Developing Temple to Buddhist Learning Resource from Cultural Capital of Community: Case Study Ancient Phawaet Cloth, Watpasakdaram, Thamuang Sub-district, Selaphum District, ROI Et Province Developing Temple to Buddhist Learning Resource from Cultural Capital of Community: Case Study Ancient Phawaet Cloth, Watpasakdaram, Thamuang Sub-district, Selaphum District, ROI Et Province

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) study the ancient Phra Wet cloth mural at Pa Sakdaram Temple, Tha Muang Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province; 2) synthesize Buddhist way-of-life knowledge from the ancient Phra Wet cloth mural at Pa Sakdaram Temple, Tha Muang Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province; and 3) develop a database of Buddhist way-of-life knowledge derived from the ancient Phra Wet cloth mural at Pa Sakdaram Temple, Tha Muang Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province. This study employed qualitative research methodology. The research site was Pa Sakdaram Temple in Tha Muang Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province. The target group consisted of 25 monks and lay participants. The research instrument was an interview form. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using descriptive methods.

          The findings revealed that the ancient Phra Wet cloth mural of Pa Sakdaram Temple, Roi Et Province, is a valuable cultural heritage item, presumed to have been created between 1921 and 1928 CE (B.E. 2464–2471). Painted with powdered pigments on cotton fabric, it narrates the 13 chapters of the Vessantara Jataka in a realist artistic style reflecting the historical context of the reign of King Rama VI. In terms of value, this Phra Wet cloth functions as both a “Dhamma teaching medium” and a “mobile art gallery,” linking beliefs in the perfection of generosity (dāna pāramī) and rebirth in the era of Maitreya Buddha with the Isan way of life. The paintings also record social evidence, including the rich environment of the Himmapan forest and concrete aspects of daily life such as agriculture, communal labor exchange, and traditional folk games. The synthesized Buddhist way-of-life knowledge includes generosity, governance, love, and ways of living. The researcher organized the knowledge database into a table based on the categories of knowledge obtained from the study.