Sukhtistan Digital Bone of Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi

Abstract

          This research has three objectives: (1) to study the problems and obstacles of the funeral arrangements in the Buddhist context of Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi; (2) to study the funeral arrangements concept in the Buddhist context of Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi; and (3) to study the Sukhtistan Digital Bone in the Buddhist context of Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. This study employed qualitative research methodology based on documents and in-depth interviews with seventeen key informants.

          The research results showed that the problems and obstacles in arranging the funeral ceremony at Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit were of the following: It concerns the rituals where the funeral participants did not adhere to the rules established by Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit, such as bringing wreaths or behaving badly in the funeral; and it concerns the external intervention whereby a coffin business, a funeral flower decoration business, and a wreath shop are brought in to benefit the host of the funeral. There are two types of funeral preparations: (1) in the abstract aspect, the temple emphasizes that all funeral attendees can listen to the Dharma and thereby apply it to their daily lives in order to promote the highest wisdom; (2) in the concrete aspect, the temple follows the ways of simplicity, economic, hassle-free, quick, modern waste management by eschewing wreaths, foam for environmental protection, and restricting post-prayer food consumption. The digital ashes promoted by Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit in the Buddhist context are as follows: (1) Accord respect and esteem to paying homage to the deceased as a digital place of worship. It is a modification that removes the ashes of the deceased from the walls of the temple and stores them in digital files (Cloud), thereby reducing the cost of constructing a chedi containing the ashes. (2) The advantage is cost-effective and able to preserve images forever, where their duration, practice, and contemporary relevance are actualized. (3) The continuity of Buddhism is sustained through allowing the children of the deceased to study and research the teachings of Buddhism via digital systems. Supporting the tradition and culture of filial piety, understanding dharma, gaining faith, and engaging in real practices.