Beliefs about the Buddhist "KONG BUN" at Muang Phon Thong, Champasak Province, Lao PDR.

Abstract

         This research article has objectives as follows: 1) to study the beliefs about merit-making (Kong Boon) in the community of Kao Keng, Phon Thong District, Champasak Province, Lao PDR ; 2) to analyze the beliefs about merit-making (Kong Boon) in Buddhism in Kao Keng, Phon Thong District, Champasak Province, Lao PDR. This research is qualitative research with 25 monks/people. The research instrument is an interview form. The data is analyzed and the results are presented in a descriptive method.

         The research results found that:

         There is no clear evidence of the origin of merit-making (Kong Boon), but it is a tradition passed down by the elderly in the community. Merit-making (Kong Boon) is the name of the offerings that Lao Buddhists use when making merit. In the past, the host prepared the merit-making (Kong Boon) by themselves, but nowadays, they prefer to buy them from shops selling religious supplies. Merit-making (Kong Boon) will have different levels of delicacy depending on the status of the host. Merit-making (Kong Boon) is divided into 4 types: 1) Ordination Merit-making, 2) Kathin Merit-making, 3) Hod Song Merit-making, and 4) Rice-giving Merit-making. Components of merit such as the ordination merit, the main items of merit are the 8 requisites, etc. The symbol of the merit making, such as the crocodile flag, represents greed, etc. The offering of merit making, such as the Kathina merit making, is offered before the monks ordain a monk in the temple as the recipient of the Kathina, etc. The beliefs regarding merit in Buddhism in the old area of Kao Keng, Phonthong City, Champasak Province, Lao PDR have 5 important issues: 1) reincarnation, 2) dedicating merit to Petachana and receiving a share of merit from Petachana, 3) expressing gratitude to died relatives, 4) preserving Buddhism, 5) continuing the age of Buddhism.