Kruba Aphichai–Khoapi’s Roles in Propagation of Buddhism

Abstract

Kruba Aphichai – Khoapi was born at Mae Tey Village, Li District, Lamphun Province. At the age of 16 years, he became a novice with Kruba Srivichai as a preceptor. He was also ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of 22 years. Later, he had traveled to construct many religious places and to perform the public benefits. The duality of Kruba Aphichai – Khoapi is characterized as a conservative one holding original Buddhist traditions and as a Buddhist missionary. He had been inherited from Kruba Srivichai. This makes Lan Na people have faith in him greatly. His social movement resulted in the arrest and he was forced to leave a Buddhist monkhood for three times with servitude. In the last, he decided to make a living with white cloths and intended to practice Dhamma-vinaya forever. This indicates the status as a Buddhist monk and as one propagating Buddhism at the same time.  He truly has a commitment to his great ideals.

The Kruba Aphichai – Khoapi’s roles and contributions on Lan Na society can be seen in various levels: Sangha Administration; he upheld the Dhammādhipateyya (supremacy of the Dhamma) to establish authority of righteousness, which is consistent with being as a Ton Boon (man of merit) through the faith. Religious Education; Historical books and Buddhist treatises were written and recorded during his time. Welfare Education; he had build and supported places of education. Public Facilities; The movement for social assistance in the construction of the public places in both the government and the public sector.  Public Welfares; Activities for supporting to the general public has been functioned.

The Kruba Aphichai – Khoapi’s roles in propagation of Buddhism can be analyzed through the three prominent concepts that influenced on him. They are the conceptions from Kruba Srivichai, from his clothing in white and from being as a Ton Boon (man of merit) as Bodhisatta. In addition, the two main Buddhist principles consistent with his propagation of Buddhism are the 3-Pāṭihāriya (marvel) and the 3-Attha (benefit). His unique forms of propagation are of three: going on a pilgrimage, writing Buddhist scriptures and building places of worship and public. It is also important to say that the main principles in building faiths are: sitting hard, preaching Dhamma and building beneficial places.  Such methods have linked with social networks on the basis of the moral principles of life on individuals, families and society, and have been broadly extended in the area of Lan Na. This reflects the value and effectiveness on Kruba Aphichai – Khoapi in propagation of Buddhism undoubtedly.