Buddha's Footprint in Folk Narratives in the Northeastern Region of Thailand: Imagination, Belief, and the Cultural Roles

Abstract

This research aims to study the ideas and beliefs of Buddha’s footprint in the northeastern region of Thailand. Six folk narratives were analyzed using qualitative research methods: 1) Myth of Phra Bat Wern Pla 2) Myth of Phu Khwai Ngoen 3) Myth of Phra Bat Bua Bok, 4) Myth of Phra Bat Bua Ban 5) Myth of Phra That Choeng Chum and 6) Myth of Phra Chao Liap Lok. The research results reveal that Buddha’s footprint in the northeastern folk narratives have four roles and meanings that are linked to cultural ideas, namely 1) the idea of evangelizing Buddhism 2) the idea of preaching and practicing Dhamma 3) the idea of imprinting the Buddha’s footprint and 4) the idea of paying homage to Buddha’s footprint. This article explores and interprets the imagination and beliefs associated with Buddha’s footprint by examining its symbolic meanings, which bridge the material and spiritual worlds. Notably, Buddha’s footprint has a profound influence on people's thoughts, beliefs, worldviews, values, and social ideologies.