ABSTRACT

This research aims to study (1) King of Naga in Theravâda  Buddhism, (2) beliefs about King of Naga in Thai society, and (3) the influence of beliefs about King of Naga impacting on Thai society.The results are found as follows:

The King of Naga in Theravada Buddhism scriptures means excellence, and free from sin. Besides, it is purer than all humans. According to Buddhism evidence, there are 10.24 species of King of Naga from four families: Wrulpukkha with golden body, Erapuktha with green body, Chuppayaputta with rainbow body, and Kunhakottama with dark body. King of Naga from Wirulpukkha with golden body is more powerful than King of Naga from other families and it is one of four Great Kings who govern the west of Jatummaharachika heaven. According to Sunsakit scriptures, Naga was born from Mrs. Kutru or Mrs.Surasa and a hermit called Kussayabrahma. It is a kind of an animal which is born from eggs. Naga is called according to where it is born. It is called Chalacha when it is born in the water. It is called Thalacha when it is born on the land. There are two kinds of Naga. The first one is Naga who is engaged in sexual intercourse. The second one is Naga who abstains from sexual intercourse. The reason to be born as Naga is from the power of merit mixed with desires.

Beliefs about King of Naga in Thai society are found that the king of Naga is half animal and half Deva with supernatural power to transform themselves to be human or animals. Besides, the king of Naga is a symbol of water and abundance. Naga can give benefits such as curing the sickness, giving good luck, and maintaining Buddhism. But, for the bad effect, Naga can make people sick, and block various ceremonious activities. Many people in Thai society believe the story of Naga. They are  Popuin (the grand father who is called “In”), and Luangpu Mun Puritutto. Popuin (at Putumyae mountain), Pukthongchai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province said that King of Naga transformed his body as a human and donated money to construct a church. Luangpu Mun Puritutto claimed that King of Naga is real which can be both mistaken  and right view. King of Naga with right view will like to listen to Dhamma, in contrast, King of Naga with mistaken view will hinder Dhamma practice. Luangpu Mun Puritutto told about King of Naga he met during his Dhamma lecturing resulting in assuredness of  King of Naga in Thai society.

The influence of beliefs about King of Naga impacting on Thai society. Thai art work gets the influence and beliefs both from the people widely accepted in Thai society and from Buddha’s life. Once up a time, when Buddha left the Daowadung heaven. Deva created the rainbow ladder by magic for Buddha. At the same time, two Kings of Nagas used their back to support the rainbow ladder. So, Thai society believes that King of Nagas have fortune because they used their back to support Buddha. The culture of Naga ordination, fire boat release, and rainfall praying in Thai society is from the influence and beliefs about King of Naga. People believe that King of Naga can give people both good and bad things. About the magic beliefs especially the beliefs of Lanna people, the direction where King of Naga sleeps is taken for asking the land to build up the house, and asked for the rain. According to Buddhism story, King of Naga protect the most important Buddhism areas such as Prathatpanom, and Prathatmahawan. So, the influence of Naga Kings has impacted on Thai society from the past to the present