People’s Attitudes Toward Buddhabhiseka Rite: A Case Study Of Wat Rat Sattatham (Wat Bangchan) Khan Na Yao District, Bangkok

Abstract

The thesis aims at study people’s attitude towards Buddha-Bhiseka ritual, a case study of Wat Rat Sattha Tham (Wat Bang Chan), Khan Na Yao district, Bangkok, comparing the people’s attitude towards Buddha-Bhiseka ritual there and study the problems and recommendations on people’s attitudes towards the coronation ceremony. This research was quantitative research conducted by a random sampling 1,000 persons attended the ritual and 278 sample heads. The results of the research revealed that the attitude of people who participated in Buddha-Bhiseka ritual showed their attitudes towards the ritual, in overall, was at a high level (x̄ = 4.06). When considering the details of each item, it was found that the people believed that the sanctity, miraculous power related to the ritual could help and protect them escaping from dangers, especially sacred objects carried with them while performing the ritual will bring good luck and the mental refuge for living. Comparing the attitudes of the people towards Buddha-Bhiseka ritual revealed that hypothesis test done by analyzing the differences between variables classified by sex, age, education level, domicile, occupation and average monthly income According to the hypothesis, it was found that the people who participated in the said ritual with difference of gender, age, education level, domicile, occupation, and average monthly income have different attitudes towards the Buddha-Bhiseka ritual no statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level. As for the suggestions on people’s attitude towards Buddha-Bhiseka ritual, it was found that 1) after attending Buddha-Bhiseka ritual and prayed in the ritual performing hall, they became prosperous, better living, received encouragement and good things in life, 2) the sacred objects brought to the ritual help the power increasing of their sacred objects especially sacred objects carried with them everyday, 3) the overall management of the temple was very good.