Beliefs in Lanna Wooden Buddha Image

Abstract

This article is to analyze the history, beliefs, and merits of creating Lanna wooden Buddha images. The study results are summarized as follows:

The history of Lanna wooden Buddha images can be found in the legend of Phra Kaen Chandana Daeng, which was written during the reign of King Mengrai. The large number of wooden Buddha images in the past reflects the diversity and creativity of the Lanna people. The auspicious woods that are commonly used to create wooden Buddha images include teak wood, Bodhi wood, neem wood, sandalwood, gum wood, jackfruit wood, and rosewood, among others. However, some wooden Buddha images are made from a combination of various types of wood.

The beliefs associated with the creation of Lanna wooden Buddha images, as found in the inscriptions on the bases of wooden Buddha images, include the belief in the 5,000-year existence of Buddhism during the time of the Buddha Gotama, the belief in the dedication of merit to the deceased, and the belief in Buddha images for the zodiac sign, among others.

The use of wood that has a history of being associated with the creation of Buddha images in legends, such as sandalwood, and with Buddhist history, such as Bodhi wood, will than the use of other woods in creating Buddha images.