The Analysis of Tamra Chan Wannaphruet and Mattraphruet: Two-Dimensional Literature

Abstract

This article aimed at studying Tamra Chan Wannaphruet and Mattraphruet composed by Supreme Patriach H.R.H. Prince Paramanuchitachinorasa in two dimensions: Thai texts on poetics and didactic literature. The findings revealed that both Tamra Chan Wannaphruet and Mattraphruet have distinctive features in systematically presenting the contents of teaching Chan poetry writing and moral lessons. The findings also demonstrate that both pieces of writing are not only textbooks of important Chan poetry composed in early Rattanakosin Period, but also didactic literature with a purpose of promoting moral self-development to people learning to compose Chan poetry. It can be said that Tamra Chan Wannaphruet and Mattraphruet correspond with the inscriptions at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram, which were initiated by King Rama III to create sources of various fields of knowledge to enable Thai people to become intellectuals in arts as well as moral Thai citizens.