Integrating the Buddhist Dhamma Essence through Community Funerals, Nong Lak Subdistrict, Chaiwan District, Udon Thani Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the funeral rites in Theravada Buddhist scriptures; 2) to study the funeral rites of the community in Nong Lak Sub-district, Chaiwan District, Udon Thani Province; 3) to study the integration of the Buddhist Dhamma through the funeral rites of the community in Nong Lak Sub-district. This is a qualitative study based on the obtained data from documents and key informants, presented by Descriptive Analysis. The research results were as follows: Funeral rites in Theravada Buddhist scriptures: Buddhism views death as a normal part of life. The funeral ceremony in the Buddhist scriptures along with the method of dealing with the corpse is done in a simple way by taking the body for cremation, burying, and discarding it as food for animals or even taking the corpse as a tool for practice to attain the path of fruition. Funeral rites of the community in Nong Lak Sub-district: there is a treatment of the dying patient until the treatment of ashes for merit dedication. At present, it has changed from the original but still holding on to tradition and practices that have been inherited from the past.Integration of the Buddhist Dhamma through the funeral rites of the community in Nong Lak Sub-district: in order to see the Buddhist Dhamma that reflects the value of life, the following Dhammas must be used: 1) mindfulness on death integrated with treatment of the dying patient; 2) Tilakkhaṅa integrated with the treatment of the corpse; 3) Puññakiriyā-Vatthu integrated with funeral chanting and merit-making practices; 4) gratitude integrated with funeral ordination; 5) truthfulness integrated with cremation practice.