Interrelations between Buddhism and social systems in Cambodian peasant culture

Ebihara, May; Nash, Manning

essay

Interrelations between Buddhism and social systems in Cambodian peasant culture

Anthropological studies in Theravada Buddhism [papers, by] Manning Nash and others • (13) • Published In 1966 • Pages: 175-196

By: Ebihara, May, Nash, Manning.

Abstract
This document discusses relationships between Buddhism and social organization of community life in a Cambodian rural village. It argues that several aspects of village culture in Cambodia is primarily shaped by the teachings and rituals of Theravada Buddhism which is state religion of the country. To support this argument, the author shows that Cambodian soceity lacks enduring kinship units beyond the family level. Instead, both village-level relations and loyalty to the state are encourages on grounds of shared religious beliefs.

Religious denominations

Religious intolerance and martyrs

Congregations

Community structure

Ethos

Cultural identity and pride

Territorial hierarchy

Chief executive

Form and rules of government

Prayers and sacrifices

Sacred objects and places

Cult of the dead