History of Buddhism in Lanna : an Analytical from Manuscriptures and Archeological Sources

Abstract

This research is the documentary research based on the evident main texts and supported by the structured interview. Data are analyzed by the content analysis. Here are the findings ; The Buddhist History from the Lanna texts in the reign of Queen Cammadevi, in Cammadevi, told that,  in the northern lands  or the Yo nok states, there  had been ethnic groups settled down, the ancestors of Thai groups lived in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Pha Yao and other Cities named as “Wieng”.   The Lanna Buddhist ancient archeological sources  are  found in Lam Phun. This is the Lawo’s  or Dwaravadi Art Style. This Lawo Styles were found in many monasteries , like, War Ramaniyaram, Wat Phra Kong, Wat Pratu Li, Wat Don Kaew, Wat Mahavan, Wat Sanpayangluang and Wat Cammadevi. In the reign of Mang Rai constructing Wieng Kumkam, this art was found in Wat Chiang Man. These also were found in the time of Kavila chue chao jet ton while restoration the ruin monasteries in Chiang Mai and reunited with Siam.

On the analysis of the history of Buddhism from the mentioned texts, it was told that, The Queen Cammadevi  had brought Buddhism from La wo together with 500 Buddhist Monks. The Tripitaka has also brought to Lanna. The archeological evidences are Wat Phrathatharipunchai Wat Cammadevi and the like.  The Mulasasana text referred to the future Buddha, the Buddha Biology, the 1-3 Buddhist Councils, the Ashokan Activities, the archeological evidences are the Pragodas in  Wat Suandok, Wat Jet Yod. In Jinakalmalipakarana, it mentioned the history of the Buddha, the 1-3 Buddhist Councils. Concerning about the King’s support Buddhism, the archeological evidences are Constructions of the Wat Jedi Luang, Wat Jet Yod, and the invitation of the Emeral Buddha  and the Sihinga Buddha. In the Yonok’s Regent, it told about the arising of the new states in Lanna, and the support of Buddhism, as the archeological evidences, Wat Jedi Luang, Wat Phra Sing, Wat Jet Yod, and so on.