Description
Book SynopsisFirst published in 1975, B.J. Terwiel's Monks and Magic remains a widely cited text.
This is an absorbing study of Buddhism as practised at that time in a community in rural Central Thailand. It describes how esoteric spells and magical diagrams were the main interest of children and adolescents but full ritual knowledge was obtained in adulthood and tempered by life experiences. As death approaches, the Buddhist world-view stimulates merit-making.
This fourth edition of the work is a major revision that updates the original text, adds new material and offers a contemporary perspective on the original study.
Trade Review'This book deserves a welcome from both sides of academic life, teaching and research. Teachers of subjects dealing with Thai language and culture will welcome a clear account of the religious preoccupations - of country people in the central region. The author has come to treat what is normal and respectable there - The hope is thereby to emphasize the main thesis, viz. that there is such a thing as 'animistic Buddhism' and that it is common in rural areas.' - P.J. Bee, "Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies"
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements A Note on Transliteration 1. Two Orientations in the Practice of Buddhism 2. The Setting and the Fieldwork 3. Children and Religion 4. Adolescents, Amulets and Tattooing 5. The First Period in the Sangha 6. Leaving the Order, Courtship and Marriage 7. Building a House 8. The Precepts and Ritual 9. The Pursuit of Beneficial Karma 10. Old Age, Death, and the Hereafter 11. Conclusions Postscript Glossary of Thai, Pali and Sanskrit Words Bibliography Index
