BUDDHIST MONKS’ ROLE IN PRESERVING LANNA PALM-LEAF SCRIPTURES

Abstract

This article aims to examine Buddhist monk roles and significance in preserving Lanna palm-leaf scriptures, regarded as invaluable Lanna cultural heritage. Palm-leaf scriptures are not only the sources of Buddhist teachings but also reflect wisdom, lifestyles, and social value of people in the past. Buddhist monks, the spiritual leader of community, play vital roles in safeguarding palm-leaf scriptures, not only by preserving and restoring damaged scriptures but also passing on knowledge to the next generations. Buddhist monks actively engage in revitalizing palm-leaf scriptures and restoring their prominence within society, while continually transmitting Buddhist teachings in the scriptures to the present and future society. The preservation of Lanna palm-leaf scriptures is both cultural heritage maintenance and spiritual value reinforcement, integrating their significance into every era.

This article focuses on in-depth analysis of various activities undertaken by Buddhist monks in terms of  palm-leaf scriptures preservation, for example, organizing training programs for palm-leaf scripture restorers, organizing palm-leaf scripture exhibitions, preserving the original style of Lanna alphabets, and coordinating with external public and private organizations to broaden their preservation scope. The findings indicated that Buddhist monks not only fulfill religious duties but also serve as vital drivers of local culture. Preserving palm-leaf scriptures is thus not only Buddhist temples’ responsibility but represents the collaborative effort between Buddhist monks and community grounded in faith and awareness of cultural roots, which should be preserved for future generations.