ABSTACT

The purposes of the research were on 3 folds to study the Belief in Phra Upagutta in Thai Society : 1) to study biography, character and significance of Phra Upagutta, 2) to study the role of Buddhism’s propagation of Phra Upagutta and  3) to study the Belief in Phra Upagutta in Thai Society.

This study was a documentary research focusing on the study from Buddhism scriptures i.e. Tipitaka, commentaries, related papers, in-depth interview and content analysis.

The results of the research revealed that:

1). In biography of Phra Upagutta, the Buddha predicted “Phra Upagutta would have been the one who propagate Buddhism after 200 years of passing away of the Buddha” then Phra Upagutta protected the religion with the power of his accomplished development so, Buddhist Burmese and Thai have believed that Phra Upagutta is still alive in the present.

Character of Phra Upagutta was a very power disciple and praised as the second Prophet after the Buddha, could suppress the King of Mara in Kama-bhava (the Sense-Sphere) as shown in Lokapanatti, Pathama-sambhodikatha and Asakavadana scriptures.

The significance of Phra Upagutta, he was invited by the King Asoka to take care of the Stupa celebration. He shown the supernatural power to suppress the Mara, which reflected to folk wisdom of ancestors in teaching new generation by bringing the holy thing to the ceremonies such as the inviting ceremony of Phra Upagutta for ritual protection, the tradition of taking alms bowl in full moon and others.

2). The role of Phra Upagutta, he play an important role in inheritance of Buddha-kicca (the Buddha’s duty), which could suppress the King of Mara in Kama-bhava (the Sense-Sphere) included gods, Human, Naga, Devil, Giant and Gandharvas

surrendered to him so, he was widely well-known of people around the cities. He gave a sermon on Buddha-kicca (Buddha’s duty) and described it from easiness to difficulty so, people could appreciate the Dhamma and many achieve the Dhamma. The results of his propagation made many people had a faith in Buddhism and ordained as Buddhist monks, this was memorable role of Phra Upagutta and very honorable around Mathura city.

3). The belief of Buddhists in Thai society on the ceremonies concerned with Phra Upagutta such as tradition and inviting ceremony of Phra Upagutta at the river for ritual protection and tradition of taking alms bowl of Phra Upagutta according to the belief “Phra Upagutta would come to show clemency to animals” anyone offerred foods for Phra Upagutta that one would be lucky and progressive.

The inviting tradition of Phra Upagutta generated and remained in Thai society for a long time. Moreover, it appeared the Buddhist Doctrine caused of values on oneself, family and social in 3 aspects i.e. the values of giving alms, the value of harmony and the value of the quality of being a grateful person.