ABSTRACT

                        This thesis covers three objectives: to study of Bankongmon people belief in Paritta chanting for life-prolonging, to study ritual practices in Parittachanting for life-prolonging of the Sangha in Bankongmon temple, and to study the respective results of ritual practices in Parittachanting for life-prolonging of the Sangha in Bankongmon temple. However, this thesis is conducted based on qualitative research methodology, documentary research, field work approaches, and critical analysis.

                        The result of study found that Paritta chanting for life-prolonging was one of the long-traditional practices of Bankongmon people. It was organized based on the belief of eliminating bad luck and evil things.

                        For the accessory of ritual practices in Paritta chanting for life-prolonging of the Sangha in Bankongmon temple consisted of setting an altar table by directing the face of the Buddha statue in the same direction of the Sangha who came to chant; offering drinking water to the Sangha; the Sangha who were invited to chant must prevent from eating meat; and lay people were required to observe five precepts accordingly. The Suttas that were selected to be chanted in this ritual practices were MettaSutta, RattanaSutta, DhachagaSutta…etc.

                        For the respective results of ritual practices in Paritta chanting for life-prolonging of the Sangha in Bankongmon temple were: encouraging the people not to be fear of bad luck and evil things; strength psychological health of the participants and that of holistic health as the whole; and to enhance the confidence in earning living.