สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

«“√ “√ √“™∫— ≥±‘ µ¬ ∂“π ªï ∑’Ë Û ©∫— ∫∑’Ë Û °.§.-°.¬. ÚıÙ¯ 733 Lertsiri Bovornkitti In general, the meaning of “spirituality” is profound, and be- yond physical dimensions, thus relating to the philosophical and abstract. “Spirituality” in Thai culture is strongly connected with the spir- itual values of religion and the spir- ituality of nature, as opposed to attachment to what is material and to the corporeal. Moreover, the Thai notions of “spirituality” are deeply connected with the spirit of the “soul”. “Spirituality” in the Thai Context Thai people have long been associated with spiritualism. This is due to the numerous mystic ele- ments, folk beliefs and more formal sacred beliefs that are deeply em- bedded in Thai culture. It is true that mystical power and the sacredness of the unknown still have some effect on the life of Thai people even in this century, when science and technology are influencing every aspect of living. The majority of Thai people believe in the world of spirits, where one cannot under- stand without having real expe- rience. In conjunction with the percep- tion of “spirituality” as a value that is opposed to sensuality or world- liness, or simply as mind as op- posed to body, Thai people also connect the word “spiritual” with the ideas of the “sacred” in religion. In the context of religion, they think of spirituality as an extension of Buddhist values, as well as in terms of the sacredness of Buddhism. Buddhism as a Thai cultural signifier has been the greatest source in the search for spiritual wisdom for the Thai people. They are familiar with the teachings of Buddhism and of the Buddhist values that influence their way of living. These values are elementary to the moral and ethical standards of Thai culture. Buddhist values underline the Thai “moral” practices in relation to the law of karma that encourage kan-tham- di (right action). This is how human response to spiritual awareness works: Buddhist teachings create moral and ethical values in human thought and therefore influence all human behaviour. The term “spirituality” is in- tangible and is connected with the sacred nature of Thai religion. The idea and meaning of “spirituality” has become established as a philo- sophical doctrine, upholding and supporting the meaning of life. Through a strong manifestation of religious thought in the Thai cultural system, most Thai people comprehend “spirituality” by way of these Buddhist values. The search for balance and harmony in life through spiritual values is also an alternative to oppositional values caused by worldly problems and struggles. Art and Spirituality The world is changing radically as we advance into the “Information Age”, central to contemporary globalisation. World economics (as opposed to regional economics) is becoming increasingly para- mount, creating a more competitive and self-conscious world. Con- sumerism is now a dominant global principle that blatantly encourages material values above all offers. Thai people have been drawn towards this consumerist culture, becoming ever more concerned with the comfort and luxury accessible through material gains. But many believe passionately that there must be a balance between the material world and the spiritual world. In society at large, there is a great need for an alternative to the dominance of the culture of consumerism. Optimistically, globalisation also creates an awareness of the integrity of the world’s religions, languages, and cultures. Many deve- loping countries are encouraged to preserve their art and culture regardless of economic change. In principle, the visual arts are closely associated with the spiritual- ity of the Thai people. Consequently, art is one area that is directly related to their inner feelings and expres- sions. Prinya Tantisuk (1998), a lecturer at Silpakorn University, believes that art gives aesthetic ex- pression to the inner thoughts and feelings of the artist (interview with the artist, 1999). He said that his art brings his audiences closer to virtue, the reflection of his idea of aesthetic value. Thus, his art is a means of fulfilling the aesthetics, which is in turn viewed as a way of expressing spirituality. Spiritual awareness is undoubt-