The Merit-Making of 84,000 Dharma: Symbols in the Invented Ritual from a Buddhist Palm Leaf Manuscript

Abstract

This paper aims at studying the concept and symbols in Bun Paed Muen Siphan Khan at Tha Muang Village, Selaphum District, Roi-Et province. The study indicates that Bun Paed Muen Siphan Khan is an invented ritual based on the knowledge, the thoughts and the Buddhist belief from the Buddhist palm leaf manuscript entitled, Paed Muen Siphan Khan. The palm leaf manuscript is not only the text recited, in the ritual, but also the source of the concepts in inventing the ritual objects and the ritual acts performed in this new Buddhist ritual. Moreover, this Buddhist palm leaf manuscript provides a symbolic meaning in the sense that it is the symbol of virtue and sacredness of Buddhism.