Politics and gendered spirituality in the short stories of SriDaoRu'ang

Abstract

This project pinpoints specific rudimentary concepts of the Thai Theravadan Buddhist philosophy, as they surface in the short stories of SriDaoRu’ang. Through these short stories, many of the ritualistic practices of this particular Buddhist philosophy are exemplified, presenting a dire need for the reformation of the rituals which tend to genderize and politicize the spiritual realm. This suggestion for the reformation of such practices and beliefs attempts to persuade the Theravadan world against polarized gender-specific practices that merely accentuate the differences between members of the Buddhist world, and act as a socio-political barrier for women and the poor. However, the call for reevaluation hardly attempts to eradicate Thai Buddhist traditions. Rather, the nature of such an attempt to reform would prove that in changing rituals that are non-inclusive, Thai Theravadan practice would return to a state of rudimentary Buddhist philosophy, as taught by the Buddha. Through an exploration of the short stories of SriDaoRu'ang, the need for reform is further exemplified, and the non-inclusive practices of much of the Thai Buddhist world are examined.

Date of Award	2005
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	John Martone (Supervisor)