Creation Myth in 'Three Worlds According to King Ruang': A Teaching of Buddhist Philosophy

The paper is an attempt to explore the significance of ‘creation myth’ in a famous Thai text of Buddhist Cosmology ‘Three Worlds According to King Ruang’. The text is believed to be composed by King Lithai of Sukhothai period (AD.1239 -1377). ‘Three Worlds According to King Ruang’ is translated from Thai by Frank E. Reynolds and Mani B. Reynolds.

     The ‘creation’ myth in the text is found in the chapter concerning the destruction of the mah?kappa, explaining the cosmic destruction by the fire, water and wind.

     After the destruction, the text describes the cosmic devolution and the devolution of society. It is found that the text explains the ‘natural’ cycle of creation and destruction. The most interesting aspect is the explanation of the ‘origin’ of human beings and society.