The aims of this research paper were: 1) to study the concept of worlds (bhava) in the Tipiṭaka; 2) to study the concept of worlds in the Triphum Phra Ruang literature; 3) to analyze the concept of worlds in the Triphum Phra Ruang literature as appeared in the Tipiṭaka. The gathered data were interpreted by the descriptive analysis based on the analytic induction method.
The research results were as follows:
1) The concept of worlds in the Tipiṭaka relates to the explanation of the three realms in which the beings take birth called ‘ti-bhumi or three worlds’: 1) Kāma-bhumi (sensual realm), the worlds of the beings in the sensual cycle, such as hells, human world and heavens; 2) Rūpa-bhumi (form realm) called ‘brahmaloka), the worlds existing beyond the Paraminmitvasavattī heaven; 3) Arūpa-bhumi (formless realm), the worlds of formless beings.
2) The Triphum Phra Ruang is the Buddhist literature influencing Thai people. It was written in Sukhothai period by the first Mahadhammaraja (Phrayalithai) with the essence describing the belief in hells, heavens and the cycle of birth and death and shapes of the worlds categorized in three parts: Kāmabhumi, Rūpabhumi and Arūpabhumi.
3) The concept of worlds in the Triphum Phra Ruang literature as appeared in the Tipiṭaka relates to the description of the worlds with some differences. The focus in the Tipiṭaka is based on the explanation of the cycle of birth and death causing the suffering, and doctrine of cessation of suffering or nibbāna. The aim of the instruction of the worlds in the Triphum Phra Ruang is to support the governance by teaching Thai people to have good behaviors to create peace in the society.
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