Analyzing the Beliefs in the Bai Sri Su Kwan Ceremony According to Ethics

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the beliefs embodied in the Bai Sri Su Kwan (traditional Thai spirit-calling ceremony) from an ethical perspective in order to explain the relationship between folk beliefs and ethical principles within the context of Thai society. The study employs documentary research, drawing upon the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, ritual manuals, academic publications, and other relevant sources. The collected data were synthesized and analyzed using content analysis.

The findings reveal that the Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony is not merely a ritual for auspiciousness or the restoration of one's spirit according to traditional folk beliefs, but also a cultural system that reflects a wide range of ethical values. These include gratitude, compassion, social harmony, respect for seniority, heedfulness, and social responsibility. Furthermore, the ceremony functions as a mechanism for psychological healing, strengthening morale, and fostering relationships among individuals, families, and communities. These functions are consistent with Buddhist ethics, which emphasize the holistic development of human behavior, mental well-being, and wisdom. This article proposes that the Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony can be understood as a "cultural ethical system" that integrates indigenous folk beliefs with the principles of Buddhist ethics. Consequently, the ritual should be recognized not only as an element of cultural heritage but also as a means of transmitting moral values, strengthening community cohesion, and preserving social values in contemporary Thai society. It may therefore serve as an appropriate framework for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage while simultaneously promoting the ethical development of Thai society.