Worldview, Morality, and Rasa in Sithon Manora Literature

Abstract

The study of Sithon Manora literature consisted of the following objectives: 1) to study the worldview in Sithon Manora Literature, 2) to study the morality in Sithon Manora Literature, and 3) to study the Rasa (emotive aesthetics) in Sithon Manora Literature. The research is qualitative with the following research tools, surveys, structured and non-structured interviews, and the Sithon Manora Literature (Major Version) by Phra Ariyanuwat Khemacharee. The data was analyzed based on the research objectives using Folklore Theory and presented through descriptive analysis. The research result shows that 1) three worldviews were found in Sithon Manora literature. Firstly, the worldview of people on people, emphasizing parents, teachers, spouses, friends, brahmins, and servants. It was believed that the reason people met one another in this life was because of their past karmas. Secondly, the worldview of people on nature. Nature is beauty, and the Isaan society relies on nature and Isaan people depend their livelihood on nature. Lastly, the worldview of people on the supernatural. Isaan people believe that supernatural beings impact people’s livelihoods. 2) The morality found in Sithon Manora literature consists of the Five Precepts, a set of teachings for people to do good deeds. It is used as an anchor for people’s actions and includes retributions for violating the precepts. And 3) Regarding the Rasa, in all the 68 episodes of the literature, four Rasas were perceived, including Saovarojanee (admiration), Nareepramot (love), Pirotvatung (anger), and Sallapungkapisai (sadness).