An Analytical Study on the Buddhist Ethics as Found in Keng Tung Tai People's Lifestyle

Abstract

This research entitled “An Analytical Study on The Buddhist Ethics as Found in Keng Tung Tai People's Lifestyle” is of 3 objectives: 1. to study the way of life of Tai people in Keng Tung, Shan State, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, 2. to study the concept of Buddhist ethics concerning to Tai way of life. 3. to analyze the way of life of Tai people according to the Buddhist ethics.

The research methodology is qualitative research beginning with documentary research having collected the written data in Burmese, Shan, Thai and English language. Furthermore, it was studied the way of life of Tai people in Wan Pung village, Keng Tung township, Shan State, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The in-depth interview was acted with the fifteen key informants from that village and analyze the way of life of Tai people according to the Buddhist Ethical concepts. The tools used in this research are an interview form, interview questions, self-introduction letters, mobile phone, Zoom Meeting online program and recorder etc.

Its results were found that the teaching to the Buddha has influenced on Tai culture, festivals, rites, rituals and their lives. After having influenced from the Buddha’s teaching, most of Tai people believe in Buddhism and apply the Buddhist ethics in their everyday livies such as five precepts, three misconducts and three good conducts and so on.

Finally, an analysis on the way of life of Tai people according to the Buddhist ethics was found that in order to identify historical background of Tai people in Keng Tung and their ways of life who live in Wan Pung village, Keng Tung township, eastern Shan State, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the ethical teachings of the Buddha have influenced on their practical cultures, traditions and ways of life in many aspects.