THE DEVELOPMENT OF DHAMMA LANNA LETTERS SKILL POTENTIALITY STRENGTHENING OF MONKS IN PHRAE PROVINCE

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to 1. investigate history and development of Buddhist monks’ Tai Tham (Lanna) script transmission; 2. explore context, potentiality, and factors influencing potentiality development of Buddhist monks’ Tai Tham (Lanna) script in Phrae province; and 3. study its transmission process. The data gathered from doccuments and in-dept interview conducted with 10 key informants. They were then analyzed using content analysis to extract issues in accordance to theories.

          the research findings were as follow;  

          1) Tai Tham (Lanna) script was an ancient script of the Lanna people. It used to pass down Buddhist teachings, scriptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, medical texts, literature, and lifestyles through Buddhist temples, regarded as center of education. Buddhist monks currently have fewer opportunities to learn and utilize it due to the influence of the Central Thai language, modern technology, changing lifestyles, and the belief that the Lanna Dhamma script is outdated.

          2) Tai Tham (Lanna) script is being used and learned by fewer monks and locals in Phrae province. Its primary causes are shortage of knowledgeable teachers, gaps in the educational system, and insufficient transmission of knowledge. Developing and enhancing Buddhist monks require supportive factors such as community involvement, education, training programs, access to original manuscripts, government support, cultural activities, use of technology, and the strong faith of Buddhist monks.

          3)The goal of developing and enhancing potentiality of Buddhist monks’ Tai Tham (Lanna) script is to preserve cultural heritage and local wisdom. It focuses on increasing Tai Tham (Lanna) script’s writing, reading, and translating of Buddhist monks and novices through a series of activities: (1) ‘Lanna Language to Dhamma Language’ activity, focusing on script recognition and accurate reading; (2) Dhamma writing activity, focusing on developing writing skills; and (3) Dhamma translation training, which is based on reading and translating Tai Tham (Lanna) script into Central Thai.  The outcomes are as follows. Buddhist monks and novices can use Tai Tham's (Lanna) script to pass down Buddhist teachings effectively. They have a vital role in preserving ancient scripts, leading to fostering sustainability between Buddhism and the community.