LEGEND OF THE BUDDHA STATUES IN LOEI PROVINCE WITH THE MEANING OF ABUNDANCE

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the legends of Buddha statues in Loei Province and their role in conveying the meaning of abundance. The author analyzes documentary and field data by interviewing local experts and scholars. The author analyzes and interprets the data using the concepts of legend and cultural communication. Through the legends of five Buddha statues in Loei Province, namely Phra Chao Ong Saen, Phra Yam, Phra Siang, Phra Chao Chiang Yeun (Phra Siang), and Luang Pu Naga Mujalin. The study found that the legends of the five Buddha statues, namely Phra Chao Ong Saen or Phra Chao Fon San Haa (Lord of the Hundred Thousand Rains) at Wat Phochai, Ban Na Pueng, Na Haeo District, Loei Province, Phra Yam, Phra Siang at Wat Chom Manee, Ban Tha Dee Mi, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, Phra Chao Chiang Yeun (Phra Siang), and Luang Pu Naga Mujalin at Ban Ahee, Tha Li District, Loei Province, are sacred Buddha statues that are revered by the local community in Loei Province. There are beliefs and rituals that convey the meaning of abundance through the following symbols: 1) the dimension of meaning through the name of the Buddha statue of Phra Chao Fon San Haa, 2) the dimension of meaning through the gesture of the Buddha statue of Luang Pu Naga Mujalin, and 3) the dimension of meaning through tradition and rituals of the bathing of Phra Chao Chiang Yeun and Phra Chao Siang Thay. The communication of abundance reflects that the people of Loei Province have a traditional culture that is in line with Buddhism and live on agriculture. Therefore, they have beliefs and rituals that are related to their livelihood from the past to the present.