GUIDELINES FOR CONSERVE THE TRADITION OF BATHING BUDDHA’S PHRA THAT DOI TUNG RELICS OF BUDDHISTS IN CHIANG RAI PROVINCE WITH PARTICIPATION BUDDHIST INTEGRATED

Abstract

This dissertation has three objectives: 1) to explore the background of the bathing ceremony of Phra That Doi Tung in Chiang Rai province; 2) to study the integration of the Buddhist morality in the conservation of the bathing ceremony of Phra That Doi Tung in Chiang Rai province; and 3) to propose guidelines for the conservation of the bathing ceremony of Phra That Doi Tung by encouraging participation of Chiang Rai people based on the Buddhism integrated approach. This dissertation is based on a qualitative field research, adopting an in-depth interview of a total 25 key subjects, both monks and laypersons and the content analysis methodology. The outcome of the study is presented in the form of analytical description. The research findings indicate that Phra That Doi Tung is the place where the left collarbone of the Lord Buddha is enshrined and has been venerated and worshipped by the local people and villagers of Chiang Rai province for a very long time. On the full moon day or 15th day of the waxing moon of   the fourth month in the Thai lunar calendar, the bathing ceremony of Phra That Doi Tung is held annually with a view to preserving the ancient and sacred tradition of Chiang Rai province. The Buddhism principles integrated in the ceremony include the adoption of Sangaha Vatthu 4 (4 principles of doing favors): almshouses for free meals to those attending the ceremony, absence of impolite words or expressions throughout the ceremony, assistance provided to one another in the ceremony, and the cultivation of the sense of belonging towards Phra That Doi Tung. The guidelines for the conservation of the bathing ceremony of Phra That Doi Tung are presented by adopting “Phra That Doi Tung Model”, which comprises the following initiatives: 1) to nurture the Buddhism belief; 2) to encourage the construction of permanent structures (e.g., Phra That Doi Tung); 3) to promote traditional activities with respect to the bathing ceremony of Phat That Doi Tung; 4) to encourage participation and unity; 5) to bring about cultural and social added values; 6) to generate added values in the economic and tourism sector; and 7) to build a cultural network for the bathing ceremony of Phra That Doi Tung in Chiang Rai province. These are considered as the soft power in terms of  the sustainable conservation of local traditions in the former Lanna kingdom.