PLAI CHEUK REUA PHRA: INTEGRATING BUDDHIST AESTHETIC VALUES IN THE CHAK PHRA TRADITION TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY UNITY IN SURAT THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Aesthetics is the science of beauty. In Buddhism, these were explained in two dimensions: Worldly beauty (Lokiya), expressed through enjoyment and pleasure, and spiritual beauty (Lokuttara), reflected through the collective creation of merit and virtue. Ruea Phra (The Ceremonial Boat Used in the Chak Phra Tradition) symbolizes the integration of these two dimensions of beauty: Art, belief, and religious activities that promote cooperation and unity among communities, forming a process that creates Buddhist aesthetic values ​​that play an important role in society. The objectives of this research were: To study the concept of enhancing community unity, to analyze and evaluate the Buddhist aesthetic values evident in the Chak Phra tradition, and to propose approaches for integrating Buddhist aesthetic values into the traditional boat procession to enhance community unity in Surat Thani Province.

Methodology: This qualitative research focused on Buddhist aesthetic values, the Chak Phra boat procession tradition, and the concept of enhancing community unity. Key informants included 30 participants, including monks who created Ruea Phanom Phra (Ceremonial Boats), local scholars with over ten years of experience in the Chak Phra tradition, provincial cultural officials, provincial tourism officials, and officials from the Office of Buddhism. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using inductive and descriptive techniques.

Main Results: The study found that: 1) The concept of fostering community unity arises from the values and traditions that form the foundation of society. These values are meaningful and beneficial to life in social, religious, physical, and spiritual dimensions, reflected in shared ways of living such as language, dress, beliefs, and religion. Traditions serve as both a spiritual anchor and a mechanism for creating a sense of togetherness. The Chak Phra tradition offers a platform for communities to collaborate in constructing the Ruea Phanom Phra boats. The processions and rituals reflect the community's faith and active participation; 2) The Buddhist aesthetic values of the Chak Phra tradition are evident in both artistic beauty and religious symbolism. The Ruea Phanom Phra boats, adorned with local patterns and Buddhist symbols, such as the Naga or Mount Sumeru, blend faith with local wisdom. The processions and rituals create a sacred and elegant atmosphere, fostering the inheritance of wisdom that promotes unity and awareness of social values; and 3) The integration of Buddhist aesthetics values to enhancer community unity involves the systematic application of Buddhist principles to foster kindness, compassion, generosity, mutual support, and sacrifice, fostering coexistence with respect and forgiveness, and promoting discipline and continuity in community activities. These principles, when combined with the beauty of art and symbols in traditional traditions, lead to a lasting and enduring power of unity.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: For example, applying the Four Divine Abodes (Brahmavihārā 4) to foster compassion and generosity; The Four Principles of Social Responsibility (Sangaha-Vatthu 4) to promote help and sacrifice; The Six Principles of States of Conciliation (Sāraniyadhamma 6) to cultivate coexistence with respect and forgiveness; and the application of the Seven Principles of condition of welfare (Aparihaniyadhamma 7) to foster discipline and continuity in community activities.

Conclusions: The Chak Phra tradition, a religious ritual reflecting aesthetic beauty, is a key mechanism for fostering unity and cultural identity within communities. When integrated with Buddhist principles, this tradition becomes a cultural heritage and a social force that supports community sustainability and resilience.