DOCTRINE IN MÃ-MOT RITES IN RELATION TO THE BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES OF THAI-KHMER ETHNICS IN SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this article is to investigate the cause of incurable illnesses through Bol rite of casting lots that the Thai-Khmer ethnics practice called “Mamot” who is the medium inviting spirits of ghosts, deities and ancestral teachers that are sacred in protection to communicate for questioning the cause of illnesses and how to cure. The doctrine of Mamot in relation to Buddhism appears in 4 aspects including: 1) Punnakiriyavatthu 3 (meritorious action) appearing in the rite including Dana (generosity), Sila (observing the precepts) and Bhavana (mental development); 2) Katannukatavedi that is being grateful and repaying the done favor; 3) two offerings of the rite including material offerings and practical offerings in accordance with the doctrine; 4) Tilakkhana (the Three Characteristics) appearing in the treatment and the forecast above the natural rule i.e. suffering, impermanency, and non-self that all humans must face including suffering, change and death. The four aspects of Buddhist principles are in accordance with the folk belief appearing in the Mamot rites. The belief is the cause of mutual reciprocation including generosity, unity and responsibilities. Furthermore, Mamot rites are the processes of socialization of Thai-Khmer ethnics in cultivating the ethical values of consciousness and responsibilities among social members.