Thaksinawat: Art Therapy in Buddhism

Abstract

“Thaksinawat” is another work in the Thai-Indian arts and culture exchange program. This work was created and displayed in an art exhibition in India. This time, a group of Thai artists had a field trip to visit the Indian traditions and culture. The writer has seen many things, such as stories of things, philosophies, and ways of life there as well as stories of Buddhism in India. Although it is not as prosperous as it was in the past, but still reflects the roots of Buddhism in many areas. Indians still respect Buddhism, even though today it is not a spiritual refuge.

This work of art brings the essence and purpose of walking meditation or making "Thaksinawat" to present in the writer’s style. This way is a practice of mindfulness and awareness by focusing on one's body while each step is taken. Determine the sense of touch. How do feet touch the ground. How your feet feel when stepping on the surface, how your legs lift, which parts of your body are working. Pay attention to how you feel about your body. Be aware of what is happening to the body and mind at that moment in order to practice mindfulness and train the body to know when it is conscious. Then it becomes a concentration or meditation exercise. When one enters meditation, wisdom arises. With this thought, it has become a concept to define the shape of art in 3 parts: mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom.