HOW TO RELEASE AQUATIC ANIMALS FOR MERIT: PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS FOR RELEASING AQUATIC ANIMALS ACCORDING TO THE CONTEXT OF THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This research article has the following objectives 1) to investigate the principles and concepts of merit-making in the release of aquatic animals according to the context of Thai society; and 2) to study the belief in merit consequences in the release of aquatic animals in the context of Thai society. The research method was document-based, studying and analyzing data from the Tripitaka, commentaries, research works, and academic documents related to the principles and concepts of merit-making in the release of aquatic animals, and the belief in merit consequences in the release of aquatic animals in the context of Thai society.

                The results of this study revealed that:

1. 1. The concept of merit-making in the release of aquatic animals in the context of Thai society derives from four main conceptual bases: 1) concepts related to merit-making in the release of aquatic animals in the context of Thai society; 2) concepts of an environment suitable for releasing aquatic animals that Thai Buddhists prefer to release; 3) concepts about the general characteristics of aquatic animals and physical environmental conditions where these animals live that Thai Buddhists prefer to release; and 4) concepts of the beliefs in the consequences of merit in releasing aquatic animals in the context of Thai society.
2. Regarding the belief in merit consequences in the release of aquatic animals in the Thai society context, it has been believed that releasing aquatic animals on festivals or various occasions is considered one type of merit-making that promotes the person who releases the animals to receive the beneficial consequences of merit such as physical well-being, happiness, and strong health free from diseases and disasters, and it is also a way to resolve destiny for those who believe they are in difficulty or facing problems and obstacles in life to smoothly overcome these issues and obstacles.

                The findings from research related to the concept, principles, and consequences of releasing aquatic animals can be beneficially used as guidelines and a database for those wishing to perform merit-making through the proper release of aquatic animals in environments suitable for the specific types of aquatic animals they wish to release.