AN ANALYSIS THE VALUE OF BELIEFS IN NAGA THAT AFFECT ON CONTEMPORARY THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This Research aims to: 1) study the beliefs about Nāga that are present in contemporary Thai society, 2) study the concept of Nāga as it appears in Buddhist scriptures, and 3) analyze the value of Nāga beliefs and their impact on contemporary Thai society. It is a qualitative research focusing on document analysis, presented in a descriptive-analytical format. The research findings reveal that the belief in Nāga, as observed in contemporary Thai society, is deeply rooted in historical and cultural contexts. It is closely connected to Buddhist teachings and has been ingrained in Thai society for a long time. As such, it has become a part of Thai identity and culture, reflecting the relationship between humans and nature. In Buddhist scriptures, Nāga or serpent deities are described as beings who are born as a result of both wholesome and unwholesome karma, stemming from greed, delusion, and anger, which led them to commit various actions during their previous lives. Information about Nāga is found in several Buddhist texts, including the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, commentaries, and various Jātaka tales.The value of Nāga beliefs and their impact on contemporary Thai society manifest in several dimensions, including influence on artistic works, community traditions, religious objects, astrology, and tourism.