Story
from Kinnaree magazine, July 2002.
by Nam Dokmai and Nattcharin
What
is Phra Bot?
Bot
means woven cloth or fabric, Phra is Thai word used to call monk.
Therefore, Phra bot means a long fabric used to illustrate the
history of Buddhism, the life of the Lord Buddha, or his ten former
lives.
Usually, Phra bot is used to hang inside
the ubosot (main chapel), viharn (secondary chapel) or sala
karnprian (hall) to tell the Buddhism story and to make merit
in reverence to deceased ancestors. It is believed that those
who have joined this merit making will go to heaven after death
and the merit will also be extended to include their families.
The drawing of pictures of the Buddha
on cloth has been practiced since ancient times. Legend has
it that King Achatsattru once asked the Buddha for his picture,
so that he could pay homage to him. The Buddha had his portrait
drawn on a piece of cloth and painted in various colors.
In
Thailand,
evidence indicated that Phra bot was created for the first time
during the Sukothai period. The stone inscription of 1284, mentions
a large Phra bot that was created in dedication to the deceased.
The evidence showed that China influenced the making of Phra Bot.
The oldest existing Phra Bot in Thailand
was discoved at a pagoda in Wat Dok Ngoen in Hod district ,
Chiang Mai. It is believed that this Phra Bot is older than
the pagoda and was created before the 17th century.
At
the initial stage, Phra Bot often depicted a standing Buddha,
raising his rught arm. Later ones illustrated the Buddha standing
inside an arch, with his disciples on both sides.
Phra Bot is a major cultural event with
the great value. It was a Thai cultural heritage that ancestors
gave to future generations. It has the same meaning as Phra Wet
in the central region. Bun Phrawet means a sermon of maha Chat
(Jataka) which is an activity of the Bun Phawet Festival, held
on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month each year.
Phra Bot reflects the wisdom of Thai
people, who have created artistic works out of their faith in
Buddhism. It is a pity, that only a few pieces of Phra Bot left
and they are usually damaged because of improper maintenance.
The
Phra Bot of Maha Chadok, A collection of stories told of Buddha
lives.
Wetsandon
Chadok on the part of "forest travel"
Wetsandon Chadok on the part of "Giving"
Wetsandon
Chadok on the part of "Maharat"
The Phra Bot illustration, the painting illustration lord Buddha on pieces of cloth. Lord Buddha, is at the center, attended
by two of his favorite disciples, Mogellana and Sariputtra.
Style; Late Ayuttaya-early Ratanakosin. Period; Early Bangkok. Late 18th century. The painting is at Wat Mahathat Waraviharn, Phethchaburi province, Thailand.
The part of Buddha face over floral background illustration in Phra Bot. Painting in red color tone. Lanna style. Later Chiang Mai period. 18-19th century. Found at Hod district, Chiang Mai province. At present displays at Chiang Mai National Museum.
Phra Bot in scene of Lord Buddha comes down from Tavatimsa Heaven, descending a glittering staircase
flanked by stairs of silver and gold. Brahma, Indra and other celestial beings accompany the great lord as he returns to the world of humanity.
Style; Ratanakosin. Period; Early Bangkok. 19th centurry.
Phra Bot illustration, Lord Buddha, is at the center, attended
by two of his favorite disciples, Mogellana and Sariputtra. At the bottom, depict a scene of the celestials make an offerring to the sacred Chulamanee pagoda of Tavatimsa Heaven.
Style; Late Ayuttaya. Period; Late Ayuttaya, late 17-18th century. At present displays at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Ayuttaya province.
