BENJAPAKEE BUDDHIST AMULETS: PERSPECTIVE OF HISTORICAL, CULTURE AND HOLY OBJECT WORSHIP IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

The objectives of this research are 1) to study the history, beliefs, and creation of the Benjapakee buddhist amulets in Thai society. 2) to study the experiences of Benjapakee buddhist amulets experts in the creation, reproduction, and holy object worship in Thai society. This is a qualitative research study based on documentary evidence and semi-structured interviews at the Buddhist Amulets market in Pantip Ngamwongwan Department Store Nonthaburi Province. Key informants are Benjapakee buddhist amulets experts, monks, directors of Thaprachan.com company and Buddhists total of 10 people. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

          The research found that beliefs about turning objects into amulets in Thai society have existed for a long time since prehistoric times for both material and psychological reasons. The creation of amulets in the first period began with the consecration of a mass of famous monks in Thailand or auspicious things according to the beliefs of monk's attendants such as bone powder, hair or pieces of clothing. Benjapakee amulets Starting from the year B.E. 1952 by collecting 3 famous amulets: “Phra Somdej” from Rakhang Temple, “Phra Rod” from Mahawan Temple, Lamphun Province, and “Phra Nang Phaya” from Phitsanulok Province. Later, 2 more were added: “Phra Kamphaeng Sum Kor” from Kamphaeng Phet Province and “Phra Phong Suphan” from Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Temple Suphanburi Province. From the perspective and experience of Benjapakee amulet experts, it is found that the creation of Benjapakee buddhist amulets has evolved according to the times. Start by using natural materials mixed with auspicious things such as scraps of hair and clothing. or what the monks consecrated. Later, it was reproduced by adapting the principles of science and technology, such as lime, burnt clay, and bone powder or ashes. From the perspective of Buddhist amulets experts in the holy object worship in Thai society, the worshiper must have historical knowledge and know how to conduct in archaeological investigations, including beliefs, faith, and behave according to religious principles. The popularity of amulets has spread through word of mouth about the Buddha's virtues: beloved, safety, long life, have good fortune, and wealth Including the Benjapakee amulets are hard to find and get damaged and lost over time, causing them to be expensive and the reproduction of beliefs becomes cultural consumption and the process of commodifying culture.