Authors : Suphon Somjitsripunya , Sunaet Potisarn , Boonsom Yodmalee and Pra Suttisarn Sohpohn
Abstract: Salong Discourses are literary works of arts created by communities in Northeastern Thailand and Laos. Their origins come from Buddhist teachings of the Tri-Pitaka or 3 Teachings texts. Salong scriptures are written in prose that received influence from Buddhist verse teachings and recorded on palm leaves, inscribed on stone slates and engraved on pillars. The prose includes examples and passages that are easily understood and encourage listeners to do good deeds. Salong Discourses are events that take place at the Temple and Monastery. Priests and Monks will perform the Discourses with rhetoric tones and gestures. Explanation and clarification of the passage is thoroughly explored on the advantages and rewards for doing good deeds and merit making. Salong Discourses play an important role in Northeastern Thailand and Lao communities from past to present. It is the primary motivational influence that encourages and persuades individuals and communities to contribute cultural capital. Communities in Northeastern Thailand express their commitments by engaging in the construction of Buddhist architectural structures, material substances and activities. These structures or substances include Chapels, Sermon Halls, Parsonages, Stupas, Water wells, Amulets, Textbooks, Statues, rituals and ceremonies. By contributing these cultural capitals, communities also receive value added benefits which include Economic, Social, Cultural, Aesthetic, Creativity and Pride.
Suphon Somjitsripunya , Sunaet Potisarn , Boonsom Yodmalee and Pra Suttisarn Sohpohn , 2008. Salong Discourses and the Cultural Capital Contributions to Communities in Northeast Thailand. The Social Sciences, 3: 463-466.