THE PROCESS IN MAINTAINING THE BUDDHIST IDENTITY OF TAI PEOPLE IN CHIANG MAI

Abstract

               This article is about the identity of Tai Yai people is linked to the culture when changing the traditions, rituals and beliefs .Tai Yai people in relation to factors of tourism, social and economic policy factors, the identity of Shan people are also transformed in different ways, thus adjusting their identity to external society and culture. Expression of the new identity as part of Thai state through ritual traditions. Including traditional reproduction, reconstruction, or restoration for the traditional identity, the rituals of Buddhist beliefs of Tai Yai people in Chiang Mai have a 12 month tradition, also known as heat 12.
               Buddhist identity of Tai Yai people in Chiang Mai has 6 aspects which are (1) religious dharma (2) human religion (3) Buddhists (4) religious monuments (5) religious objects and (6) religious ceremonies .The Buddhist identity of the Tai Yai people in Chiang Mai, the 6 areas mentioned above When analyzing the process of maintaining the Buddhist identity of the Tai Yai people in Chiang Mai Province, it was found that the Tai Yai people in Chiang Mai Province There are 5 processes for maintaining the Buddhist identity: (1) the process of transforming temples into Buddhist public space (2) the process of building , social and cultural learning network of the Shan people (3) the process of shaping the identity The appearance and process of socialization from the family institution. Educational institution (4) the process of transferring Buddhist knowledge through writing texts and various books related to Buddhism; and (5) the process of using media and modern technology for spreading Buddhist principles.