John Listopad: "The Art and Iconography of a Thai Buddhist Temple"

Abstract:

The predominant religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism, the orthodox “lineage of the Elders.” Theravada Buddhist temples are also the most common form of religious architecture in Thailand. This discussion will focus on the function and aesthetics of Thai Theravada Buddhist temples. The most prominent patrons of Thai Buddhist temple architecture have traditionally been Thai kings and nobility and in return, the Theravada Buddhist order has supplied religious support and legitimization to Thai kings from the first Thai state according to Thai historical sources. Theravada Buddhist temples served and continue to serve an important political function by publically demonstrating the piety of the Thai kings. Using a royal foundation of the mid-19th century as an example, the doctrinal and religious functions of a Theravada Buddhist temple will be defined. Then the role of architecture, sculpture, and painting in explaining the doctrine and supporting the religious functions will be explored in depth, along with the relationship of its royal patron and the first abbot of the temple. Sectarian differences among Buddhists sects affect the planning, art, and architecture of monasteries and these will be presented, along with major differences between the different national traditions of Theravada Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia. After these traditions are introduced, the historical and regional development of the Thai Theravada temple can be placed in their proper context.