An Analysis the Buddhist Principles, Values and Change Values of Pubbapetabali Ritual in Lanna Culture

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) To study of Peta (Hungry Ghosts) in Buddhism; 2) To study the attitudes, beliefs and the progress of Pubbapetabali ritual in Lanna culture; and 3) An analysis of the Dhamma principles, values, and value changes in the Pubbapetabali ritual in Lanna culture. This is a qualitative study, with documentary study and in-depth interviews 16 key informants. Data were analyzed by descriptive content.

The results of this research found that:

1. The Peta (Hungry Ghosts) in Buddhism arises from the person who performs unwholesome action into 3 ways as: 1) Physical 2) Speech and 3) Mental. There are two types of actions: virtuous action and unwholesome action that arises from both virtuous and unwholesome cause’s humans and animals to be born in the realm of Peta (Hungry Ghosts) or the realm of the gods. The mind is the main point for doing action that will lead to happiness or suffering.
2. Motto, belief and process of Pubbapetabali ritual, it is a merit for dedicating to the deceased and expressing gratitude to the deceased. The process is: 1) the Buddhist laymen had a plan to prepare the ritual 2) the villagers collect fruits, vegetables, various utensils, put basket 3) writing names on the palm leaves 4) offering to monks 5) suppose writing name on Sangha 6) devoting on Lanna style.
3. There are five Dhamma principles that appear in Pubbapetabali ritual, namely grateful, saïgahavatthudham, Pu\\akiriyā-vatthu, harmonious principles and Dāna. There are Three aspects of values: 1) spirituality, it is a remembrance of benefactors 2) social aspect, it is a unity 3) cultural aspect, it preserves the traditional customs. There are four reasons of value changing in Pubbapetabali ritual: 1) Giving are the current objects and money 2) Traditions are different according to the social context 3) The gathering of groups of merit-makers depends on their job duties and organizations 4) There are entertainment for encouraging the conservation of local traditions.