An Analysis of the Colophon of Palm-leaf Manuscripts of Wat Mahathat, Yasothon Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study and analyze the inscriptions engraved at the end of Tham script manuscripts preserved at Wat Mahathat, Yasothon Province. The sample was 93 bundles of 500 - 150 year-old palm-leaf manuscripts created between 2110 - 2396 B.E.

The results of the research found that the important notes inscribed at the end of Tham manuscript have four main aspects: 1) Personal information, which can be classified into two groups: monks and laymen who were involved in the creation of manuscripts. There is a difference in calling which affects the way of life in local beliefs. This represents the educational and administrative abilities. 2) Demand Information: The creator of the scripture set a demand to benefit himself in this life and the next life. Those who want to escape suffering create a Tipitaka with the inscription “Nibbana paccayo hotu”. This phrase has been passed down to the present. Most people who make merit say this at the end of a prayer. 3) Location information: The Tham Isan manuscript is influenced by the Tham Lan Chang manuscript and the northeastern region. The conditions in these areas are similar in their educational culture and the use of Tham characters in communication. 4) Humility information: Writing about humility in the recorder’s knowledge appears very seldomly in this sample.

Other important points found worth noting are as follows: 1) the Minor era was used for two meanings: the common Minor era and the Buddhist era. 2) The year was recorded in two systems, the Lanna traditional year and the Thai Zodiac year. 3) The time period indicated morning, late morning, midday, and evening. 4) The month the manuscripts were inscribed was mostly April. 5) The lunar month most manuscripts were inscribed was the waxing moon. 6) Twelve bundles were completed on the Buddhist holy day.

The researcher said that the inscription at the end of Tham script manuscripts could be considered as an ancestor’s intention to pass on the Lord Buddha’s teachings to the next generation for the perpetuation and firm establishment of Buddhism.