BOON PHAWED : FAITH AND HOPE BASED ON BUDDHIST BELIEFS OF ISAAN PEOPLE

Abstract

         The analysis of the Boon Phawed tradition is like the breath or the life of Isaan people is the purpose of this article. It was found that Isaan people attach great importance to this tradition so much because this merit-making event helps to strengthen ethics in the northeastern society which this merit is one of the Heet 12 Kong 14 held by the Isan people since the ancestors. The Boon Phawed tradition is like a treasure that Isaan people always remember and intend to preserve this precious culture in their own spirit among the globalization challenge. This article also analyzes that the merit tradition also infuse the values of the Isaan people in the good Heet. It helps Isaan people have a morality and respect because there is a hidden Buddhist teaching that wishes Issan people to know merit-making, to know the gift, to observe the precepts, and to grow a praying, which is to purify their mind to be gentler ; according to the characteristics of the Phravessantara. Although the tradition of merit is only one of the twelve months in the northeast, but it is a true identity that reflects the way of Isaan’s life. Therefore, Boon Phawed is the fourth month of merit that the Isaan people give importance and jointly organize a great ritual in order to promote local traditions to maintain for a long time together with preserving the culture of the community because this merit is more than a local tradition but like a breath that sustains the lives of the Issan people as well.