A Study of Buddhist Doctrine In Khao Thip Stirring Tradition of People In Phaya Man Subdistrict, Phichai District, Uttaradit Province

Abstract

The research consisted of the following objectives: 1) to study the background of Khao Thip Stirring tradition of Wat Ban Dong, Phaya Man subdistrict, Phichai district, Uttaradit province; 2) to study the Buddhist doctrine appeared in Khao Thip Stirring tradition of Wat Ban Dong, Phaya Man subdistrict, Phichai district, Uttaradit province; and 3) to analyze the values of Khao Thip Stirring tradition of Wat Ban Dong, Phaya Man subdistrict, Phichai district, Uttaradit province. The study applied qualitative research method by means of in-depth interview with 20 persons. The acquired data were analyzed according to the research objectives.

The results of the research are found as follows:

1) Khao Thip Stirring tradition of Wat Ban Dong, Phaya Man subdistrict, Phichai district, Uttaradit province is a tradition derived from the story of Sujātā offered Madhupayasa (rice gruel with milk) to the Buddha. In order to recollect the Buddha and the event that Sujātā stirred up Khao Thip on the 15^th day of the waxing moon and offered to the Buddha one day before his enlightenment, Buddhists come together to stir up Khao Thip as an offering to the Buddha and to honor him with gratitude. Khao Thip or Madhupayasa is believed to be auspicious to those who successfully finish the ceremony as well as those who consume it. They will be blessed with fortune and free from disease and disaster. Khao Thip Stirring tradition of Wat Ban Dong was first held on Monday, 13^th May B.E. 2500 (year 1957) on the 15^th day of the waxing moon in the 6^th lunar moon and fell on Vesak Day by Luangpor Samnieng Srisunthon (Phrakru Wirutsilawat), the former abbot of Wat Ban Dong and the Ecclesiastical Phichai District Official. Based on the evidence in Buddhism on Madhupayasa or what the villagers call Khao Thip, it is a unique dish of Uttaradit province and help to stop disease in the body. At present, Khao Thip Stirring tradition is held between 17 – 18 May of every year.

2) The Buddhist doctrine appeared in Khao Thip stirring tradition of Wat Ban Dong, Phaya Man subdistrict, Phichai district, Uttaradit province is as follows: 1) Saddhā refers to a belief that is based on cause and effect; 2) Sāmaggī refers to unity or cooperation of people in organizing the ceremony; 3) Dāna refers to giving or sacrifice whether it is materials or ingredients in organizing the ceremony, or physical, intellectual, and financial support for the ceremony; 4) Pañca-sīla and Pañca-dhamma refer to the abstention from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants during the ceremony; 5) Kataññutā refers to the expression of gratitude through the ceremony towards the Buddha and Luangpor Samnieng Srisunthon, including the departed related; 6) Patience as the participants of the ceremony will have to endure the heat and smoke from the stove or fireplace therefore they must have patience, harmony, and skills in order to successfully complete the ceremony; and 7) Preservation of the tradition that has been carried on for a long time and received support from the villagers every year.

3) The values of Khao Thip stirring tradition of Wat Ban Dong, Phaya Man subdistrict, Phichai district, Uttaradit province consist of the following 5 aspects: 1) On family by providing opportunity for family members and relative to meet; 2) On society by building cooperation among community members from working together between people and various organizations in the community; 3) On custom and tradition by inheriting the more than 60-year tradition from ancestors; 4) On religion by inheriting Buddhism whether on the life of the Buddha or the Buddhist doctrine as a way of life; 5) On economy by stimulating the economic system within the community through the opening of shops around the ceremony as well as giving people the opportunity to worship and eat Khao Thip, to bring the acquired requisites to maintain the lodging of monks and novices, and to cultivate as the learning center on tradition.