The Model and Value of Worship Ceremony in Phra That Nadun Worship Tradition, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the concepts and theories of Stupa worship in Buddhism; 2) to study the history and worship ceremony of Phra That Nadun; 3) to present the model and values of worship ceremony of Phra That Nadun in Mahasarakham province. This research was carried out by means of the qualitative research methodology through the study of the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, documents, texts and related research, field-work and interviews. The obtained data were presented by the descriptive analysis. The research results were as follows:
          Worship refers to the behavior of respect or worship of virtuous persons such as Buddha, monks, and Dhamma. It is the value of life and a worship that expresses faith. There are 2 kinds of worship: material and practical worship.
          Phra That Nadun has a long history both through archaeological evidence and Buddhist art. Mahasarakham province, from important evidence, has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, approximately 3,300 years ago. The rituals of the people of Na Dun District towards the Phra That were found to be important rituals: 1) Brahmin rituals, including common worship, holy water rituals, Su-kwan, Kum-khao-Yai, Kam-ba or Bon-ban, Pong and asking for forgiveness; 2) Buddhist rituals including Watering Phra That, Candle proceeding, practical worship and changing the cloth of Phra That.
          The model of Phra That Nadun worship is divided into two kinds: practical worship and material worship. The value of the tradition of worshiping Phra That Nadun in terms of beauty, the researcher is divided into two kinds: inner beauty which is the beauty that expresses the manners of morality; beauty outside which is the beauty of the activities that express the local culture and traditions. It is evident to those who come to annual worship, as well as the uniqueness of the dress.