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The Meaning and Contribution of the Wai Khru (‰À«â§√Ÿ) for the

Preservation of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom in Modern Times

Barbara Batista Santos
M.A. Philosophy & Religion, Assumption University, Bangkapi District, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Corresponding author: barbara.nibbana@gmail.com

Abstract

Since the modernization of the world, Thai traditional medical knowledge has undergone vast changes
that may compromise its authenticity. However, this paper identifies that a modern version of a traditional
Thai rite called Wai Khru (‰À«â§√Ÿ), can be the key to preserve the legitimacy of the Thai traditional medical
wisdom. The Wai Khru is a tradition of paying respect and honor to teachers in Thailand, and this research
shows that it is a way to link individuals to teacher of many forms, physical and spirituals, allowing the
preservation of the relationship in traditional wisdom lineage. Some Thai traditionalists assert that Wai Khru
is the most important element in the traditional knowledge itself. Therefore, in order to investigate the
meaning and the function of the Wai Khru in Thai traditional medicine, this paper will ask: what is traditional
knowledge? Why is it transmitted through a specific manner? How does traditional knowledge differ from the
knowledge of scientific or religious order? Why do Thai practitioners of traditional arts pay respect to those
who have gone before? Lastly, what are the challenges and changes to traditional knowledge in modern times
and its future? To answer these questions, this paper uses works by the perennial philosopher René Guénon,
and field research into the Wai Khru ceremonies, as well as interviews with Thai traditional doctors, teachers
and experts about the Wai Khru in Thai tradition, which explains why the Wai Khru rituals allow the
preservation of the Thai traditional medicine wisdom in modern times.
Key words: Wai Khru, Thai traditional knowledge, Thai traditional medicine, Thai tradition, Thai
wisdom

Received date 22/08/17 Accepted date 26/01/18

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