In Thai, “Phra Kring” is a unique form of Buddhist art with a profound religious background. It is called Phra Kring because it typically contains a small bead or a metal ball inside, and when you shake the Buddha, you can hear the distinct sound of the bead moving. However, Phra Kring is, in fact, an embodiment of the Medicine Buddha, a figure from the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, which differs slightly from the Theravada Buddhist tradition prevalent in Thailand.
Thai Buddhism predominantly follows the Theravada tradition and emphasizes the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Nevertheless, the Medicine Buddha, as part of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, also finds a place within Thai Buddhism. This blending of religious beliefs is not uncommon in Thai Buddhist communities. The Medicine Buddha is revered for possessing special healing abilities and the power to offer protection. Consequently, in Thailand, the Medicine Buddha is revered and worshipped by many.
The origin of Phra Kring in Thailand can be traced back to over a century ago. The first monk to create an image of the Medicine Buddha was Sankaraj Pae. At that time, his teacher was suffering from a severe illness, which inspired him to create an image of the Medicine Buddha. He recalled one of the Twelve Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha, which stated, “May I, in my future lives, become a Buddha and, should any sentient being be afflicted with illness and suffering, by merely hearing my name and sincerely holding it in their hearts, may their illness be alleviated and their suffering eradicated.” Motivated by this vow, he began crafting the first image of the Medicine Buddha to offer blessings and well-wishes for his teacher.
Therefore, the origin of this Buddha image, known as “Phra Kring,” in Thailand can be traced back to the earnest wish of this dedicated monk. This tradition has been passed down through generations in Thai Buddhist communities, making the Phra Kring amulets a symbol of protection and healing. It not only represents the unique culture and beliefs of Thai Buddhism but also reflects the deep reverence of the Thai people towards the Medicine Buddha.
In conclusion, “Phra Kring” is a radiant gem in Thai Buddhist culture, symbolizing the devout faith of the Thai people in the Medicine Buddha and their aspirations for healing and protection. This tradition originated from the sincere wish of a dedicated monk and continues to be cherished in Thai Buddhist communities, providing solace and hope to its followers.
铃佛的由来
泰国的铃佛，或称泰语中的“Phra Kring”，是一种具有独特而深刻宗教背景的佛教艺术。它之所以被冠以铃佛的名号，是因为其内部通常蕴含一颗法珠，也被称为符胆。当你摇晃铃佛时，可以清晰地听到法珠撞击的悦耳声响。然而，铃佛实际上是北传大乘佛教中药师如来的化身，与泰国佛教南传小乘佛法的传统稍有不同。
泰国佛教一般属于南传佛教，强调教主释伽牟尼佛。然而，药师如来作为大乘佛法的一部分，在泰国佛教中同样占有一席之地。这种宗教信仰的融合在泰国佛教社区中并不罕见。药师如来被尊崇为具有特殊医疗能力和庇佑力量的佛陀，因此在泰国，他受到许多人的崇拜和信仰。
泰国的铃佛制作可以追溯到百多年前。最早制作药师如来佛像的高僧是僧王善卡拉培。他的师父患病严重，这激发了他制作药师如来佛像的愿望。回想起药师如来佛的十二大愿之一：“愿我来世成佛时，若有众生病苦缠身，只要听闻药师如来佛的名号，进而至心持念南无药师如来佛，便能使病痛转轻，病苦消除。” 基于这个愿望，他开始制作第一尊药师如来佛像，以祈福和祝福他的师父。
因此，“Phra Kring”铃佛在泰国的起源可以追溯到这位虔诚的高僧的愿望。这一传统在泰国佛教社区中传承下来，铃佛成为了象征着庇佑和康复的佛像。它不仅代表了泰国佛教独特文化和信仰，还反映了泰国人对药师如来的深厚崇拜。
总之，“Phra Kring”铃佛是泰国佛教文化中的一颗璀璨明珠，代表了泰国人对药师如来的虔诚信仰以及对康复和庇佑的追求。这一传统的起源源于一位高僧的虔诚愿望，至今仍然在泰国佛教社区中传承下去，为信众带来安宁和希望。