A Study of the Characteristics of Beliefs and Characters’ Expressions of These Beliefs in the Sepha Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Wachirayan Library Edition
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Abstract
This study is a documentary research based on the text of Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Wachirayan Library Edition. The objectives are: 1) to study the characteristics of beliefs found in the story, and 2) to study the behaviors of characters that reflect those beliefs. The results show that the beliefs appearing in the story can be divided into three types. The first type is religious beliefs, such as merit and karma, making merit to remove misfortune, life after death, reincarnation, and taking vows. These beliefs reflect the influence of Buddhism on important decisions, such as birth and death. The second type is beliefs in magic and the supernatural, including ghosts and spirits, magic and spells, sacred rituals, talismans, holy beings, fortune telling, magical herbs, and sacred tattoos. These beliefs are used by characters to gain supernatural power, such as in battles. The third type is beliefs related to daily life, such as omens, dreams, choosing auspicious times, spiritual strength, and lucky colors for each day, which are used to adapt to social life and to build morale. The characters express their beliefs through actions, speech, and decision-making. Beliefs are a factor that influences behavior, for example, Khun Phaen uses magic in battle, and Wanthong makes merit to reduce her bad karma. These behaviors reflect inner feelings of faith, fear, and hope shaped by belief systems.
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