Abstract
The thesis entitled “Analysis of the Buddhist Ethics Criterion Regarding the Fact on Amulets Creation in Thai Society” consists of 3 objectives as 1) to study the concepts of amulets creation in Thai society, 2) to explore the criterion on the basis of Buddhist ethics and 3) to analyze the Buddhist ethics criterion regarding the fact on amulets creation in Thai society. From the study, it can be found that:
The idea of amulets creation in Thai society is for a long time and believed as that with magical power, mercy popularity, a trading fortune, destiny changing, and the rank promoting etc. In Thai society, various types of amulets are respected, considered sacred, and believed able to escape from dangers. Amulets can be divided into two categories: (1) natural amulets; they happen naturally and are believed as sacred objects in themselves and (2) man-made amulets; they are consecrated by magical spells for the sanctity and supernatural power.
In the light of the Buddhist ethics criterion, it is a process to seek answers and to develop it better, and also a process to determine it on the basis of the Buddhist ethics criterion as suitable or unsuitable, right or wrong, good or bad and reasonable or unreasonable. In case of amulets creation in Thai society, the Buddhist ethics criterion can be performed by these solutions:
(1) It is not suitable for the main precepts of Culla-sīla (small precepts), Majjhima-sīla (middle precepts) and Mahā-sīla (the great precepts).
(2) It is not suitable, for it is the Micchā-ājiva (wrong livelihood).
(3) It is not suitable for the Buddhist principle, for not the way to attain Nibbāna (the extinction of all defilements and suffering).
(4) It is not suitable for the Buddhist practice, for not the goal of Nibbāna.
(5) It is not suitable for the Attaññutā (knowing oneself), as the self- reliance and a candle shall shine.
It can be concluded that even the amulets creation is whether suitable or unsuitable, Thai people are still interested in the amulets. So the amulets creation should be a stratagem of accessing Buddhism such as observing the five precepts for adding more power. This shows that the amulets are as symbols, which must be integrated with the Buddhist teachings to increase the encouragement for people who also have intellectual instability.
Last, the Buddhist ethics criterion regarding the fact on amulets creation in Thai society can be said that people who are not mentally strong also want to the reliance for themselves. Therefore, the amulets mixed with the Buddhist teachings can be helpful for the Thai society. It should be pragmatically mentioned that the amulets are not sublime refuges in line with Buddhism, for it cannot break away from the real sufferings.
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