ABSTRACT

                      The thesis entitled ‘The Influence of Phra Upagutta Towards the Lanna’s Buddhist’ consisted of 3 objectives as – 1) to study the history background of Upagutta Thera that appeared in Theravada Buddhist’s canon, 2) to explore the principle and ritual on Upagutta and 3) to analyse the belief and role of Upagutta towards the Lanna’s Buddhist.

                      The result revealed that Upagutta Thera was born to the merchant family of Mathura city. The city was located on the Yamuna river bank; he was the 3^rd son of the family. He had become a monk, stayed at Wat Natapathika and attained to enlightenment.  The role of Upagutta Thera became known when he was assigned by the Sangha Community to protect the ceremony held by   King Ashoka  who wanted to arrange the ceremony after   84,000 pagodas  were built.  Uppagutta Thera was successful in subduing Mara who came to disturb the ceremony.   The account of his profile leads  Lanna  Buddhists to believe that Uppagutta can protect them. Thus, the ceremony of inviting Uppagutta on the occasion of Poy Luang festival etc. was performed to protect the Mara and all evils.

                      Regarding to the influence of Uppagutta Thera to the Lanna  Buddhiss, it can be defined as the specific of a society and being the social participation and cooperation  in all parts ; the religion and .The benefit of both – religion and community can be seen from this ceremony.