A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE VESSANTARA JATAKA WRITTEN IN BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES AND LANNÃ PALM-LEAF MANUSCRIPTS. JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The objectives of this research are: (1) to study the Vessantara Jataka in the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures, (2) to study the Vessantara Jataka in the Lanna palm-leaf manuscript, and (3) to compare the Vessantara Jataka in both sources. This qualitative research employs document analysis.

          The research findings are as follows:

1. The Vessantara Jataka in the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures appears in the Pāli Tipiṭaka, Siamese edition, Volume 28, Suttanta Piṭaka, Khuddaka Nikāya, Mahānipāta, Sections 1045-1269. The Vessantara Jataka in the Lanna palm-leaf manuscript originates from Muang Mo Temple, Phrae Province. It was inscribed by Indapanya Bhikkhu, Kavi Chai Bhikkhu, and Khruba Chao Kantha in C.S. 1270 (A.D. 1908), making it 117 years old.


2. The Vessantara Jataka in the Lanna palm-leaf manuscript consists of 100 palm-leaf pages. The content includes the Pāli verses of the 13 chapters of the Vessantara Jataka, with Lanna script annotations indicating the number of verses in each chapter, the time of inscription, the names of the authors, and a final concluding section in Lanna language.


3. A comparison between the Vessantara Jataka in the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures and the Lanna palm-leaf manuscript reveals differences in three main aspects (1) Origin and Usage: The Theravāda version is an official source used for religious dissemination, while the Lanna manuscript reflects local wisdom and focuses on preservation. (2) Structure and Content: Both versions contain 13 chapters, but the Lanna manuscript includes an introductory and concluding section in Lanna language. (3) Value and Significance: The Theravāda version is primarily used for academic and religious purposes, whereas the Lanna manuscript serves as a valuable cultural heritage, helping to preserve language and local knowledge.