29/07/2026
THE BUDDHIST WORLD OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
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Donald K. Swearer’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘴𝘪𝘢 has been a key resource for readers interested in the Theravada Buddhist tradition since its first publication in 1995. Expanded and updated, the second edition offers a wide-ranging account of Southeast Asian Buddhism for readers in the twenty-first century.
Swearer presents Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia as a dynamic and complex system of thought and practice deeply embedded in the cultures, societies, and histories of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.
The book focuses on three distinct yet interconnected dimensions of the Buddhist world.
The first explores popular traditions, including ideal models of life represented through myths and legends, rites of passage, festivals, merit-making practices, and ritual occasions.
The second examines Buddhism and the state. It illustrates how King Asoka serves as the model of an ideal Buddhist ruler, discusses the relationship between cosmology and kingship, and explores the rise of charismatic Buddhist political leaders during the postcolonial period.
The third considers the modern transformation of Buddhism, including the changing roles of monks and laypeople, Buddhist reform movements, the role of women, and the development of Buddhism in the West.
Through this book, readers will explore three main parts:
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
1. Ideal Action
2. Ritual Occasions, Merit, and the Appropriation of Power
3. Festivals
4. Rites of Passage
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗜: 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲
5. Asoka, the Exemplary Buddhist Ruler
6. Kingship and the Cosmological
7. Scheme of the Three Worlds
8. The Buddha as Cosmocrator
9. Modern Nationalism and Buddhism
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗜𝗜: 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
10. The Changing Role of the Monk
11. Reforming the Tradition
12. The Changing Role of the Laity
13. Women and Buddhism
14. Buddhism and the West
Postscript
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