Charismatic monks of Lanna Buddhism
Buddhist holy men in a rapidly transforming world
| Résumé: | Buddhist holy men in a rapidly transforming world Charismatc monks are central to the Lanna Buddhist tradition, a variant of Theravada Buddhism that evolved about 500 years ago in northern Thailand and neighbouring regions. Some of these monks are renowned for their ascetism, supernatural powers and strivings to recreate a utopian 'Buddha-land'. Others have become more engaged in the modern world and its rapid transformation. Issues highlighted in the book are the relationship of these charismatic monks to the state and state-controlled monkhood (sangha), the tendency for religious construction to spill over into economic development activities, and the diversity of lowland and highland devotional communities from Thailand and Myanmar. The book also explores contemporary influences on this religious tradition: the continuing marginalization og highland minorities and consequent devotion to messianic leaders, the incorporation for Lanna holy men into a national constellation of popular charismatic monks, the commercialization of Buddhism, and the patronage of wealthy urban elites. |
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| Description: | "In association with the Center for Ethnic Studies and Development (CESD), Chiang Mai University" Includes bibliographical references and index |
| ISBN: | 8776941957 |