Wai khru

The rituals of wai khru are believed to have derived from ancient animistic beliefs, influenced by the spread of Brahminism from India. This is evident in the wai khru ceremonies of traditional dance and music, where specific mention is made to Ishvara, and in Thai Massage, where specific mention is made to Shivaga Komarpaj and Narayana, along with other Hindu deities. Wai khru has for most of history existed as a folk tradition, passed on from generation to generation throughout the years. The wai khru ceremony in its modern form, which is held in most schools today, originated at Triam Udom Suksa School in 1941. The '''' chant was written by Thanpuying Dussadee Malakul Na Ayutthaya (the wife of ML Pin Malakul, director of the school at the time). ==Form==

In educational institutions The wai khru ceremonies which take place in most educational institutions in Thailand today generally follow the same form. The ceremony usually begins with a Buddhist devotion in institutions where Theravada Buddhism is observed as the official religion, followed by the students' recitation of the wai khru chant, which expresses respect for and gratitude to the teachers, and asks for the teachers' blessing of their studies. Following this, a select number of students, usually the representatives of each class, will present the teachers with offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks arranged on phan (traditional Thai pedestalled trays). This is usually followed by a speech by the headteacher offering the students guidance in their academic career. Many institutions also present student awards and honours during the ceremony. The traditional offerings for wai khru represent a symbolism of student qualities, namely: • Ixora (khem, ) flowers, which while closed form pointed buds, symbolizing sharp wit, • Cynodon dactylon (ya phraek, or Bermuda grass), the rapid growth and resilience of which symbolize perseverance and the ability to learn, • Popped rice (khao tok, ), which symbolizes discipline, and • Eggplant flowers, which bow low when nearing fruiting, symbolizing respect and humility. The ceremony is usually held shortly after the beginning of the first term, on a Thursday, as Thursday is traditionally the day of Brihaspati, Vedic god of wisdom and teachers. Wai khru ceremonies typically give thanks to a medicine practitioner's lineage of teachers, beginning with the most recent living teachers and culminating with Jīvaka Komārabhacca, the legendary doctor of the Buddha in the Pāli Canon. Various other divine figures, such as deities, rishi, and other spirits are often also recognized. Wai khru ceremonies typically involve chanting incantations in Pāli, Sanskrit, and Thai, which frequently include passages of scripture honoring the Buddha. Wai khru ceremonies are conducted privately by individual healers, and also can be large community events hosted by traditional medicine schools or other institutions. ==Criticism==

Some observers, particularly left-wing historians Nidhi Eoseewong and Sujit Wongthes, have noted that the modern annual wai khru ceremonies have drifted far from their spirit-worship origins and been transformed into rituals emphasizing the hierarchical status of teachers over students. Whereas older traditions would have teachers and students paying respects together to spirit teachers, the modern tradition instead prominently features the act of students prostrating before their living, personal teachers, a symbolism Sujit claims was invented to promote the government's ideals of authoritarianism during the mid-twentieth century. ==See also==