Buddhist Literature in the Great VessantaraJataka of Thailand and Laos People’s Democratic Republic : A Comparative Study of Conflicts and Solutions according to the Four Noble Truth

Abstract

          The objective of this research is to compare conflict sources and resolve problems, according to the Four Noble Truths that appear in the VessantaraJataka or MahavessantaraJataka of Thailand and Laos People’s Democratic Republic. The researcher carried out the work according to the Four Noble Truths, namely, Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, and Magga stage respectively. It started from studying and analyzing the behavior of characters in all 13 chapters (Kans) of VessantaraJataka. And then summarizing, the origins of the conflicts of the characters, according to the five main conceptual frameworks, ie., human-human, human-society, human-nature, human-supernatural powers and character inner conflict. In terms of solving problems, the Eight Noble Paths are based on Samma ditthi, Samma sankappa, Samma vaca, Samma kammanta, Samma ajiva, Samma vayama, Samma sati, and Samma samadhi.

          The results showed that, MahavessantaraJataka of both Thailand and Laos People’s Democratic Republic, a total of 12 (Kans) different conflicts were found, and no conflicts were found in 1 (Kan). Which could be classified as human-human conflicts with the most 6 (Kans) categories, humans-supernatural powers 2 (Kans), and human-society 1 (Kan), respectively.

          As for the issues used to resolve such conflicts, it appears that the characters in both Thailand’s and Laos’ Vessantara Jataka used the same solutions. Problem solving with Samma vaca principal found the most 5 Kans, followed by 4 Kans with Samma kammanta, and problem solving with Samma sankappa, Samma vayama and Samma samadhi 1 Kan each.