The Intersection of Buddhism and Animism in Thai Ritual Practices: An Anthropological Analysis
คำสำคัญ:
Buddhism, animism, Thai rituals, cultural identity, spiritual practicesบทคัดย่อ
This paper explores the unique intersection of Buddhism and animism within Thai ritual practices, offering an anthropological perspective on the blending of these two belief systems. Buddhism, which arrived in Thailand over a thousand years ago, focuses on enlightenment and ethical behavior, while animism emphasizes spiritual connections with natural elements and ancestral spirits. In Thai society, these two systems coexist, merging in rituals that reflect both religious and cultural heritage. Through practices such as merit-making, spirit offerings, and ceremonies invoking protection from nature spirits, Thai rituals reveal an adaptive spirituality that integrates Buddhist doctrines with local animistic beliefs. This synthesis supports social cohesion and fosters environmental awareness, as many rituals are deeply rooted in respect for nature. The study highlights how these blended practices not only shape Thai cultural identity but also serve as a platform for ecological responsibility. By examining the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of these rituals, this research provides insight into the resilience and adaptability of Thai spirituality in a modernized context.
References
Arhem, K., & Sprenger, G. (2015). Animism in Southeast Asia. Routledge. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=3Xv4CgAAQBAJ
Au, P. K. (2023). From Khmer Folk Buddhism to Evangelical Christianity: The contribution of experiences of conversion for understanding the practice of evangelism in Cambodia. The University of Manchester. https://research.manchester.ac.uk/files/299166761/FULL_TEXT.PDF
Bell, C. (2009). Ritual. Oxford University Press. http://books.google.com/books?id=APLBiVVQJ8gC
Benthall, J. (2016). Islamic charities and Islamic humanism in troubled times. University Press, 27, 171–213. https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/166335/jrai13459.pdf
Cassaniti, J. (2015). Living Buddhism. Cornell University Press. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=cxTRCgAAQBAJ
McDaniel, J. T. (2013). The Lovelorn Ghost and the Magical Monk. Columbia University Press. http://books.google.com/books?id=tMWrAgAAQBAJ
Min, J. (2023). A comparative study of factors influencing the acceptance of homosexuality in Thailand and South Korea: Focused on media’s portrayal before and after the 1990s. Thammasat University. http://ethesisarchive.library.tu.ac.th/thesis/2023/TU_2023_5927040138_16525_28571.pdf
Morris, B. (2006). Religion and anthropology. Cambridge University Press. http://books.google.com/books?id=PguGB_uEQh4C
Öhlmann, P., & Stork, J. (2024). Religious communities and ecological sustainability in Southern Africa and beyond. Globethics Publications, Sustainability Series No. 1. https://www.partner-religion-development.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Globethics_Religious-Communities-and-Ecological-Sustainability-in-Southern-Africa-and-Beyond_2024.pdf
Peatrat, N., Ranabut, S., Wannakul, D., & Seniwong Na Ayudhaya, S. (2020). The stakeholders and image building of academic institutions. Research and Development Institute, Suan Dusit University, 16(2), 1–8. http://jmss.dusit.ac.th
Phumirang, P. P. . (2024). A Model for Promoting Social Studies Learning Skills Employing Tri-Sikkha Principles for Secondary School Students in Khon Kaen Municipality. Insights into Modern Education (i-ME), 1(3), 14–27. Retrieved from https://so19.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IME/article/view/574
Sangkhamanee, J. (2024). The mystery of the almost disappearing Naga: On urbanization and cosmopolitics in Bangkok. Retrieved from https://www.jakkritsangkhamanee.net/s/The-Mystery-of-the-Disappearing-Naga.pdf
Sarrang, P., & Sangiamvibool, A. (2024). Tracing evolution, cultural significance, and impact of modernization on Hastilinga funeral art. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 22(2), 790–805. https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.0057
Tashi, K. (2020). Contested past, challenging future: An ethnography of pre-Buddhist Bon religious practices in central Bhutan. The Australian National University. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/345059330.pdf
Thongphu, W. (2024). A Study of the Integrative Buddhist Learning Management Model of Moral Teaching Monks in Schools in Khon Kaen . Insights into Modern Education (i-ME), 1(2), 52–63. Retrieved from https://so19.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IME/article/view/571
Yabumoto, Y. (2022). Animism in Zomia: Possibility of ‘Anarcho-Animism.’ Retrieved from https://s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/aura-asia-art-project.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/28220214/20231128-Animism-in-Zomia-by-Yuto-Yabumoto_compressed-2.pdf
