Rice Culture : The Production and Consumption Process According to Buddhism

Abstract

There are three objectives for this thesis: (1) to study rice culture in Buddhism and in Thai society; (2) to analyse rice culture in accordance with Buddhist lifestyle in Thai society; (3) to study and analyse rice culture in accordance with economic and social evolution.  The method of this research is documentary based.  The matter of the research was studied, analysed, and composed into descriptive phrases.

                As the result of the studies, the researcher found that rice culture in Buddhism and in Thai society is related to Buddhist lifestyle in Thai society since the ancient time.  Rice cultivation is essential as it has been a path to sustain life until the present days.  There are various rice-related rituals since Thai people believe that they owe to the rice and that the rice has soul.  Therefore, these rice-related rituals often are a mixture of religion beliefs and ancient beliefs from their ancestors.  Although these practices may differ depending on regional beliefs and regional living situation, they all do have common objectives which are to bring good fortune to themselves and to their families and to have fertile crops and safety from any harm until the harvest; in another word, to have good produces.