Description:

Through an anthropological perspective, this lecture explores the historical background, meaning, functions and uses of amulets, tattoos and other sacred objects in Thai Buddhism. The transformation of sacred objects and tattoos will also be highlighted to understand the changing roles of those sacred objects. In addition, through the lens of amulets and sacred objects, this lecture will discuss how Buddhism and Animism (also Hinduism) have been syncretized in the Thai Buddhist context.

This lecture discusses religious objects that are popular and have been a part of Thai Buddhism for many centuries. However, there is a question of whether these objects can be regarded as being Buddhist. The ambiguous status of amulets, tattoos and other sacred objects in Thai Buddhism intrigues scholars as well as practitioners to further explore their historical background, meaning, and functions.

Presenter:Amnuaypond Kidpromma

Amnuaypond Kidpromma, PhD, (Ajarn Nong) is an assistant professor in Religious Studies at Chiang Mai University. Her research focus is on vernacular Hinduism and popular Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia. She has spent extensive time completing field work on Vaishnava Sadhu in West Bengal, India, learning and living with locals. In addition, her research includes studying the lives of marginalized Buddhists in Thailand. She currently is conducting research on the relationship between women and sacred-religious items such as amulets as well as Burmese male sex workers and Buddhist Ethics.

Cost: 350 THB