BUDDHIST TEACHINGS ON KLON-SUAT “NANG BHOGAVATI”: A LITERARY ANALYSIS

Abstract

          This research article aims to study the Buddhist teachings that appear in the Klon-suat (chanted verse) literature “Nang Bhogavati,” based on a handwritten Thai manuscript recorded in a Thai traditional folding book (Samut Thai). The manuscript was originally the property of Wat Warundittharam, Trat Province, and was later donated to the Ratchamangkhalaphisek Library, Chanthaburi Province, where it is classified under the Dharma literature category. The research was conducted using a documentary research methodology, employing descriptive content analysis. The findings reveal that the Buddhist teachings appearing in the literature can be classified into two levels: worldly virtue (Lokiya-dhamma) and ultimate truth (Paramattha-dhamma). Worldly virtue emphasizes conduct that supports proper living and harmonious coexistence in society, while ultimate truth focuses on the development of the mind and wisdom. These principles guide practitioners toward the transcendent truth (Lokuttara-dhamma), the ultimate goal of the teachings presented in the chanted verse literature “Nang Bhogavati”, or the attainment of Nibbāna, a truth beyond the mundane world that leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth (Saṃsāra) and all suffering. For this reason, the chanted verse literature “Nang Bhogavati” serves as an important medium for concretely transmitting Buddhist teachings to Buddhists at the community level.