Abstract

             This thesis consisted of three purposes. They were to (1) study the belief of merit in Theravada Buddhism, (2) study the belief on the results of merit in Thai society, and (3) analyze the belief on the results of merit in Thai society

             The results of study were found as follows:

The belief of merit in Theravada Buddhism was originally rooted from the belief according to the faith which was a basic faith in Buddhism. The belief or faith was an action with good reasons and good intention. The main identity of merit was happiness and far away from tragedy. Merit came from abstaining from all evils, completing the good deed, and purifying the mind. The pattern of making merit or good deed and collecting merit according to Buddhism belief was giving alms, keeping Sila (precepts), and meditating. Sticking to the rules of Bunkiriayawathu referred to the location of merit. There were three rules of making merit. They were (1)Thannamai, making merit by giving, (2) Silamai, making merit by keeping Sila (precepts), and (3) Bhawanamai, making merit by meditating or training the heart for developing intelligence.

The belief on the results of merits in Thai society was giving alms, keeping Sila, and meditating which were steps of Buddhism ceremony. Merit happened because of self-action. Whereas the results of merit came from the wish of happiness in the current life, mental happiness, and happiness in the future world (paradise) by believing that their action was making merit and getting mental happiness from doing these activities. The pattern of Buddhism ceremony would be a very vital base for people to make more merit.

             Analysis of the belief on the results of merit in Thai society related to merit for themselves and for others. The results from interviewing the experts, Dhamar trainers, general people in Amphoe Nonghong , Burirum Province were found that the majority of people believed that making merit would lead to a better life. Moreover, merit would be a supporter both in this world and next world. Merit was caused of physical, verbal, and mental behaviors. The results of giving alms, keeping Sila, and meditating would result in a happy life both in the current life and the life in the future.

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