AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE SOCIAL REFLECTIONS IN DHAMMAPADATTHAKATHA AFFECT TO THE NORTHEASTERNERS’ WAY OF LIFE

Abstract

Abstract

          This article aims to analyze social reflections of the Dhammapadatthakatha that affect to the northeasterners’ way of life. The studies have shown that the content of Dhammapadatthakatha reflects the northeasterners’ lifestyle in 6 aspects:                                1. Government, the Dhammapadatthakatha referred to the role of the ruler in treating suffering for the ruled people which influenced the form of public administration of the northeasterners, called the Fourteenth Laws. 2. Economy, the Dhammapadatthakatha talked about the agricultural occupation of Indians which influenced the rituals on agriculture of the northeasterners, namely Phi Ta Haek that is the ghost of the farm. 3. Language and Literature, the Dhammapadatthakatha was recorded in Pali language which this language and Dhammapadatthakatha have influenced many stories of Khamphaya (Isaan wisdom) and Mukapadha (Oral Pulpit) of the northeasterners. 4. Education, Dhammapadatthakatha spoke of the monks' educational management by studying under the patronage of the preceptor which influenced the religious values about ordain to study of the northeasterners. 5. Traditions, the Dhammapadatthakatha spoke of Indian cultures and traditions in many ways which influenced and was the origin of the northeastern traditions, called the Twelfth Lunar traditions, that are the story of Erakapatta, the deeds of the ascetic Phra Kondanna, the story of Poonnadhasi, the deeds of the Lord Buddha, the story of Phra Chabbaggiya, the deeds of Phra Uruvelakassappa, the story of Kali Yaksinee, and the story of Yamaka’s miracles. 6. Belief, the Dhammapadatthakatha spoke of Indian beliefs based on Brahmanism which influenced the beliefs of the northeasterners until it became a ritual of many beliefs.