Comparative Analysis of Sri Lankan Forest Buddhism with Thai and Burmese Traditions
Keywords:
Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, Theravada meditation practices, Mahinda, Samatha, Upasampada, Mahasi SayadawAbstract
This comparative analysis explores the Sri Lankan Forest Monks’ Tradition within the broader context of Theravada Buddhism, juxtaposing it against similar traditions in Thailand and Burma. Originating from ancient roots and influenced by historical interactions, each tradition -- Sri Lankan, Thai and Burmese -- exhibits unique characteristics shaped by geographical, cultural and doctrinal factors. The study examines key elements such as monastic practices, lineage formations, doctrinal interpretations and cultural adaptations within forest monasticism. By analyzing historical developments and contemporary practices, this research highlights both shared aspects and distinctive features, offering insights into how these traditions have evolved independently while contributing to the wider tapestry of Theravada Buddhism. This comparative approach enhances understanding of the diverse manifestations of forest Buddhism across Southeast Asia, illuminating their significance in the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist teachings and practices.
References
Braun, E. (2013). The Birth of Insight: Meditation, Modern Buddhism and the Burmese Monk Ledi Sayadaw. University of Chicago Press.
Gethin, R. (1998). The Foundations of Buddhism. Oxford University Press.
Gombrich, R. (1988). Theravāda Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benares to Modern Colombo. Routledge.
Jordt, I. (2007). Burma’s Mass Lay Meditation Movement: Buddhism and the Cultural Construction of Power. Ohio University Press.
Kornfield, J. (1977). Living Buddhist Masters. Unity Press.
Mahinda, & Asoka. (1950). The History of Buddhism in Ceylon. M.D. Gunasena & Co.
Tambiah, S. J. (1984). The Buddhist Saints of the Forest and the Cult of Amulets: A Study in Charisma, Hagiography, Sectarianism and Millennial Buddhism. Cambridge University Press.
Taylor, J. L. (1993). Forest Monks and the Nation-State: An Anthropological and Historical Study in Northeastern Thailand. Singapore University Press.
Wijayaratna, M. (1990). Buddhist Monastic Life: According to the Texts of the Theravāda Tradition. Cambridge University Press.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
- Mystic, Spiritual and Theological Beliefs
- History of Mystries, Spiritualism(s) and Religions
- Mystical, Spiritual and/or Theological Reflections on Culture, Economics, Education, Lifestyle, Politics and Society
- Civilization(s) and Religion
- Relationship between Religion and the State
- Role of Religion in International Relations
- Religious Ethnicities
- Religious Anthropology
- World Religions
- Eastern and Western Traditions
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Insights of Mystical, Spiritual and Theological Studies

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.