An analytical Study of Dhamma principles in the Mahachat Vessantara Jataka, Soi Sangkorn edition : the concept of a constitution for living of Somdej Phra Buddha Kosachan (P.A. Payutto)

Abstract

        This research was a documentary research. The research objectives were to 1) study the history of the development of the Mahachat Vessantara Jataka (Soisangkorn Edition), and 2) analyze the Dharma that appear in the Mahachat Vessantara Jataka (Soisangkorn Edition) according to the conceptual framework of Ven. Somdet Phra Buddhakhosachan's life (P.A. Payutto). The used information was the Mahachat Vessantara Jataka (Soisangkorn Edition) by Phra Thammarachanuwat (Fu Attasivathera), first published in 1955, S. Thammapakdee printery, and a constitution for living by Ven. Somdet Phra Phutthakhosachanya (P.A. Payutto) in 1998.

          The results of the research revealed that 1) the development of the Mahachat Vessantara Jataka (Soisangkorn Edition), the developer has spent time studying and overseeing the development of old expressions into new expressions, from the Lanna script to the Thai script. He developed the rhyme to be more melodious, and vocabulary to the standard Thai language. He also developed the definition in terms of meaning to be clearer. 2) The dharma principles appearing in the Mahachat Vessantara Jataka (Soi Sangkorn Edition) according to the conceptual framework of Somdet Phra Phutthakhosachan's life (P.A. Payutto) show characters who have roles and personal principles. The characters with the most roles are the giver, wife and king respectively. The characters' doctrines that appeared the most were almsgiving, kindness, and duty, respectively. As for the content, it deals with giving alms which is most consistent with the roles and principles of the characters that appear in the life constitution, namely person and society, person and life, and person and person, respectively. It illustrates the principles that appear in the Mahachat Vessantara Jataka (Soisangkorn Edition). According to the conceptual framework of the statute of life principles, the content is related to the relationship of people in society and produces results according to the objectives set.