Management Model of Sukhtistan Wat Cholprathanrangsarit

Abstract

This study was survey, analysis, interview research to present the management models of funeral that varied in each area according to culture, belief and religion. The researcher found that the management models of funeral at temples in Bangkok Metropolis were similar. Preliminarily, it was found that WatCholprathan rangsarit management model of funeral was different from the management models of funeral at temples in Bangkok Metropolis in some steps. This research included two objectives, namely (1) to study the management models of Sukhtistan of temples in Bangkok Metropolis (2) to determine the management model of Sukhtistan of Wat Cholprathanrangsarit. The research process consisted of 2 phases, i.e. phase 1 in-depth interviews with 8 monks and experts responsible for Sukhtistan management, phase 2 focus group discussions with 4 monks or staff members and in-depth interviews with 10 hosts who came to receive funeral services.

According to research findings, the management models of Sukhtistan of temples in Bangkok Metropolis included 6 main ritual steps, namely a corpse-receiving ceremony, corpse-watering ceremony, funeral prayer ceremony, morning merit- making – merit-making at lunch ceremony, cremation ceremony and bone ashes-collecting ceremony. When someone died, the deceased’s relatives presented the death certificate and reserved a temple hall with the crematorium so as to request arrangement for a vehicle to pick up the body or the host brought the body personally to perform a corpse- watering ceremony to apologize to the deceased for the last time, then wait for a prayer, merit-making ceremony to dedicate merit to the deceased. At the end of merit-making practice, there would be merit-making, food offerings, laying down a funeral robe and pouring ceremonial water as dedication of merit to the departed, receiving blessings. On the cremation day, the coffin would be carried around the crematorium 3 times to wait for lighting the funeral pyre for cremation. The next day was a bone ashes-collecting ceremony. The monks were invited for a prayer ceremony and merit-making items were offered. Staff member collected bone ashes, put them in a clay container and gave to the host for taking back. It was also found that the management model for Sukhtistan of WatCholprathanrangsarit emphasized simplicity, frugality, usefulness and wisdom. It was not permissible to bring wreaths for mourning, set food in front of the coffin. No feeding of any kind was allowed. The corpse was not carried around the crematorium. There was only one funeral prayer.  Dhamma sermons must be given always before a funeral prayer and before cremation.