Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to study the History, propagation routes of Buddhism, and principles of Buddhadhamma appeared in archaeological evidences in Ayuttaya period. It was a qualitative research. The data collection consisted of studying related documents and researches from library and Internet resources, field studying, in-depth interviews, and group discussion. Descriptive analysis was used for data analysis. The results were found that: Buddhism in Ayutthaya was the Theravada Buddhism. It was originated by the propaganda from India to Suvarnabhumi, Dvaravati, Srivichai, Lop Buri, Sukhothai and Lanna periods until the Ayutthaya period. There were important various events about the Buddhism in Ayutthaya period. They were tradition of royal tradition, the construction and establishment of the temples with different purposes such as Wat Buddhaisawan, Wat Pa Kaew, and Wat Phra Ram. There were prosperity, stability and decline of Buddhism in Ayutthaya Period due to both internal and external factors. The internal factors were the Buddhist monks' attention to the study and propagation of Buddhism. The external factors included the absolute monarchy and the international connection. The Buddhists in the Ayutthaya period did not emphasize in deep principles of Buddhism, but in general merit making, Buddhist monk patronizing, temple construction, ceremonies, worshipping rituals, the sacred magic, miraculous miracles, and superstition. The Thai Buddhist missionary monks were sent to settle downed Buddhism in Sri Lanka, called the Upali Wong or Siam Nigaya. Buddhism propagation in Ayutthaya had many trade relations with the foreign nations. It was considered as an international trade center. The propagation routes started from Ashoka Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana, Pagan Theravada Buddhism, and Langka Wong Theravada Buddhism Including the influence of Buddhism in the previous kingdoms such as the Lawoe, U-Thong, and Sukhothai to establish in Ayutthaya Kingdom. This made Buddhism in Ayutthaya as Theravada Buddhism that blended with Mahayana Buddhism and other religions. The evidences were found in architecture, sculpture, painting and literature existed in different places. The Buddhist principles that appeared in the archaeological evidences in the Ayutthaya period were founded from the temples, architecture, sculpture, painting and literature. This reflected the influence of Buddhism appeared in the archaeological evidences of the Ayutthaya period. Those Buddhadhamma principles were Dullabha-puggala 2 (rare persons), Disa 6 (six directions), Rajadhamma (ten virtues of a ruler), Iddhipada (four paths of accomplishment), Saddha 4 (faith), Buddhaguna 3 (qualities of attributes of the Buddha), Puja 2 (acts of worship), Garava 6 (reverence), and Parami (perfections).