Guidelines For Worshipping Vessavaṇa According to The Buddhist Perspective in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This study aims to 1) examine beliefs and practices in worshiping Thao Wessuwan in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 2) analyze contemporary forms of worship among Thai society, and 3) propose guidelines for worship based on Buddhist perspectives. The research employed a qualitative field study approach using in-depth interviews with 45 key informants, including 15 monks, 5 Buddhist scholars, and 25 lay devotees.

The findings indicate that local beliefs in worshiping Thao Wessuwan are rooted in psychological and social needs, particularly during periods of economic hardship, social instability, and uncertainty. Thao Wessuwan is perceived as a protector of Buddhism, a deity of wealth, and a remover of evil, reflecting a synthesis of indigenous animistic beliefs and Buddhist teachings. These beliefs are manifested through rituals, offerings, and the creation of sacred objects and images. Contemporary worship practices are diverse, ranging from ceremonial offerings of flowers and incense to the production and veneration of amulets and statues, often influenced by modern media. However, practices focused on seeking personal benefits may lead to superstition, deviating from Buddhist principles that emphasize self-reliance and karmic law. Buddhist-guided worship encourages devotees to shift from petitionary practices toward emulating Thao Wessuwan’s virtues as an enlightened being who accumulated merit through moral conduct. Proper worship involves acts of generosity, observance of precepts, and meditation, fostering wisdom-based faith, personal development, and the preservation of valuable cultural heritage.