Phra Watchara Lapirattanakool An Analysis of the Roles of Puchan in Chiangmai Province

Abstract

This research entitled “An Analysis of the roles of Puchan in Chiangmai Province” is aimed to analyze the roles of Puchan in the light of Upasaka (male lay Buddhists) in the Buddha’s time. This research applies qualitative research methodology by collecting data from books and documents related to Puchan and from in-dept interview with the Puchan of temples in Chiangmai Province

Puchan is a deacon in a Buddhist temple in the northern region. He is, therefore, has the  knowledge on Buddhism and Buddhist rituals. Puchan plays various roles similar to the Upasaka during the Buddha's time, that is, (1) the role in offering support to monks, (2) the role in inviting people to go to the temple and listen to Dhamma,  (3) the role in propagating Buddhism and supporting monks in propagating Buddhism, (4) the role in protecting Buddhism, (5)  the  role in Buddhist rituals, (6) the role in giving advice to the people, (7) the role in magic spells. In general, these roles are both similar and different in different areas of ​​Chiangmai Province and most of them are similar to those of Upasaka during the Buddha's time but has been adjusted to suit the situations in the present era.