The cultural Influence of Hinduism Toward Thai : Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Hindu Temple) as the Case Study

Abstract

The research titled “the cultural influence of Hinduism toward Thai: Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Hindu Temple) as the Case Study” had the objectives (1) to study the process which let the individuals who have cultural differences be able to live together peacefully and (2) to bring such knowledge to construct the concept and the prototype for managing the multicultural society harmoniously and peacefully. This was the qualitative research applied the hermeneutics paradigm as the methodology. Population used in this research were people who had the domicile around Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Semi-structured interview, document analysis (relevant documents, memorandum, and research papers), and non-participant observation were used as the research tool for data collection. The research finding was as follows: Regarding the aspect of “the Concept of Population”, this concept believed that the individual who gave respect to the god and divinity in Hinduism would get good things in return, especially as prayed to each particular god. However, there were few people explaining the main concept of Hinduism (or Brahman) well. Most people would understand and explain the main concept of Hinduism quite similar to the one of Buddhism