Abstract

   The thesis consists of 3 objectives as: 1) to study the concept of Metteyya in Buddhist Scripture, 2) to analyse the belief and influence of Metteyya in Thai society and 3) to make an analytical study on the path leading to Metteyya’s realm.

   The result revealed that the Gomatama Buddha had prophesied that Metteyya would be appeared on earth, if men have a life expectancy of 80,000 years. The word ‘Metteyya’ implied for mother or mittā and another implied for ‘mettā’ which mean loving-kindness or friendship. Metteyya currently resides in the Tusita Heaven known as Natha Devaputta waiting for descends to the human realm to become Buddha when Dhamma of the present Buddha has been mostly forgotten on Earth. Persons who wish to be born in period of Metteya, they must develop the ten wholesome course of actions or Kusala-kammapatha or and completed by listening Vensantara Jataka within a day and utterly refrain from Anantariya-Kamma or uninterrupted and uninterruptible results.

   The belief of Metteya in Thailand has been first found Dvaravati culture (12-16 Buddhist centuries). It has begun from the Buddhist Canon, Commentaries and Anakatavaṃsa or the future Buddha. The concept of Metteya has long been developed in the different cultures and historical background. The concept of Metteya has been changed differently by the region and local culture since Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin period respectively.

   The influence of Metteya belief has affected to the Thai society in various dimensions such as the arts. As it can be seen in the sculpture of Metteya, which was developed from the form of hermit or Rishi, the form of Deva and the form of Buddhist monks at the present time. Regarding to the literary influence, it can be seen from the Metteya’s stanza for worshiping, the belief in Yantra of the five Buddhas and the psalmist praises for the Metteya.

   The concept of the Metteya in the future and in the present, it can be applied to social development by carrying the general concept of Metteya and its belief and influence to place as the aim of social development then apply the doctrines which appear in Metteya’s concept to adapt with the appropriate situations.

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