A STUDY OF BELIEF IN DEVAS IN LANNA SOCIETY

Abstract

The research explores how the beliefs in Devas influent Lanna society. The objectives of this study are 1) to study about Deities in Tripitaka. the Buddhist scripture. 2) to examine the influence of the belief in Devas in Lanna society and 3) to analyze how the belief in Deities affects Lanna society by exploring from various academic works in Buddhism and interviewing many experts individually.

The results of the study have shown that the meaning of Devas in Buddhism refers to a group of non-human beings who live in the heavens called Deva Lokas. A god is called Deva and a goddess is called Devi. They live in Chakamapajorn. the six heavenly spheres. which means the realm of desire. These beings still indulge in their desires. They are stuck in the incarnation cycle as ordinary human beings. Furthermore. Devas in Buddhism are also classified into three classes which are Sommutthithep. Aubatthithep. and Visutthithep. The emergence of the Devas depends on the merits and the moral shame and fear of wrongdoing. Hiri and Ottappa they have accumulated over lifetimes. Those will bring them to arise in different heavens where they can enjoy their angelic treasure. However. Devas can also be extinguished from the heavens if their merit or life in heaven is depleted.

That concept of belief in Deva that appears in Thai society was influenced by beliefs from ancestors in ancient times which comes from the evolution of spiritual beliefs in nature. This causes belief in the spirit of deuce. goddess nymphs. in accordance with the principles of traditional beliefs and Hindu Brahmanism therefore creating relationships in each society. In Lanna influenced from Deva by various aspects. including: 1. Traditions and rituals such as sacrifice to The Four deva of Heaven. 2. Literary aspects. such as Jataka spells. Introduction to offering sacrifice. 3. Fine arts such as wall art work or Stucco sculpture. 4. Faith. such as vowing and blessing.