EXISTENC OF BUDDHISM IN SI SONGKHRAM SUB-DISTRICT, WANG SAPHUNG DISTRICT, LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

               The objectives of the research were (1) to study the information of temples in Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province, (2) to study the existence or persistence of Buddhism in Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Sapuhng district, Loei province, and (3) to study the noble monks in Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province. The study was conducted in the Ecclesiastical Administrative Area 1 of the Dhammayutika Nikaya Monks in Si Songkhram district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province. The qualitative data were collected by interviewing key informants, consisting of abbots, community leaders, temple committees and the senior elders in the community.

               The findings of the research were as follows: 1) In the Ecclesiastical Administrative Area 1 of the Dhammayutika Nikaya Monks, Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province, there were four temples: (1) Wat Indraram, located at Ban Bung Kok Tan, Moo 6, Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province, (2) Wat Tham Pha Mak Ho, located at Ban Thai Charern, Moo 10, Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province, (3) Wat Tham Chang Suwan Thong, located at Ban Dong Noi, Moo 8, Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province, and (4) Wat Pa Phu Kham Noi, located at Ban Kok Nong Kae, Moo 9, Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province. 2) The existence of Buddhism in Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province was clearly characterized by the integrated persistence to local cultures, especially traditional merit making on the holy days of Buddhism. 3) Phra Dhammavaralangkarn (Luang Pu Srichan Vaṇṇābho) was highly hallowed by people in Si Songkhram sub-district, Wang Saphung district, Loei province.