Abstract:
This research is a qualitative study based on descriptive analysis. Its objectives are to
study the moral and ethical teachings of Jariang Broen local folk songs and also to study the
way in which moral and ethical codes are taught by these songs. The methodology involved
an in-depth survey of local documents, books, journals, related research, tape recording and
fieldwork conducted by deep-interviewing of eight Jariang Broen musicians.
The findings showed that a portion of moral teachings and ethical principles in Jariang
Broen was based on the folklore and customs practiced by the local people for a long time. These
practices were integrated as the principles to be used as a guideline in daily life. Another portion
was influenced by Buddhist teachings, mostly worldly teachings which were regarded as
fundamentals of ethics relating to day –to day life and as mechanism for social organizations
such as the teaching of morality, the concept of hell, heaven, the law of kamma, rebirth,
meritorious (puñña) and demeritorious (pãpa)deeds , the three characteristics of existence, and
the way of self – distruction.
The conclusion of the study was that the moral and ethical teachings in the Jariang
Broen are important factors for cultivating and supporting virtues in society. They also maintain
the culture and tradition and monitor the human behavior and control it in the frame of
righteousness and goodness based on the Buddhist practices and teachings.