KARMA IN THE NOVEL KHO JAM JON WAN TAI BY RAPHEEPORN

Abstract

The analysis of karma in the novel Kho Jam Jon Wan Tai by Rapheeporn applied the concept of Somdet Phra Buddhakosajarn Prayudh Payutto to analyze karma, based on the Buddhist teaching of the retribution time. The dialogues of the characters, background of incidents, and karma were examined to define how they resulted in retribution and directed to the practice of peace in life. The objective of this research was to analyze the concept of karma, as presented in the novel Kho Jam Jon Wan Tai. The research results showed that there were three levels of karma, individual, family, and society levels, which were classified by the time of retribution into three categories. The first category, Dhididham vedhaneya Karma which was the deeds giving retribution in the current world happening at any period during a life. The second, Uppatchavedhaneeya Karma which was the good or bad deeds giving retribution in the future. Last, Ahosi Karma which was the good or bad deeds with no retribution. However, Upprapariyavadhaneeya Karma, which was the deeds giving retribution in the next world, was not presented in the novel. The research results reflected the idea of the law of action to encourage good deeds and refrain from bad deeds that would lead to a peaceful life.