World Ethnic Religions and Culture Series - (10 volumes)

Author: Zhang Ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-02-01
Features: The world's most concentrated region of Buddhist followers is currently found in Southeast Asia, particularly in mainland Southeast Asia. Not only does this region boast a long history of Buddhist development, but the majority of countries in the region also have Buddhist followers accounting for the vast majority of their total population. In these countries, Buddhist thought and Buddhist culture have permeated every aspect of social life to such an extent that understanding the development of local Buddhism is essential to interpreting their history and society. In recent decades, the political, economic, and cultural development of Southeast Asian countries has achieved remarkable accomplishments, making the study and understanding of Southeast Asia a popular field of research. Even after the financial crisis, Southeast Asia remains one of the world's focal points of attention. People expect a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Southeast Asia, including its historically significant and deeply influential Buddhist culture. Southeast Asian Buddhist culture is rich and diverse, encompassing both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Due to space constraints, this book focuses on Theravada Buddhism, which has had a profound impact on Southeast Asia. It describes and explains aspects such as the ethnic structure of Southeast Asia, its geographical position, the origins and spread of religion, the religious founders, the relationship between religion and culture, and the influence of religious spirit on society. The aim is to reveal the intrinsic connections between Southeast Asian ethnic groups and Theravada Buddhism, allowing readers to find the key to interpreting Southeast Asian history and society through an understanding of Buddhist culture. This series also includes content on South Asian Hinduism and Culture, Russian Orthodoxy and Culture, Western Asian Islam and Culture, Japanese Shinto and Culture, European Catholicism and Culture, World Judaism and Culture, American Indigenous Religions and Culture, Oceanic Religions and Culture, and Central Asian Islam and Culture.