The Concepts of Mahayana Philosophy through Beliefs and Religious Objects of Worship in Southern Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the concepts of Mahayana philosophy appearing in beliefs and religious objects of worship in Southern Thailand. The investigation began with studying the core concepts of Mahayana philosophy. Afterwards, the beliefs and religious objects of worship in Southern Thailand were analyzed. The results revealed that 2 concepts of Mahayana philosophy were found. Firstly, the concept regarding the Buddha appeared in the method of offering  food to the Buddha. Secondly, in terms of creating 3 Buddha images with the gesture of subduing Mara for an ordination hall, a Buddha image hall,or a sermon hall, it was suggested that the Buddha images should face east. These concepts conform with the concept of the three bodies of the Buddha: dharmakaya (body of essence), sambhogakaya (body of enjoyment), and nirmanakaya (body of transformation), in Mahayana. Mahayana philosophy considers dharmakaya of the Buddha the absolute and the source of sambhogakaya and nirmanakaya; therefore the Buddha image of dharmakaya is bigger or placed on a lotus base in the highest position.  As for offering food to the Buddha, the food is determined to be offered to dharmakaya and sambhogakaya of the Buddha which last indefinitely, unlike nirmanakaya which decomposed along with attaining Nirvana. Concerning the direction to place a Buddha image, the reason why a Buddha image should face east is to let Buddhists pay respect to the west where Sukhāvatī of Amitābha Buddha is located. In addition, the concept of a bodhisattva was also found in the belief regarding Somdej Luang Phor Thuat through chanting and creating a Buddha image sitting on a lotus base. These methods were influenced by Mahayana philosophy which once prospered in Srivijayan Period.