Abstract:
This dissertation aims at studying the relation between the emotion of sorrow in Pannasa Jataka and the teaching of Buddhist dharma by analyzing the techniques of using the emotion of sorrow and their effects for conveying the teaching of Buddhist dharma. The study reveals three techniques used in Pannasa Jataka to present the emotion of sorrow. First, the use of narrative to portay situations of separation, characterization that enhances sorrow, and the overcoming of sorrow. The narrative emphasis on the significance of the emotion of sorrow makes readers feel the prominence of sorrow in the text. Second, the presentation of sorrow with other emotions, namely sorrow with serenity, sorrow with determination, sorrow with love, sorrow with fear and sorrow with love and determination. The co-occurrence of sorrow with other emotions generates "rasa" in the minds of readers. Third, literary techniques, namely word choice, metaphor, and the descriptive elaboration of sorrow. These literary usages of language create aesthetic beauty for sorrow. All three techniques are elements in Pannasa Jataka that build emotions in the minds of readers which help them realize and understand the teaching of Buddhist dharma. The emotion of sorrow in the Pannasa Jataka therefore clearly relates to the teaching of Buddhist dharma. The poets skillfully use sorrow to build emotions in readers, thus bringing about realization and understanding of the law of karma and the impermanence of all things as well as the cultivation of giving, which is the path leading to enlightenment. This Buddhist dharma leads readers to basic understanding: the fear to do un wholesome deeds and the faith to do good, the realization that nothing really exists, that all things are subject to decline and disappear, and finally the utmost understanding, or the detachment from all things which brings serenity, wisdom, and liberation, the ideal good of Buddhism. In summary the poets of Pannasa Jataka as the creators of a prominent collection of thai Buddhist literature, have successfully transformed secular folk tales into buddhist tales through the technique of using the emotion of sorrow as an effective means of conveying Buddhist dharma, thus enabling Pannasa Jataka to play the role of a spiritual guidance for Buddhists of all time.