สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

88 The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume III - 2011 88 The Buddha Images: Faith of Lanna, Intellectual Power of the Beliefs and Relationship with the Northern Communities The Myths of Buddha Image in the Northern Thailand Lanna people have considered ç Buddha image é or ç Buddha sculpture é as the center of faith in the community. For them, the Buddha image is not only a sculpture representing the Lord Buddha; but the sculpture can also give miracle phenomena of the profane. Although this is not exactly the concept of Buddhism, it possesses the idea of folk Buddhism. Therefore, the Buddhism concept in this sense is related to the miracles and the supernatural power of the Lord Buddha; especially, the power in protecting cities and people from all devils and damages. The myths of sacred Buddha image in Lanna culture found in several areas are supportive to such idea of supernatural power; for example, the power of providing water, rain, and fruitfulness. This supernatural power of the Buddha will be executed only by request through worship and/or rituals. This role of Buddha image is related to how Lanna people live their lives. It also indicates the strong relationship between the Buddha image and those people. The image plays its role as a symbol of Buddhism, a powerful religion that can bring peace and fruitfulness to the community. Lanna people also have the concept that the Buddha image plays other roles; for example, the role of fortune-teller, and the treatment for sickness. This is based on the belief that the image is related to the fortune forecast and the capability in treatment for sickness. Such concept is widely spread in the north and the northeast of Thailand, including in the ethnic groups of Tai Lue, Tai Khuen, and Laos which can be evident in many temples in those areas. This belief of the Buddha image has influenced the ways of life of Tai ethnic people, who are Buddhist, as well as people in Lanna. In Lanna culture from the past to the present, people have strongly placed their faith on the Buddha image. This highly sacred tradition of casting Buddha statue had significantly linked to the political success. The worship of the Buddha image might bring victory to the city, signaled the political authority, led the city to have more colonies, and brought good luck to the rulers. This idea is corresponding to the belief of many Tai ethnic groups which express their faith by in making the Buddha Image with the Gesture of Subduing Mara. It was believed that the person who did worship of such sculpture would overcome all enemies due to the sacredness of the image. Amulets of small Buddha were also made to protect the soldiers during the war time. This is the reason why Buddha image can access into every level of social class, from the ordinary people 86-97_mac9 4/26/12, 9:08 PM 88