Transliteration and Study of Spirit Retrieving Scriptures Recorded in the Thai Language Department, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University

Abstract

This research aims to 1) transliterate the spirit retrieving scriptures from Dharma script to modern Thai script, and 2) study the art of writing appeared in the spirit retrieving scriptures recorded in the Thai Language Department, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University. Folklore methodology and language are used as tools to study and analyze and the results are presented with Descriptive Analysis. The study results reveal that 1) The 38-page palm leaf manuscript is in one binding with complete content. Neither author’s name nor its origin is found. As picture file format, it is kept in the Thai Language Department. In the palm leaf manuscript, there are 3 spirit retrieving scriptures. First, the spirit retrieving scripture for symbolic bush appears in 6 palm-leaf sets, 12 pages. Second, the spirit retrieving scripture for patient appears in 6 palm-leaf sets, 11 pages. Third, the spirit retrieving scripture for ordination ceremony appears in 7 palm-leaf sets, 14 pages. All of them were written with Dharma Isaan script.  2) In the aspect of the art of writing, Pali and Thai Isaan languages are used interchangeably. Each part starts with a short Pali message, then Thai Isaan language content follows – inserted with some Pali words, and ends with Pali. For word choices, gentle words, solemn words, onomatopoeic words, action words, repetition of words, and sets of puns were used. In regard to types of Thai eloquence, 4 of them were identified; narrative eloquence, preaching eloquence, allegorical eloquence, and metaphorical eloquence. For symbol usage, 4 types of symbol were identified; symbols representing abundance, symbols representing perversion, symbols representing goodness, and symbols representing maleficence. For poetry style, all 3 spirit retrieving scriptures were written in long poem, rather without strict rules but with continuous rhymes and some ponderous words in some verses. Normally, a verse in the long poem contains 5 to 14 words, and rhymes can be any words – at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the verse.