A Study Of Buddhist Principles Reflected In The Poi Ja Tee Festival Of The Tai Yai Ethnic Group In Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the historical background of the Poi Ja Tee tradition in Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province; 2) examine the Buddhist principles reflected in the Poi Ja Tee tradition of the Tai ethnic group; and 3) analyze those Buddhist principles embedded in the tradition. This is a qualitative research employing documentary study and in-depth interviews with 20 key informants. The data were then analyzed and presented descriptively.

          The research results revealed that:

1)The Poi Ja Tee tradition is a major religious merit-making event of the Tai people. It is believed to have originated since the Buddhist era and has been passed down for centuries. The ceremony is held during the full moon of the sixth lunar month to worship the Buddha and bring auspiciousness to the community at the beginning of the planting season. Villagers come together to offer alms, listen to sermons, and perform religious rituals, strengthening the connection between faith and daily life.

2)The Buddhist principles evident in this tradition include loving-kindness (metta), generosity (dana), faith (saddha), and gratitude (katannukatavedi), which are reflected through selfless acts and active participation in the merit-making activities.

          3)The analysis revealed that the tradition embodies four key virtues: loving-kindness, or wishing well for others; generosity, or giving of wealth and labor; faith, or firm belief in the Triple Gem; and gratitude, or remembering and repaying kindness. These illustrate how Buddhist principles are practically integrated into the Tai community’s way of life with harmony and continuity.