Dynamics and Adaptation of Isan Sermons in Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study Isan sermons 2) to study Isan sermons in Maha Sarakham Province 3) to study the dynamics and adaptation of Isan sermons in Maha Sarakham province. This study was carried out by means of qualitative research by studying the documents and the fieldwork study. A group of key informants in the in-depth interview included 25 participants. The tool used for data collection was the interview form. The obtained data were interpreted by Descriptive Analysis.  The research results were as follows: Isan sermons: the Isan sermon or ‘Thet-Lea’ originated from the preaching of Isan idioms. It is a tale of Dhamma chapter or literature of the Northeastern region, which was composed as a poem with a melody, a short sound, a long sound, a high tone and a low sound. The word ‘Lea’ comes from one section or chapter of a sermon poem. In that sermon poem, at the end of a sermon, it ends with the word ‘Nan-Lea’. So, the word ‘Lea’ is derived from ‘Nan-Lea’.Isan sermons in Maha Sarakham Province: the content of the sermons comes from tales, Dhammapada, literature, and stories, and is then composed into fairy tales according to values and beliefs. ‘Klon Lea’ is an Isan accent which has a melodious melody. It also conceals the principles of Buddhist Dhammas in relations to Puññakiriyā-Vatthu (Bases of Meritorious Action), Gratitude, Merit and Demerit and Kamma, which are popular in Isan society from the past to the present.

Dynamics and adaptation of Isan sermons in Maha Sarakham Province: when society has changed, the styles, teachers, learners, content or melodies of sermons and poems must be adjusted to suit the times: 1) change and adaptation of Isan sermons; 2) change and adjustment of teaching and learning of the Isan sermons; 3) change and adjustment of the melody of Isan sermons; 4) change and adjustment of the content of the Isan sermons, etc.