Publication: Monks and magic: A model for the study of Thai buddhism
Issued Date
2018-01-01
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ISSN
13363786
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2-s2.0-85066731337
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Studia Orientalia Slovaca. Vol.17, No.2 (2018), 217-227
Suggested Citation
Miloš Hubina Monks and magic: A model for the study of Thai buddhism. Studia Orientalia Slovaca. Vol.17, No.2 (2018), 217-227. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/44938
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Title
Monks and magic: A model for the study of Thai buddhism
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Abstract
© 2018, Comenius University. All rights reserved. In this paper the author proposes a model for the study of Thai Buddhism radically de-emphasizing Buddhist soteriology in favor of magic. Magic is characterized by suppressing the symbolic value of objects and acts as well as superseding the standard causal expectations with »weak causation« based on perceptual features of similarity, contagion contiguity, force dynamics and essence. De-emphasis of soteriology undermines Tambiah’s explanation of Buddhist charisma as a product of regulated practice and explains the apparent paradox of monks of deriving ritual-empowering charisma from adherence to rules which prohibit monks performing these rituals.