Searching for Systematization of Ancient Scriptures Conservation of Temples and Lanna Wisdom Relay for Building Local Learning Resource of Nan Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to study the history of the collection of ancient Bai Laan (palm leaves) scriptures in Nan province. 2) to transfer the knowledge written in Lanna’s ancient Bai Laan scriptures into present Thai language which is more accessible for academicians or anyone interested in this area. 3) to conserve and restore remaining Lanna’s Bai Laan scriptures in the community; and to record the content into the information using new technology. 4) In order to transfer the wisdom written in the scriptures, therefore this research has to be qualitative - Bai Laan ancient scriptures are collected from temples located in Nan province as well as information gathering from documents, books, academic journal, related articles, research reports, online database, and electronic publications. Research results were: 1) It was found that Bai Laan ancient scriptures are important documents for Lanna people, which are precious to the society. The scriptures are valuable historical evidences as well as cultural and academic heritage. Other than that, the scriptures were used to record the words of Lord Buddha. 2) The transcribed content of Muang Nan Bai Laan including 15 scriptures those. 3) For the Bai Laan scriptures conservation and restoration, there is a scripture’s inspection call “Kud Tham” which is the observation and conservation of Bai Laan scriptures scattering around the region kept in temples. “Kud Tham” is the process of examining, counting, and recording Bai Laan scriptures in order to know the certain number of the scriptures, the title of the scriptures, as well as the condition of the scripture. 4) The relaying of wisdom from Bai Laan scriptures, Bai Laan scriptures - the Lanna’s important documents, recorded stories and noteworthy events from the past telling a lot of history to descendants.