Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the background of Vessantara Jātaka; 2) to explore the content in Dāna Kaṇḍa (Chapter on Giving) of Vessantara Jātaka, Sroy Noi Thao Luem Lhan edition; and 3) to analyze Dāna in Dāna Kaṇḍa (Chapter on Giving) of Vessantara Jātaka, Sroy Noi Thao Luem Lhan edition. The study employed a qualitative research method from documents and in-depth interviews with 15 key informants who were population in the area of Lom Rad Subdistrict. The acquired data were analyzed and presented by descriptive analysis.
From the study, it is found that Vessantara Jātaka happened during the Buddha's lifetime when he traveled to Kapilavastu. It occurred in Thailand during the Ayutthaya period, which was initiated by King Songtham or Intharacha III. It was afterwards revised by Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai, or King Rama II, who stated that many national literatures from King Songtham's time had been lost and dispersed. The royal Vessantara Jtaka was revised under King Rama II for monks to use in expounding the Dhamma from then until this very day, and it is known as "Mahājātakadesanā or the Great Birth Sermon.
The content of Dāna Kaṇḍa (Chapter on Giving) in Vessantara Jātaka, Sroy Noi Thao Luem Lhan Edition that was compiled by Ñāṇasampaṇṇo is divided into 4 points: 1) Queen Phusatī expressed her wish to King Sañjaya; 2) Prince Vessantara gave away the Gift of the Seven Hundreds; 3) Maddī together with Jāli and Kanhājinā followed Prince Vessantara to Mount Vamka; and 4) Prince Vessantara gave away his chariot and horses to Jujaka.
The Suttas appeared in Dāna Kaṇḍa (Chapter on Giving) in Vessantara Jātaka are as follows: 1) Dānavaggo; 2) Paṭhamadāna 8; 3) Asappurisadāna; 4) Sappurisadāna 5; 5) Sappurisadāna 8; 6) Puññakiriyavatthu; 7) Kāladānasutta; 8) Bhojanasutta; and 9) Kindadasutta.