ABSTRACT

Analytical   Study of   Katha  in  Theravada  Buddhist  Philosophy   Conceived by  Thai  Society

aimed to (1) study the concept of Katha (Buddhist Montra or incantations) in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy  (2) to examine perceptions and beliefs in Katha in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy of Thai society, and  (3) to analyze the influence of Katha in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy on Thai Society. The study showed the following results:

                      The concept of Katha (Buddhist Montra or incantations) in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy. Most Thai people are interested in Katha in Theravada Buddhist philosophy. By definition in Tipitaka, Katha refers to incantations or chanting of Montra to upheld the grace and glory of Lord Buddha  and provide blessings for a prosperous and happy life. The perceptions of and beliefs in Katha had its origin in fears of natural disasters and supernatural or divine beings. Prayers and chanting are differently offered for safety and blessings depending on personal perceptions and beliefs, but the important principles are based on Buddhism. Many types of Katha had been classified and compiled in Tipitaka, its commentaries and sub-commentaries; some of them were composed later with no regard of Pali grammar, but still based on Lord Buddha’s words, and they were mostly composed for mental peace and life safety. Thai people believe that the proper chanting of Katha or incantations can result in personal and family happiness, safety, prosperity, peace, and success. Chanting of Katha was mostly performed in melodious Pali verses on various religious and cultural occasions. The main purposes of Katha chanting or incantations are for an individual or a group of individuals to have peace of mind and wisdom, and to maintain and continue the teachings of Lord Buddha in the tradition of Theravada Buddhism.

                      The concept of Katha (Buddhist Montra or incantations) in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy in Thai society. Since Thai society had accepted Brahmanism and animism before Buddhism, perceptions of and beliefs in Katha derived from different sources. But after Thai people embraced Buddhism, they followed Buddhist ways of perceiving and chanting Katha. They also believed that inappropriate chanting of Katha can cause harms and undesirable results, and that those who chant Katha must observe the Five Precepts, failing which can lead to degradation of Katha and other evil effects.

                         Analysis of the influence of Katha in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy on Thai Society. The perceptions and beliefs in Katha have been quite influential and strong due to its many origins and sources, mainly from these two sources: (1) internal sources, and (2) external sources. Most perceptions and beliefs are related to or involved supernatural power, divine interventions, and miracles, which exert strong influence on lives of the Thai people. That is the main reason they have to learn to chant Katha for protecting themselves and their family. As things stand today, the chanting of Katha and various forms of incantations are used for personal gains and benefits, sometimes in a wrong or dangerous way; instead of  working things out by themselves, they tend to pray or chant to get what they want. However, if we also follow the teaching of Lord Buddha, we can practice the chanting of Katha as a stepping stone to attain higher peace, wisdom, and enlightenment as well. Moreover, we can continue the teachings of Theravada Buddhism through the study of Katha and apply its influence or relevance for the benefits and welfare of people and society as a whole.