ANALYZING BELIEF OF WORSHIPING VESSAVAṆA OF PEOPLE IN MUEANG PHRAE DISTRICT, PHRAE PROVINCE

Abstract

          This study aimed to 1. study the historical background of Vessavaṇa in Buddhism; 2. investigate the beliefs regarding Buddhist worship; and 3. analyze the beliefs ofVessavaṇa worship of people living in Mueang Phrae district, Phrae province. Documentary research and qualitative research methods were employed to collect data from key informants. The results were as follows: 1. Vessavaṇa is one of the Four Heavenly Kings (Cāturmahārājika), governing the northern celestial realm and overseeing the yakshas. He is recognized as a Sotāpanna (stream-enterer) with unwavering faith in Buddhism and deep reverence for the Triple Gem. He is a role model of virtue through generosity, moral discipline, and meditation. 2. The teachings on faith in Buddhism are based on reason and logic, emphasizing belief in what is worthy to believe. True faith is guided by rationality and consists of four aspects: Kamma-saddhā, Vipāka-saddhā, Kammassakatā-saddhā, Tathāgatabodhi-saddhā. Worship in Buddhism is an expression of respect and devotion to the Triple Gem, which is categorized into two forms: Āmisa-bhūjā (material offerings) and Paṭipatti-bhūjā (practice-based worship). 3. The belief in Vessavaṇa  worship of people living in Mueang Phrae district relates to Buddhist belief as follows: (1) Kamma-saddhā – practicing moral conduct within ethical boundaries; (2) Vipāka-saddhā – performing meritorious deeds based on the principles of merit-making; (3) Kammassakatā-saddhā – doing good and refraining from evil; and (4) Tathāgatabodhi-saddhā – upholding virtue and maintaining faith in Buddhism. It corresponds to Buddhist worship practices, which include: (1) Āmisa-bhūjā – offering prayers and setting one's mind with firm devotion to Buddhism as an act of veneration and (2) Paṭipatti-bhūjā – practicing Buddhist teachings, maintaining mindfulness in daily life to ward off dangers, and cultivating wisdom for work and personal growth, leading to life prosperity.