ABSTRACT

In the religions of South and Southeast Asia, water functions as an agent or embodiment of life and purity. Rivers are viewed as goddesses or the habitats of spirits, and ingesting or touching sacred water can facilitate blessings and protect one from harm. From the creation myths of the Vedas and bathing rites in the Ganges River to the playful rituals of Songkran, water renews life. In Thailand, the association of water with life has influenced architecture, trade, and religious legends, beliefs and practices. This chapter will explore some of the ways in which Buddhists in Thailand associate water with life and blessings and suggest that these associations remain a significant part of Thai religiosity despite significant cultural, economic and demographic changes over the past century.