Cultural Landscape Management of Mahayana Sacred Places: Case Studies from Chinese and Annamnikaya Traditions

Abstract

This research aims to study the cultural landscape of Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Leng Noei Yee) and Wat Uphai Ratchabamrung (Wat Yuan), which are significant religious sites for the Chinese and Vietnamese communities in Thailand, representing the distinct characteristics of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism and Vietnamese Annam Nikaya respectively.

Although both sects share a common foundation in Buddhism, differences in beliefs, doctrines, and rituals have shaped distinct cultural landscapes within these two religious sites. The study found that Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, constructed during the reign of King Rama V (1871 CE), follows five principles of Teochew Chinese architectural tradition: walled enclosure, north-south axial emphasis, hierarchical arrangement along the axis, symmetrical balance, and courtyard planning. The temple's location also aligns with feng shui principles, situated in the "dragon's belly" position.

Wat Uphai Ratchabamrung, which follows the Vietnamese Annam Nikaya rooted in Theravada Buddhism, features the principal Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture, flanked by Maha Kassapa and Ananda, reflecting adaptation to Thai Theravada Buddhist cultural context. In contrast, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat enshrines three Buddha images (Trikaya) symbolizing the Buddhas of past, present, and future, alongside Bodhisattvas and Chinese deities.

This study focuses on comparative analysis to understand the relationship between religious doctrines, rituals, and the creation of sacred spaces reflecting each community's cultural identity, as well as adaptation and coexistence of multicultural communities in Thai society.