THE ROLE AND CONNECTION REGION OF PHRASIRIMUNGHALAJARA

Abstract

The purposes of the research were; 1) To study concepts and identities of Phra Sirimankalajarn; 2) To study the role of cultural route connection of Phra Sirimankalajarn and 3) To analyze the relatives influence and works that affected educations, Buddhist propagation and the cultural connection and Buddhist networks making of Phra Sirimankalajarn. This study was a qualitative research by used both document and in-depth interview research. The in-depth interview was used with the 10 subjects (monks, Phrae, Nan, and Chiang Mai population).

The results were found as follow:

The old name of Phra Sirimankalajarn was “Sri Ping Meung”. He was born in Chiang Mai province and ordained when he was 13 years old. After he had ordained, he studied in Phra Bhudvira school. After that, he had come back to Chiang Mai and he was named as Phra Sirimankalajarn and he was the abbot of Jet Yod temple and Suan Dok temple. He passed away between B.E. 2068 and B.E.2078 which was the reign of Pra Meung Ketkao. He wrote 4 Buddhist scriptures; Vetsantorntiepnee, Jakkavantiepnee, Sankayhapoksokdeekha and Mankarattiepanee with the Buddhist concept; 1. The concept of success in Dharma of the Budda 2. The concept of contemporary Buddhist experts 3. The concept of Buddhist inheritance. The important identities were; 1. literature identity 2. Solitude identity and 3. knowledge seeking identity. From the mentioned identities, Phra Sirimankalajarn was considered to be the Lanna expert and his valuable works were considered to be useful in Buddhism nowadays.

His literature was considered to be the important role in preserving Buddhism, especially, in education. His scriptures, which were considered to be the medium in order to connect the cultural and educational ways and also the Buddhist propagation, were accepted worldwide. It had also translated from Phali to Lanna language and to Thai language. This works had showed the cultural connection and the propagation of Phra Sirimankalajarn.

His literature had played influential role the Education, Buddhist propagation and the cultural connection and Buddhist networks making, especially, in the Education aspect. Nowadays, his work is Mankalatheppanee is brought to be the Phali curriculum in the highest level of Buddhist dhamma 4,5,7. Moreover, his works is translated in many languages. At present time, his works, especially, Phra Vetsandorntheppanee and Mankalathepanee are considered to be the basis of Thai culture, especially in Lanna. Lanna people believe that if they listen to 13 Mahachat sermons, they will be birth in the period of Phra Sri Areeya Methai period. Also, Mankalathepanee proposes the way of being good person through Buddhism. Therefore, his works are not only the Buddhist propagation but also the way of living in order to achieve the real goal, that are the peace both mind and body keeping.