The Attitude of Tai Lue Buddhists towards the Ceremony of Sacrificing the Royal Spirits of Ban Mang, Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research article was: 1) to study the status of deities (thewada) according to Buddhist principles; 2) to study the ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship of the Tai Lue community in Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province; and 3) to examine the attitudes of Tai Lue Buddhists in Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province toward the ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship. This research employed a qualitative approach with 10 key informants. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research revealed that: 1) Deities held a special status, referring to those who delight in sensual pleasures, attain meditative absorptions (jhana), acquire supernatural powers (Abhiñña), and possess supremacy of mind. 2) The ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship was performed on the ⁶th waxing day of the ⁸th lunar month according to the Tai Lue calendar. The major stages of the ritual comprised five steps: (1) The community convened to set the ritual date, led by the Mor Luang (ritual master). (2) Mor Luang led the participants in the ritual. (3) A divination was conducted to determine the ritual’s success. (4) The Mor Luang formally concluded the ritual and reported the results to the community leader. (5) The ritual practitioner resigned from the position and returns to ordinary life. 3) The attitude of Tai Lue Buddhists toward the ritual of Luang City Mang Deity Worship were summarized as follows: (1) The community held firmly to the belief that deceased ancestors had become deities who protected the village. (2) The ritual functioned as a mechanism for strengthening communal unity. (3) The community placed high importance on strictly maintaining traditional procedures. (4) Persons involved in the ritual, such as Mor Luang and Pho Phaya, must be officially appointed by the community.