ANALYSIS OF BUDDHIST BELIEFS AND DOCTRINE IN PHI TALOK’S CEREMONIAL TRADITION INFLUENCING PEOPLE'S LIFESTYLE IN THAPLA SUBDISTRICT, THAPLA DISTRICT, UTTARADIT PROVINCE

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to 1) investigate the history and background of Phi Talok ceremonial tradition, 2) explore its associated beliefs and Buddhist doctrines, and 3) analyze how these beliefs and Buddhist doctrines influence the lifestyles of people in Tha Pla subdistrict, Tha Pla district, Uttaradit province. The data were collected from 20 key informants.

The results were as follows:

1. The Phi Talok ceremonial tradition is part of Mahajati Preaching tradition held at the end of the Buddhist Lent festival and during mass ordination ceremonies, where participants dress up as bulging-eyed ghosts. The individual wearing Phi Talok mask invites Phra Mae Thorani and prays for blessings from the celestial deities. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Phi Talok performer invites Buddhist monks to sprinkle holy water for auspiciousness.

2. Phi Talok tradition is rooted in beliefs of sanctity, protection, abundance, and career advancement. Because the merit-making is dedicated to deceased relatives, the tradition remains deeply integrated into the community’s way of life. Furthermore, this tradition demonstrates gratitude toward ancestors, a sense of moral shame (Hiri-Ottappa), community participation, mindfulness, and the commitment to refraining from evil.

3. Phi Talok ceremonial tradition serves as a model for applying Buddhist beliefs and doctrines to promote healthy family relationships, interdependence, career advancement, and the preservation of community identity and creative local wisdom. Integrating Bhavana into Phi Talok tradition enhances its spiritual and emotional value, fostering self-awareness, positive expression, spiritual security, and understanding of the truth of life.