Following the Buddha’s Path: The Buddha’s Life Story as the Model for Narrating the Lives of Phra Kechi Achan (Monks with Mystical Power) in Central Thailand
Saipan Puriwanchana
Manusya Journal of Humanities 2011 DOI: 10.1163/26659077-01403001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4 |
| Population | Thai monks with mystical powers (Phra Kechi Achan) from central Thailand |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The narratives of all four monks follow the structure of the Buddha's life, with each monk's miraculous power highlighted, drawing on both Buddhist canon and Thai cultural beliefs. |
Abstract
This article aims at studying the narratives of Phra Kechi Achan, (monks with mystical power) in central Thailand. Four monks’ life narratives, two from the Vipassana group and two from the Vidayagom group, are used as case studies. The study reveals that the narratives of all monks follow the structure of the Buddha’s life due to the Buddhist tradition of using the Buddha’s life as a paradigm to compose religious persons’ stories. However, the miraculous power of each monk is highlighted in his narrative. There is both miraculous power as found in the Buddhist canon and as influenced by Thai cultural beliefs and practices.