The Beliefs and Rituals of Vow Fulfillment, A Case Study of Phor Luang Klun at Thung Mai Temple, Na Mobun Subdistrict, Chulabhorn District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This article aims to study 1) beliefs and rituals associated with offerings, and 2) the impacts of these beliefs and rituals, focusing on the case study of Phra Luang Klan at Wat Thung Mai, Na Mobun Subdistrict, Chulabhorn District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The key informants included 20 villagers coming to make offerings, 1 local scholar, 1 community leader, and 5 monks from Wat Thung Mai, totaling 27 individuals. The research tool used was an interview questionnaire, and the data were analyzed according to the objectives and presented in a descriptive format. The study found that 1) beliefs and rituals associated with offerings include: (1) Public service: Individuals often seek encouragement for exams, hoping for success and promising to offer items in return; (2) Requesting children: Those facing fertility issues often seek blessings from sacred beings for spiritual support; (3) Recovery from illness: Patients have psychological needs, promising to abandon undesirable behaviors, such as quitting smoking or drinking, to achieve healing; (4) Fortune: Requests related to money and luck often specify clear dates, with a promise to reciprocate if their wishes are fulfilled. 2) The impacts of these beliefs and rituals include: (1) Psychological effects: Strong beliefs motivate corresponding behaviors; changes in belief lead to changes in behavior; (2) Social cohesion: Shared feelings and thoughts within the same community influence life and foster cooperation and respect; (3) Economic benefits to the community: The community economy distributes income through beliefs, particularly around temples and related businesses; (4) Environmental improvements: Temples provide resting areas and facilities such as restrooms and drinking water, along with spaces for disseminating teachings and performing rituals.