A Study of the Situation of Buddhism in Ayutthaya Kingdom as Appeared in Sangitiyavansa

Abstract

This academic article aims to 1) study the background of Sangitiyavansa,
2) to investigate the situation of Buddhism in Ayutthaya Kingdom as presented in Sangitiyavansa, and 3) to analyze the situation of Buddhism in Ayutthaya Kingdom as depicted in Sangitiyavansa. The findings reveal that Sangitiyavansa is a Buddhist historical chronicles recounting events after the Buddha’s death to the reign of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The situation of Buddhism in Ayutthaya Kingdom period through the stories of kings of Ayutthaya illustrated that the kings played a crucial role in supporting Buddhism. After the fall of Ayutthaya, Buddhism declined due to the loss of royal patronage, with warfare identified as a major cause of deterioration. Sangitiyavansa also describes an earlier decline resulting from war in Burma, followed by a revival under King Ramathibodi I (King U-Thong) through renewed royal support. Although Ayutthaya was a Buddhist kingdom, some kings rose to power through violence, generating negative karma, such as King Ramathibodi II (Ramesuan), King Chairachathirat, and Worawongsathirat, However, some kings supported Buddhism with genuine faith, including King Mahachakrapat, King Naresuan, King Prasatthong, King Narai, King Phetracha, and King Borommakot. In the late Ayutthaya period, some kings committed evil deeds, such as King Sanphet VIII, King Thai Sa, and King Ekkathat, which aligns with the view that Ayutthaya fell due to the creation of negative karma by its kings. After the kingdom fell, the common people and moks played a crucial role in supporting Buddhism by restoring temples, preserving scriptures and Buddha image, teaching the Dharma, and performing merit-making for those who perished in the war.