The Buddhists’ Application of the Principle of 38 Magala in Everyday Life in Thai Society

Abstract

This research paper aimed to study the Buddhists’ application of the principle of 38 maºgala (blessings) in everyday life in Thai society with  an emphasis on the study of its’ overview  so as to find out the state of affairs and the criteria or guidelines of the Thai Buddhists’ application. The research found that most Thai Buddhists had applied the principle, especially maºgala 1-30, in their everyday life. Some of the practiced maºgala may not be consistent with the explanation in the Buddhist texts and some had been misunderstood. As for maºgala 31-38, Thai Buddhists believed that laymen were unable to practice them because they are supramundane practices that were suitable for monks. However, the application found in this research could be used as data for the creation of the guideline for practice of the principle of 38 maºgala in everyday life. On the other hand, the criteria of the Buddhists’ application of the principle of 38 maºgala  in Thai society are various, for example, the selection of the maºgala  that  can be applied, an adjustment of maºgala  to  the modern environment.