In Lanna Thai, there are more beliefs about deities. Deities have significance influence on literature, architecture, statue, drawing, and ritualism that reflects all the different forms, including the stories and things dealing with deities. These influences appear in the design of buildings, signs, symbols and places. This influence is especially an issue of mind for people in society that have the strong belief related with Buddhism.

On other hand, the belief in deities, demerit, merit, goodness, badness, advance and retreat allows Lanna society and Thai society at present allowing the culture and tradition which shows their identity. The belief of deities

Allows the relationship between human beings and deities to exist in a fit and firm way. Therefore, such belief may be the cause of current culture, tradition, norm and a good way of life of Thais. In brief, Buddhism and Cakkavaladipani scripture which mentions deities are the root cause of the origination of valuable ritualism for Thai society until now.