LuangPuYai (Great Grandfather) : Motto, Beliefs and Influences in the Isan Community Context

Abstract

Culture refers to the shaping of goodness, the beauty of all things in society that is chosen to value the way of people who must live in harmony and peace. The beliefs of people have an influence on the formation of a beautiful culture, folklore education, or belief, so sociologists are to focus on it. LuangPuYai is a Buddha image that the community of Ban Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai sub-district, Pho Chai district, RoiEt province has worshiped as a representative of the sacred Buddha, where the deities reside in the Buddha image. Therefore, the objectives of this research (1) study the history of LuangPuYai in a community context, (2); analyze beliefs and influences in the community context. This research was conducted at Ban Chiang Community, Chiang Mai Sub-District, Pho Chai District, RoiEt Province using the qualitative research method. The research tools were in-depth interviews with samples using a purposive sampling method: (1) the Mayor, (2) Headman, (3) Village Committee, (4) Folk scholars, (5) People's representatives, (6) religious scholars, and (7) monks, including 23 people. Data collection including studies, related documents, and interviews. The data were analyzed by content analysis. The research results found that; (1) LuangPuYai has a long history, which he always shows empirical miracles to the villagers. The villagers say that this Buddha image was placed underground in the forest of Ton Ket in the vicinity of the community where the villagers met at the time of the establishment of the village, so they were placed in a suitable place. Later, the villagers had finished building the the chapel (Xubos̄t̄h) and brought LuangPuYai to enshrine at Wat Si Saket (Temple), and Today, this Buddha image is popularly referred to as "LuangPuYai". (2) People in the community have a strong belief in this Buddha image, thus respecting, believing and adhering to the Buddhist teachings of Buddhism until it has evolved into a traditional custom, which has an annual ritual of the community which is the identity of The local people continue to this day. It also results in a peaceful, peaceful life, free from disease and other misfortunes.