A Study of Buddhist Dhamma in Worship ‘Pu-Chiang-Noy’ of Banpoa People, Kaset Sombun District, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the current conditions and ritual of worship ‘Pu-Chiang-Noy (literally, Chiang-Noy grandfather) of people in Banpoa village, Kaset Sombun district, Chaiyaphum province; 2) to analyze the Buddhist dhammas appeared in such ritual. This study employed the qualitative research methodology through its investigation of academic work and research. The data were obtained by using the in-depth interview before being interpreted through the descriptive analysis.

          The research results revealed that in Banpoa village, Kaset Sombun district, Chaiyaphum province, people have a sense of thankfulness and faith in Pu-Chiang-Noy; they therefore performed an annual worship ceremony in the 15th day of the 3^rd waxing moon. The villagers will bring flowers, incense, candles and rice barns to worship. After careful analysis, five Buddhist morals appear in this worshiping ceremony: 1) gratitude and reward to the good deeds doers; 2) material worship, the villagers have followed the principles of Buddhism by performing the worship with objects, flowers, incense, candles, etc; 3) fellowship, many villagers made their contribution to organizing the worship ceremony every year; this showed their fellowship; 4) the ancestors, Pu-Chiang-Noy is the person who should be paid respect by performing the ritual regularly because of doing that is considered a very auspiciousness; 5) being a deity (angel), a villagers’ belief  showed that Pu-Chiang-Noy             is like the god, angel, or sacred thing in the community.