Invocations for Buddha images in Amphoe Mueang Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

This research aims to explore the invocation for 38 sacred Buddha images found in the area of Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, using invocation gathered from 115 temples and 10 significant places in the vicinity of Muang District. The findings indicate that only seven highly revered Buddha images have invocations, written either in Pali or in both Pali and Thai: Phrachaoyai Inpaeng, Phrachaoyai Phrabot, Phrakaeo Phaithun, Phrabot Watklang, Phrachaoyai Ong Tueboromphotsat, Phrakeao Komen, and Luangphor Ngoen Wat Paknam (Bungsaphang).

An analysis of the data suggests: a) the concept of invocation to worship sacred objects in the vicinity of Muang District, Ubon Ratchathani, is based on the wish of local people to pay respect to revered Buddha images in their area. The recitation asks for blessings of luck and good life for the reciter. The structure of the invocation consists of the beginning in Pali describing feelings of respect for each particular Buddha image, while the middle or the end parts use both Pali and Thai with the content about being blessed with fame and fortune, happiness and prosperity, wealth and safety. The invocation reflects the humbleness and vulnerability of man who needs to ask for protection from the sacred Buddha image; b) the language pattern and communicative style of the invocation for sacred objects in Ubon Ratchathani was written to pay respect to seven Buddha images in the form of poetry using Pali and a combination of Pali and Thai. Pali is considered a sacred language and thus is suitable for the invocation. The use of a Pali and Thai combination is different from invocations found in other cultures, despite sharing the same idea. The invocation for the seven Buddha images shows an inventive language depicting regional Buddhist culture that places an important role on the use of Pali. As most local people believe that paying respect to sacred objects will bring blessings, the role of the invocation is to establish a channel to allow people to communicate with the Buddha images and express their wishes. The invocation works as a psychological device to make people feel secure, safe and relaxed. Invocations were born out of the belief that the Buddha images of Ubon Ratchathani are sacred and therefore their merits deserve invocation.