Pisit Kobbun
Abstract
This article aims to provide an overall picture of the concepts of Thai Buddhist literature by synthesizing concepts from major Thai Buddhist literary works that have appeared in the culture of Thai literary art, and conclude that Thai Buddhist literature derives from the Tripitaka and post-Tripitaka Buddhist scriptures, both in terms of substance and form. The origin of the creation of the texts can be traced and the teachings can be verified with the Tripitaka. Nonetheless, the creation of Thai Buddhist literature has focused on sentimental aesthetics for the presentation of spiritual principles by using literary techniques. Furthermore, Buddhist literature belongs to the category of literature of experience and has the concept of utilitarian literature, aiming to present Buddhist philosophical concepts that are easy to comprehend, such as karma, giving and good deeds, all of which are significantly influential to the thought, behavior and customs and rituals in Thai society.
(Published in Rian Thai: International Journal of Thai Studies, Volume 9/2016, Page 97-121)
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