The Values of Thai Literature on Epic Poem of Khun Chang Khun Phaen

Abstract

          This article aims to communicate the fact and to analyze the values and ideas of the epic poem of Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thai literature as the cultural heritage, towards readers. Also, it is to propagate the values and benefits of the poem to society. It studies from original text and analyze systematically.

          The result is that the epic poem values as follows: 1) literature or language usage of poetry such as using the words to communicate, interpret, imagine, and summarize the meanings; 2) values of culture: firstly, customs and rites that consist of the rite for newborn, shaving rite of the topknot on the head, ordained tradition as a monk or novice for learning; wedding ceremony, funeral ceremony, merit ceremony on the occasion of the Songkran Festival, listening to the story of Gautama Buddha as Vessantara Jataka, superstition, belief of dream; second, the lifestyle and values that consist of construction of house, family residential building, welcome ceremony, teaching of harmony, etc. As mentioned above, it is responsible for all to maintain the literature as a valuable Thai Studies text due to it is comprised of the knowledge of liberal arts, history, and social sciences. Also, it is for nurturing the identities and cultures of the nation forever. The body of knowledge is comprised of three aspects: 1) science and arts of ancestors; 2) integrated beliefs of religion and culture; 3) contemporary content.