รดน้ำศพ Rod Nam Sop
Funerals in Isan, like elsewhere in Thailand, are deeply influenced by Buddhist beliefs and local traditions. They are typically multi-day affairs, involving the community and offering merit to the deceased.
รดน้ำศพ (Rod Nam Sop - Watering the Corpse) :
What happens: Friends and family gather to pay their respects. They pour scented water over the deceased's hand, often using a flower-shaped ladle. This symbolizes cleansing and letting go of past grievances.
Pali Chant : อิทัง มะตะกะสะรีรัง อุทะกัง วิยะ สัญจิตตัง อะโหสิกัมมัง (Itang Matakasarirang Udakang Viya Sancittang Ahosikammang)
Meaning (Thai): ขอให้ร่างกายที่ไร้ชีวิตนี้ เหมือนน้ำที่หลั่งรินไป ขอให้หมดสิ้นซึ่งบาปกรรม และขอให้เป็นสุขเป็นสุขเถิด
Meaning (English): May this body, like water flowing away, be cleansed of all past actions. May there be forgiveness and peace.
Isan Context: In Isan, the chanting might be led by a senior relative or a local Buddhist monk. Laments and expressions of grief are common.
เยี่ยมศพ (Yiam Sop - Visiting the Corpse) :
What happens: During the wake, which can last several days, people visit the family to offer condolences, support, and often, financial contributions. Food and conversation are shared, creating a sense of community during the difficult time.
Pali Chant: อะวัสสัง มะยา มะริตัพพัง (Avasang Maya Maritapphang)
Meaning (Thai): ข้าพเจ้าก็ต้องตายอย่างแน่นอน หนีไม่พ้นความตาย
Meaning (English): I, too, am subject to death. Death is inevitable.
Isan Context: The wake is a vital social gathering in Isan. Music, particularly mor lam, might be played in the evenings, reflecting both celebration of life and mourning.
ทอดผ้าหน้าศพ (Tod Pha Na Sop - Placing Cloth over the Face) :
What happens: Just before the cremation, a close relative performs this ritual. A white cloth is placed over the deceased's face, symbolizing the finality of death.
Pali Chant : นามะรูปัง อะนิจจัง นามะรูปัง ทุกขัง นามะรูปัง อะนัตตา (Nama Rupang Aniccang, Nama Rupang Dukkhang, Nama Rupang Anatta)
Meaning (Thai): นามรูป ไม่เที่ยง เป็นทุกข์ ไม่ใช่ตัวตน
Meaning (English): Name and form are impermanent, subject to suffering, and not-self.
Isan Context: This moment is often highly emotional. The chanting emphasizes the Buddhist teachings of impermanence, suffering, and non-self, helping those present to accept the reality of death.
เเผาศพ (Phao Sop - Cremation) :
What happens: The body is cremated, typically on a pyre or in a crematorium. This releases the spirit from its earthly form.
Pali Chant : อะยัมปิ โข เม กาโย เอวังภาวี เอวังธัมโม เอวังอะนะตีโต (Ayampi Kho Me Kayo Evam Bhawi Evam Dhammo Evam Anatito)
Meaning (Thai): ร่างกายของข้าพเจ้าก็จักเป็นเช่นนี้แหละ มีความเป็นไปอย่างนี้ เป็นธรรมดาอย่างนี้ ไม่ล่วงพ้นไปจากความเป็นอย่างนี้ได้
Meaning (English): This body of mine, too, will be like this, subject to this nature, not escaping this fate.
Isan Context: In some rural Isan communities, the ashes and bone fragments are collected and placed in a stupa or chedi at the local temple. A merit-making ceremony is often held afterwards.
Key Differences in Isan Funerals :
Music: Mor lam music is a distinctive feature, used for both mourning and celebration of the deceased's life.
Community Involvement: The entire community participates, providing support and resources to the bereaved family.
Animist Beliefs: While Buddhism is the dominant religion, some animist beliefs and practices may be incorporated, especially in rural areas.
Length of Funeral: Isan funerals can be longer than in other parts of Thailand, often lasting for several days.
This detailed description provides a deeper understanding of the funeral rites in Isan, incorporating the Pali chants, their meanings, and the unique cultural context. Remember, variations exist within Isan itself, so these are general observations.
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