An Analytical Study of Isan Kalam in Buddhist Ethics Perspectives

Abstract

The objectives of this research were (1) to study background of Isan Kalam, meaning, and type of Kalam, (2) to interpret Isan Kalam in Buddhist ethics perspectives, and (3) to study influence of Kalam to livelihood of Isan society in present time.

The finding as;

(1) Isan Kalam was rule or taboo discourse of society. It was practical guide for individual and common for living together. It was formative order of Isan people. It was strategically local wisdom by referred to holy things for defending people do not make anything as wrong way and make wellbeing and harmony society. Type of Kalam which divided by human behavior conclude; the General Kalam, the Self Kalam, and the Other Kalam.

(2) When interpreted Isan Kalam in Buddhist ethics perspectives, most of Isan Kalam was founded with Buddhist ethics perspectives. Although, there are multi-perspectives and level of Buddhist ethics were overlapping in each Kalam, I found that Isan Kalam was integrated any ethics concepts to be smoothly practical discourse and use to teach and remind rule of society. It can make wellbeing and harmony society for Isan people.

(3) When considerate influence of Kalam to livelihood of Isan society in present time, I found that Isan rural household use Kalam for teach and protect their children from wrong behavior, specifically in first and second generation as grand parent and parent. However, sustainable tendency of Isan Kalam is reducing because new generation of Isan people do not interesting and was replaced by another media from information technology.