Volume 24

The Psychological Underpinnings of Beliefs in Amulets and Dependence on Monks in Buddhism: An Examination of Their Social Roles in Thai Society Researcher:  Sreepanja Singson, Doctor of Psychology (Counseling Psychology) The program is certified and accredited by European International University, (EIU-Paris) Affiliate researcher    Supervisor: Bordin Phayaphrom, Manipal GlobalNxt University, Advanced Executive Management School, email: alex@advex.ac.th    Supervisor: Wuttichai Chongkumnungsil, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Advanced Executive Management School, email: wuttichai@campus.advex.ac.th  ABSTRACT Introduction: It deeply colors Thai culture and societal life, and especially the beliefs surrounding amulets (powerful religious objects) and monks, whose services serve as coping mechanisms against the uncertainties and pressures of life. But there is scant research on the psychology behind these beliefs. The study seeks to understand believers’ and others’ orientation toward individual and social well-being and values on which attitudes are based in the socio-cultural context of Thai society. Methodology In-Depth Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews with twenty-four participants using semi-structured questions to gather rich insights into their experiences and perspectives. Sample Size Expansion: Expand the sample by adding one-handed participants through purposive sampling to ensure a broader range of perspectives. Data Analysis: Apply qualitative analysis methods, including Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Insight7, to gain a more profound understanding of participants’ experiences and viewpoints.  Results: From a psychological perspective, the study found that cognitive processes, such as the human need for affirmation, contribute to beliefs in the efficacy of amulets. Additionally, it revealed negotiations between long-standing religious familiarity and new societal demands, where reliance on amulets and monks serves as a means of coping with contemporary life burdens and challenges. Discussion: This study highlights the relationship between religious beliefs and practices, social harmony, individual health, and cultural identity in Thailand. The findings have broad implications for understanding religious behavior and belief systems across Southeast Asia. The study reveals complex connections between psychology, religion, and social norms in Thai society.  Keywords: Thai Amulets, Monks, Religious Beliefs, Psychology, Buddhism, Social Harmony, Cultural Identity  Introduction      This paper investigates the intricate psychological mechanisms of two main pillars of Thai Buddhist Phenomena: belief in sacred amulets and trust of monks to protect in furtherance of spiritual realms. Using rich qualitative data, the paper shows that the practices support major psychological functions of anxiety reduction, meaning making and collective identification in Thai society as powerful psychological anchors. The results show that amulets act as tangible protective resources in times of uncertainty and monks represent resources for guidance beyond the formal boundaries of religiosity. Results from 24 in-depth interviews and surveys with 100 participants (93% of respondents report believing in sacred objects) showed the practices remain remarkably entrenched despite modernization. The study subverts simple readings of these practices as ‘just superstition’ showing that they involve intricate psychological mechanisms that function to cope with everyday difficulties inherent around uncertainty in Thai especially contexts. Western Reflections on Buddhism in Contemporary Thai Buddhism is very much embedded in the culture and mentality as well as social institutions of Thai. Foundational to Thai Buddhist practices are two interrelated practices: sacred amulets (Phra Kruang) and the monastic authority. The two not only function as religious souvenirs, but the subtle psychology behind them is designed to help you resiliently fulfill end of uncertainty and confrontations that life throws at you[1]. While the cultural significance is well established, little research has contributed insights regarding how these practices continue to exist in modern Thai society. In Thai culture, amulet (Phra kruang) is very typical…the Phra Kruang or amulets are considered indispensable in every aspect of life. Alluding to their antiquity and heritage from old Amaravati era, these sacred belived protective items have been a syncretic mixture between indigenous animist traditions, in particular the religious elements derived from Theravada Buddhist practices. Historically amulets have originated as ceremonial items from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods to commodities in modern times. Their ubiquity today testifies to their multi-modal function, both in the temple world as religious objects and as psychiatric resources for coping with ambiguity and stress. Thai society also depends on a variety of monk-based functions, who play multi-faceted roles in society as community leaders. For instance, they often act as community leaders in rural areas (where services provided by the state are scarce) to mediate conflicts, fight for humanitarian causes and educate capacitate people. Temples are community centers providing essential social welfare services with spaces where religious practice meet social support. Such melding of the spiritual and practical functions likely explains why monks are still so influential in Thai society despite increasing modernization. Research Problem and Gaps       While previous research on Buddhist practices in Thailand has mainly examined historical, sociopolitical and cultural aspects of these practices, psychological roots have not been sufficiently explored. This void is particularly poignant since we have elaborate psychological theories, attachment styles, dissonance reduction through to meaning making processes that could potentially shed light on why people put such psychological credence into amulets and ordaining (anti)behavior. The existing accounts have multiple limitations. First, research is very descriptive documenting the religious practices without any analysis of their psychological functions. Second studies that look at the psychological issue often reference Western paradigms which do not represent the cultural and spiritual specificity of Thailand. Third, little consideration has been given to modernization, globalization, and technological changes that may affect these practices. Fourth, the commercialization of amulets is a fertile ground for discussions that they are being commodified — i.e. unraveling from sacred to economic goods. Second, comparative viewpoints among other Theravada Buddhist countries that conduct similar practices are still limited.  Research Questions and Objectives       Through this study we aim to overcome these limitations by investigating the psychological processes that underpin belief in amulets and belief in monks within Thai culture. The research aims to answer the four main questions: 1. What cognitive and psychological factors lead to belief in amulets as protective and lucky objects? 2. What perspectives exist among those who do not believe in amulets or have no faith in monks? 3. What is the role of monks