KNOWLEDGE AND LEARNING AT WAT PHRA PATHOM CHEDI: A CASE STUDY OF BUDDHIST TOURISM

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratchawora Mahawihan, located in Nakhon Pathom Province, was a renowned destination for both educational and religious tourism, attracting 87 percent of visitors. The research study revealed a deficiency in the systematization of information and the availability of knowledge regarding archaeological sites and antiques within Wat Phra Pathom Chedi. The objective of this research article was to gather information about the qualities and types of knowledge associated with Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, located in Nakhon Pathom Province, as a Buddhist learning center for tourism.

Methodology: This research employed content analysis of documents and relevant studies obtained from the online bibliographic database of Silpakorn University Central Library. Additionally, information from the Thai Theses Database (ThaiLIS), Thailand Central Electronic Journal Database (ThaiJO), and expert interviews was utilized to verify the accuracy of the gathered information.

Main Results: The initial research findings indicated that Wat Phra Pathom Chedi possessed knowledge in the field of archaeological sites and antiquities. This knowledge was divided into eight categories: Information on the historical background of the Buddha, Buddhist principles, architectural styles, works of art, Dhamma practice, activities, traditions, and the worship of sacred objects.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This research explored the application of Buddhism in contemporary contexts, integrating modern scholarship with traditional Buddhist knowledge to develop wisdom and morality through Buddhism. Specifically, it examined the characteristics and typologies of Buddhist knowledge preserved within the ancient sites and artifacts of Phra Pathom Chedi Temple. By systematically organizing and disseminating this knowledge, the research aimed to transform the temple into a prominent educational tourism destination, thereby enhancing public accessibility to Buddhist teachings.

Conclusions: Wat Phra Pathom Chedi served as a prominent Buddhist learning center for tourism in Nakhon Pathom Province. The site contained a diverse range of knowledge, including archaeological sites and artifacts that had been created based on the principles and beliefs of Buddhism. The research findings indicated that the types of knowledge could be divided into tangible and intangible forms. The tangible knowledge included ancient sites within the temple, consisting of various buildings such as chedis, temples, chapels, bell towers, and a chapel (Ubosot). Additionally, the antiquities discovered at the site consisted of Buddha statues, mural paintings, and Dhamma inscriptions. The intangible knowledge included traditional events, legends, and activities on important Buddhist days. The Phra Pathom Chedi Temple encompassed multiple qualities of knowledge, including the history of the Buddha, Buddhist principles, architecture, art, Dhamma practice, events on significant Buddhist occasions, traditions, and the worship of sacred objects. Wat Phra Pathom Chedi functioned as a Buddhist learning center for both tourists and the local community. Its purpose was to inspire individuals to independently pursue knowledge, thereby promoting the growth of Buddhist and cultural tourism. This research had limitations in terms of scope, as it focused solely on the study area of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom Province. The purpose of this study was to gather data from a prototype system that could potentially be used to expand data collection to other temples and be developed into a virtual tour system, which could serve as a Buddhist learning center for tourism and contribute to a more comprehensive tourism experience.