Exploring the cultural meaning of Thai Buddha amulets from talisman worship

Since ancient times, human beings in different countries and even different regions have different beliefs and cultures. Because of the different beliefs, there are different objects of worship and objects to avoid evil things, which are called amulets here. Amulets are considered to be worn on the body to have the psychological feeling of protection and blessing. Among the regions where Buddhism is the dominant religion, Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced, is famous for its amulets, which are called Buddha amulets, holy relics, or in Thai, just like Taiwan's peace amulets and talismans. However, due to the manipulation of some unscrupulous businessmen and people in recent years, Buddha amulets are often regarded as a scary object, which also makes people associate with some negative feelings. This study describes the art of handcrafting and the materials of Thai Buddha amulets, and summarizes the information of amulets from Thailand and Taiwan to understand their meanings and uses. By comparing the culture of faith in Taiwan, it will be argued that amulets are an essential product of faith, and not that Thai Buddha amulets have terrible power. The focus group method is used to interview the respondents who wear an amulet and who sell Buddha amulets, and the control group is those who do not know about amulets and do not wear an amulet. We hope that the results of this study will convey that the cultural meaning of Thai Buddha amulets has the same significance as other talismans and make Thai Buddha amulets return to the original and simple meaning of faith.