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This book presents a fascinating study of the religion of minority groups living in rural areas in Yunnan province in the early twenty-first century and how they use religious rituals to show their own nationality and spiritual culture. By exploring these minority groups, e.g., the Dai, Bulang, and De'ang, the book makes a major contribution to our understanding of the relationship between religion and social functions and of the ways in which globalization and modernity are experienced at the most personal level. It provides valuable insights into how minority people negotiate sacred /secular demands and requirements, how they experience a sense of satisfaction and comfort in Buddhist temples, and how that experience shapes their sense of identity, worldview, values, and relations with others.
In closing, the book gives a voice to the experiences of Buddhists, who are one of the most important-and yet least visible-signs of religion freedom in China's reform processes. It offers a unique guide for all readers, who are interesting in oriental studies, and an ideal reference book for Anthropology and Buddhism courses at colleges and universities.
List of contents
Chapter 1. Promoting harmony through religious discipline: a report on the first ten years of "Home of Buddha's Light".- Chapter 2. The impact of policies, power and market on ethnic Dai's religious life: a case study of Mangang Villagers' Group in Mengzhe Town, Xishuangbanna Prefecture.- Chapter 3. "Bai" during "Khao Phansa" in Southern Buddhism: a case study of the "Zhagabai" in Huyun Village of Dehong Prefecture and the "Ganduobai" at Jinlong Temple of Lincang Municipality.- Chapter 4. Religious and secular significance of "offerings" in the lives of the Bulang people: a case study of Bulangshan Town in Xishuangbanna Prefecture.- Chapter 5. Changes in the temple economy in Xishuangbanna: a case study of Jingzhen General Buddhist Temple in Mengzhe Town of Xishuangbanna Prefecture.- Chapter 6. Foreign monks' social adaptation: a case study of Burmese Monks in Mangdan Buddhist Temple in Husa Town, Dehong Prefecture.
Summary
This book presents a fascinating study of the religion of minority groups living in rural areas in Yunnan province in the early twenty-first century and how they use religious rituals to show their own nationality and spiritual culture. By exploring these minority groups, e.g., the Dai, Bulang, and De’ang, the book makes a major contribution to our understanding of the relationship between religion and social functions and of the ways in which globalization and modernity are experienced at the most personal level. It provides valuable insights into how minority people negotiate sacred /secular demands and requirements, how they experience a sense of satisfaction and comfort in Buddhist temples, and how that experience shapes their sense of identity, worldview, values, and relations with others.
In closing, the book gives a voice to the experiences of Buddhists, who are one of the most important—and yet least visible—signs of religion freedom in China’s reform processes. It offers a unique guide for all readers, who are interesting in oriental studies, and an ideal reference book for Anthropology and Buddhism courses at colleges and universities.
