Authors : Phairot Phetsanghan , Songkoon Chantachon and Boonsom Yodmalee
Abstract: > Sema Hin stones, or Temple Boundary Markers have their origin in megalithic culture from a prehistoric community in Southeast Asia. Evidence of this culture exits today in rock formations found throughout Southeast Asia. These stone circles can be found surrounding hills and dirt mounds in valleys and along river banks in Northeast Thailand. The arrival of Buddhism into the region after 300 BE created a cultural fusion between Buddhist philosophy and the indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia. The outcome of this interaction created the first adaptation of the original stones. Evidence of this cultural fusion is in the form of stone pillars and slates representing the Buddhist philosophy of different Mahayana sects. A total of 6 philosophies or sects have been identified so far. These include Ariyasaja Si, Makmatchimapatipatah, The Soonyawat sect, The Yokajarn sect, The Jitramatawat sect and the Tantrayan or Montrayan sect. The Sema Hin stones that have been discovered around temples and monasteries were the 2nd adaptation of the stones as they were influenced by Buddhist philosophy of the Theravadda Nikaya School and moved to mark bo. The stones have since been used and understood in modern times only as temple boundary stones. A third adaptation is currently cuasing the stones to be destroyed and lost. Sema Hin stones today are being included as decorations and becoming art collectables.
Phairot Phetsanghan , Songkoon Chantachon and Boonsom Yodmalee , 2009. Sema Hin Isan, the Origin of the Temple Boundary Stones in Northeast Thailand. The Social Sciences, 4: 186-190.