THE LIFE STYLES OF LAO KHRUNG PEOPLE ACCORDING TO BUDDHIST ETHICS

Abstract

This research has the following objectives: 1. to study the lifestyles of Lao Khrang ethnic group, 2. to study Buddhist ethics, and 3. to analyze the lifestyles of Lao Khrang ethnic group according to Buddhist ethics. The populations in this research were 12 community leaders and the local learned in Nakhon Pathom province, Suphanburi province, Uthai Thani province and Chainat Province.

The research results were found that:

Lifestyles of Lao Khrang ethnic group are to live together in group, work in farming and growing a variety of vegetables and plants for wicker-work and weaving. The unique garments of Lao Khrang are available for sale at Tin Jok weaving Learning Center. Lao Khrang people usually wear their tribal costumes during important events, such as ordination, wedding, etc. The conserved traditions include Songkran flag parade, ancestors’ spirit worship, master ghost worship, and tribal traditional dance.

Buddhist ethics is the key to life. Life is similar to a rudder of boat that can support the boat to reach its destination. To follow the ethic principles; the Five Precepts, the Tenfold Way of Good Action and the Eightfold Path, can create peace, happiness, and prosperity of community.

Lifestyles of Lao Khrang ethnic group according to Buddhist ethics can still maintain important cultures and traditions of the community based on gratitude and the Five Precepts. They are non-violent, help each other, follow their traditional principles, say the truths and not concerned with drugs and illegal materials. Even now technology has influence to their ways of life and causes some traditional cultures disappear, but Lao Khrang people can adjust themselves to the changes.