The Chiangkham Tai-lue’s Textiles Used in Buddhism

Abstract

          The objectives of this article are to study textiles in Buddhism, pattern of Chiangkham Tai-lue’s textiles used Buddhism, and belief of Chiangkham Tai-lue’s textiles used in Buddhism. This qualitative research is based on primary sources, such as Tipitaka and secondary sources, such as academic articles, books, texts, and so on. In addition, the data is collected from photograph, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion from sample groups, including monks, novices, Buddhist local sages, elders, and textile weavers. Each sample group is five people in ten village areas including four sub-districts.

          The result is that textiles in Tipitaka have five types: 1) textile indicated woven materials; 2) textiles indicated sources; 3) textiles for monks’ robes; textiles as miscellaneous cloth for monks; and textiles for paying homage. The pattern of Chiangkham Tai-lue’s textiles used in Buddhism has five types: 1) textiles for the Buddha; 2) textiles for the Dhamma; 3) textiles for the Sangkha; 4) textiles for paying homage; and 5) general textiles, such as textiles for covering the Buddha’s face. For belief, it is concerned with belief in triple gem which is offered for paying respect. Furthermore, it is related to donation for making merit and dedicate to themselves and ancestors. All are the traditional belief in Buddhism which is an influence to Chiangkham Tai-lue’s lifestyle up until now.