Abstract:
The objectives of this research are to study values and importance Buddha
statues in Thai society and to analyze concepts, beliefs and values of them. The
population sample used for this research includes 17 people such as abbots,
community leaders, religious scholars, experts on history of Buddhist arts and
devotees who come to pay respect the statues. Research tool for this study is in-
depth interview.
The result found that;
1) Concepts and Values of each important Buddha statues are connected
together according to historic record. Most of important statues are related with
rivers. They have been found travelling by the river routes. When people found
statues they took them to the town. The statues become the town privileges of
cities. People believed them too much. Statues become the center of devotee's
attraction as for their blessing or protection from danger and granting wishes of the
devotees etc.
2) Values of Buddha statues in Thai Society relate to; that of the mind
value as Buddha statues become a refuge the mind of Buddhists. They feel safe,
warmth, peace, and it symbolizes when they are doing good or avoiding from doing
all evil; that of the social value as all of the social and cultural activities of each
provinces are most concerned with statues. Even though people have diversity in
lives still the basic beliefs to spend their life with happiness and united with each
other in society is the same; that of the cultural value as the Buddha statues are the
most respected by the people on creating different tradition and culture from
generation to generation; that of the economics values as the statues bring tourism
for the provinces around the country. It begins with tourist coming to visit the statues.
With the tourists comes the revenue and results in expenditures, jobs, etc. and the
business grows every day. The income spreads to all people who live nearby.
3) Analysis of concepts beliefs and Values of important Buddha statues in
Thai Society found that most of Buddha statues have histories linked to each other.
They are concerned with river routes. They are symbols of cities, people respected
them too much. Statues are the refuge of people's mind. People have belief in the
sacred power of statues as their wishes were granted. In another way, they have been
protected from several dangers, helped them to reach their aims and brought good
luck etc. This behavior is against the principles of Buddhism because the Buddhism
has emphasized on mindfulness. Therefore, Buddhist should take refuge in ourselves,
should not depend on all sacred power from outside, as this is in conflict with
Buddhist discourse. Buddha taught us that taking refuge in ourselves is the way to get
rid of suffering or Nibbana.
Keywords: Concept, Value, Important Buddha Statue