THE GREAT NAGA IN KENGTUNG

Abstract

              This research aims: 1. To study Payanakha (King of Nagas) in Kengtung District, 2. To analyze and synthesize viewpoint lifestyle of Payanakha in Kengtung District, and 3. To seek the moral teaching of the Payanakkha over the lifestyle in Kengtung District. The data are collected from 8 preacher monks in Kengtung District and 2 laypersons, altogether 10. All the informants have knowledge about Buddhism and Payyanakha. The data are collected by surveying information, interviewing, group discussing, and field surveying. Collected data are analyzed by triangulation and then analyze the content.
              The research found that Payanakha plays a crucial role in Kengtung, Buddhism, Culture, and Morality. Some important places in this town holds the belief about Payanakha i.e., Nong Tung and important temples. We believed Payanakha is extraordinary animal with supernatural power. However, the Kengtung people don’t completely believe it just some that organize the great ceremony in the name of Payanakha. From Buddha’s era Payanakha is associated with Buddhism to present the particularly in matter ordination as monk. Person ordained as monk should have symbol of Payanakkha. In Kengtung, people use gold and silver candles to mold Payanakha. There are different culture associated with the Payanakha e.g. temple building, pagoda, and ordination. In these popular cultures, Payanakha always mold in pair, and also be special creature, Payanakha is outstanding with great power. Its symbolized morality of doing good deeds, truthfulness and guard Buddhism throughout forever and ever.