สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume III - 2011 87 Pathom Hongsuwan concept of Buddha image is a very interesting issue in studying local wisdom, value, and the distinguishing aspects which are reflected through folklore; especially, the myth of Buddha image from Lanna peopleûs perception. The study of the roles and the meaning of Lanna peopleûs belief in Buddha image does not only help to explain Lanna cultural context, it also helps clarify the local human mind which is of benefit to the young generation in continuing their ancestorsû intellectual force. It can be said that the religious belief or çspiritual sourceé is one of the effective factors in promoting the potentials of community. Such faith is significant in explaining cultural context which indicates how local people develop their thinking process. In the present social condition, there are Buddha images found in hotels which are called çhotel Buddha imageé. The images are used for decorating hotel rooms, lobby, and gardens. The religious arts usually found in Buddhist temples are also found in a hotel, bathrooms, bedrooms, and convention halls. There are many opinions widely made towards this social phenomenon. The situation reflects that the society has been changing to the era of çglobalizationé where people do not pay attention to the cultural structure which may lead to the conflicts and other related problems. The researcher, therefore, decided to find the answer to the question on the system of the belief in ç Buddha image é which would reflect the ways of life in Thai culture including what Lanna people have in their mind. Through the local wisdom perspective, it is hopeful that the younger generation will treasure the value and the importance of the culture root which is a heritage that has been passed on from generation to generation till now. The emphasis and the explanation on the meaning of the Buddha image through narratives, myths, traditions, rituals, and related beliefs may lead to the more understanding on the meaning of the Buddha image in the community point of view. Moreover, the study of the myth of Buddha image which is called çmyth of Godé is rarely found. The study area is 8 provinces located in Lanna community, and the work is scoped only on the study of the most important and the most well-known Buddha images in the study area, and the clues of the belief related to those Buddha images are still found. I will now present how to analyze the myths of Buddha image in terms of meaning and symbol related to the social structure in the Lanna context. 86-97_mac9 4/26/12, 9:08 PM 87