Tribhum (the National Library of Paris Version) : A Study

Abstract

Tribhum (the National Library of Paris Version), is the newest version of Tribhum which the Department of Silpakorn printed in 2011. This version of Tribhum has some contents different from Tribhumigata or Tribhum Praruang. The division of 3 blums or lands which are Kamabhum, Rupabhum, Arupabhum was not presented. The King's merits and Nirvana were not mentioned. This version of Tribhum emphasizes the world creation, the story of the future Buddha Phra Sri Ariyamettrai and the awful description of 22 infernos. It can be said that this version of Tribhum is a folk literary work because the language is not embellished decrative and the stories are mixed together according to verbal culture. However, with less of literary arts, Tribhum, manuscript from The National Library of Paris reveals the continuation of Tribhum beliefs in Thai society and emphasizes the faith of virtue and vice to face a beautiful life in this world and the other world, which is sufficient for the common people's way of living