Buddhist Monk Preachers: A Study of Preaching Arts for Increasing Faith in Buddhism of Isan People

Abstract

Problem statement: Currently people in general dislike listening to dharma because they view that it is only a ritual. Three major reasons why people dislike listening to dharma include: preachers themselves, preaching contents and presenting methods. The reasons as mentioned can cause people not to like listening to dharma. Faith in Buddhism gradually decreases. Purposes: To examine the background of preaching in Isan society, to examine current conditions and problems of Isan people and to investigate the uses of preaching arts for increasing faith in Buddhism of Isan people. Approach: The qualitative research methodology was used. Documentary date and field data were collected. Research instruments included: a survey form, an interview form, an observation form, focus group discussion and workshop. Research area covered the Provinces of KhonKaen, Maha Sarakham and Roi-Ed. The sample consisted of 60 informants. The collected data were checked using the triangulation technique and were analyzed mainly upholding the research purposes. Then the research findings were presented by means of a descriptive analysis. Results: Preaching began in the period of the Lord Buddha. The Lord Himself was the preaching initiator. Later, holy Buddhist monks, His followers, were preachers of sermons to people in general and the preaching has been practiced in adherence endlessly up to present. As for the background of preaching in Isan, its age cannot be certainly determined. When the preaching began and who the initiator was unknown. However, it is surely believed that Isan people have accepted and believed in Buddhism since the ancient time. They have adhered to Buddhism endlessly. The Buddhism monks are preachers. According to the available evidence, of the belief that there were real karma, increment of the belief in the there were real effects of deeds, to increase the belief that world creatures had their own karma, to increase beliefs in the Lord Buddha’s intelligences of enlightenment. Also, listeners to dharma had faith in the three Gems, the Buddha, the dharma and the Sangka. Conclusion: Can be summarized that the used of preaching arts for increasing faith in Buddhism of Isan people could provide 4 appropriate types of preaching. They were auspicious activities, inauspicious activities, traditional merit-makings and specific merit-makings. The contents were adjusted to suit the time and to suit current situations. Appropriate arts were obtained for increasing faith and stability of Isan society.