PILGRIMAGE AND SACRED SPACES IN THAILAND: SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS AND THEIR SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Teeraphong  Meethaisong

ผู้แต่ง

Teeraphong Meethaisong Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand

คำสำคัญ:

Pilgrimage, Sacred Spaces, Thai Buddhism, Merit-making, Wat Phra Kaew, Doi Suthep, Phra That Phanom, Phra Pathom Chedi

บทคัดย่อ

This paper explores the significance of pilgrimage and sacred spaces in Thailand, focusing on key Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as Wat Phra Kaew, Doi Suthep, Phra That Phanom, and Phra Pathom Chedi. These sites serve as powerful spiritual centers for Thai Buddhists, offering opportunities for personal reflection, merit-making, and community gathering. The physical challenges of pilgrimage, such as the ascent to Doi Suthep, symbolize spiritual purification, while the sacred relics housed in temples like Phra That Phanom deepen the connection between pilgrims and the Buddha's teachings. In addition to their religious importance, these sites play a vital role in maintaining Thailand’s cultural and national identity. The paper also examines the contemporary challenges faced by pilgrimage destinations, particularly the impact of modernization, tourism, and sustainability efforts. Through this exploration, the paper highlights the enduring role of pilgrimage in fostering spiritual growth and social unity in Thailand.

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