Buddhist-related concepts in murals in Lablae District, Uttaradit Province

Abstract

This paper investigated Buddhist-related concepts depicted in murals in Lablae District, Uttaradit Province. It was found that mural painting is a form of art that conveys Buddhist concepts perceived in a given area through painting by artisan painters. The Buddhist concepts found in the murals in Lablae District, Uttaradit Province, fall into 5 themes: namely Buddhist beliefs influenced by Tribhumikatha Buddhist Cosmology, Mahanipata Jataka (the Ten Great Birth Stories of the Buddha), the Buddha's history, the Buddha teachings in Laelae’s folktales, and the King as the greatest patron of Buddhism. 

The representation of the Buddhist concepts portrayed in the murals in Laplae District Uttaradit Province shows that Buddhism has penetrated the way of life and flourished in the society for a long time, and plays an important part in shaping people’s  thoughts and beliefs. The study of the murals is vital for gaining a better understanding of the thoughts of the people in the community.