Monks and Magic: An Analysis of Religious Ceremonies in Central Thailand

by B.J. Terwiel

The book deals with Buddhism as it was practiced in a community in rural Central Thailand. The text is based on anthropological fieldwork during the late 1960s. The scene unfolds with the religious perspective of children and young adults who appear mainly interested in esoteric spells and magical diagrams. Full ritual knowledge is obtained by many men in their twenties when they join the order of monks for at least one Lenten season. The latter parts of the book are devoted to the world view of older people and an analysis of some Buddhist rituals.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Barend Jan Terwiel

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new (2012) edition of a work written by a young anthropologist and published in 1975, now revised, updated with new material. An excellent overview of rural Buddhism in Thailand both in the village community and the sangha (monastic community). Simple but well written with just the right amount of careful detail and balancing anecdotes. The author, once a student of the famous scholar Dr. Robert van Gulik, is now a retired Professor of Thai and Lao Languages and Literatures. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand everyday, as opposed to academic Buddhism or the religious aspects of everyday life in rural as opposed urban ("elite") Buddhism. As Terwiel writes, "The religion of the farmer is basically magico-animistic, whilst those among the elite who adhere to religion may be regarded as having organized an intellectual appreciation of Buddhism...[and while] the farmer uses the same Buddhist institutions, concepts and ideas with which the elite are familiar, he gives them a different meaning" (p. 4).