Development of Mahajati Vessandara Jataka Sermon in Thai Society

Abstract

Buddhism is considered to have great influence to the way of living of buddhists from the ancient times until present, which has created strong bond between buddhists and itself closely in the way of linguistics, cultures and traditions. Art and culture entirely have their own origins from buddhism through sermon's style.

Fair sermon's style is able to communicate the essence of dharma to listeners effectively, especially to communicate dharma's essence via Vessandara Jataka sermon or
so-called Mahajati sermon, which has become very popular since Sukhothai Era due to King Mahathammaracha's patronage, according to the evidences in Tebhumi's log and the third stone inscription of Nakornchum etc. Even though it was just Mahajati Kamluang sermon which was composed to preach buddhists in the temple, this kind of tradition can be seen clearly until now, is still be applied in the ordination hall of the temple of the Emerald buddha in occasion of royal family's visit to listen to dharma regularly.

Development of Mahajati Vessandara Jataka sermon had its own beginning in the age of Buddha. To be pricise, the Buddha himself was the one who preached. At that time, senior monks (Buddha's disciples) had brought it to preach in Jatakavatta rhythm with delightful, eloquent, undisputable and resounding tone which w