A Study of the Teachings in the Mamuat Ritual of the Thai-Khmer Group in Surin Province that Relate to the Principles of Buddhism

Abstract

Study of the teachings in the Mamuat ritual, a group of Thai-Khmer people in Surin Province, which are related to Buddhist principles The objectives of the study (1) to study the beliefs and Mamuat rituals of Thai-Khmer people in Surin Province (2) to study the teachings in the Mamuat rituals that are related to Buddhist principles. This is a qualitative research with in-depth interviews, observation, and participation in the rituals. The research area is Ban Sala Samakkhi Community, Ban Chob Subdistrict, Sangkha District, Surin Province. The total population is 29 people.

          The beliefs and Mamuat rituals of Thai-Khmer people have a belief in the power of spirits and giving good and bad things. The overall ritual will have a form, steps, and identity specific to the Thai-Khmer group. It has been preserved and passed down from generation to generation. The ritual plays a role in treating the sick and predicting events, etc. Regarding the teachings in the Mamuat rituals that are related to Buddhist principles, from the analysis of the teachings that appear in the Mamuat ritual, the following teachings were found: (1) Meritorious deeds, making merit, keeping the precepts, and chanting, which are seen in the ritual leader as actions and practices. (2) Gratitude (3) Worship, which appears in the ritual leader and participants, is a practice between the leader and participants. It is expressed in the ritual and the remembrance of good deeds. (4) The principle of three characteristics means the rule of three characteristics, which means the conditions, things that are inherent in all three aggregates: 4.1 Anicca (impermanence), 4.2. Dukkha (suffering characteristics), 4.3 Anatta (non-self characteristics).