Buddhist Art Therapy: Painting Scroll Buddha Images from Vessantara Jataka in Bahn Huai Chomphu, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This article aims to 1) study the knowledge and Buddhist ideology of the Lanna Vessantara Jataka, 2) create religious painting, the scroll Buddha image from Vessantara Jataka, based on contemporary Lanna artists' interpretations, and 3) enhance Buddhist art therapy activities by presenting the scroll Buddha painting and continuing to listen to the Tham Luang tradition. The research technique was a work in progress. The purposive sample group includes 153 persons in total, including abbots, intellectuals, artists, students, government officials, peasants, and local adolescents. The interviews, the Thai's happiness rating, and a set of art learning activity worksheets were among the research instruments.

The study's findings are as follows: 1) The Vessantara Jataka informs about the ideal moral performance of "Giving Perfection." This tale gave rise to the long-held view that listening to sermons is beneficial. The Lanna people refer to this custom as "Tang Tham Luang." It is divided into 13 chapters. 2) The art practice activity entails the creation of 13 scroll Buddha images that are interwoven with art therapy activities. This practice aids in the application of Lanna art pattern knowledge to actual art creation. 3) Those who have continued this tradition and developed works of art from the scroll Buddha painting may investigate and better understand themselves. They are also better able to deal with negative emotions, feelings, and thoughts. In other words, the study found that the Vessantara Jataka story is an important part of the Lanna culture and that it has led to the development of the "Tang Tham Luang" tradition of listening to sermons. The study also found that creating scroll Buddha images can be a powerful form of art therapy.

Buddhist art research may aid in the development of social and communication skills, the understanding of the link between Buddhist art and mental health and well-being, and the development of ways for treating mental health and well-being with Buddhist art.