Though the people of Burma, now called Myanmar, are formally Buddhist, their folk religion a type of animism or supernaturalism is so unlike classical Buddhism that it seems contradictory. For years scholars of religion and anthropology have debated the questions: Do these folk beliefs make up a separate religious system? Or is there a subtle merging of supernaturalism and Buddhism, a kind of syncretism? In either case, how exactly does folk religion fit into the overall religious pattern? Melford Spiro's Burmese ...
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Though the people of Burma, now called Myanmar, are formally Buddhist, their folk religion a type of animism or supernaturalism is so unlike classical Buddhism that it seems contradictory. For years scholars of religion and anthropology have debated the questions: Do these folk beliefs make up a separate religious system? Or is there a subtle merging of supernaturalism and Buddhism, a kind of syncretism? In either case, how exactly does folk religion fit into the overall religious pattern? Melford Spiro's Burmese Supernaturalism has been one of the major works in this debate, both for its position on the "two religions" question and for its arguments concerning the psychological basis of religion. The book begins with an introduction to the study of supernaturalism. The next section of the work covers various types of supernaturalism, including witches, ghost, and demons. Other areas of discussion include supernaturally caused illness and its treatment, the shaman, the exorcist, and the relationship between supernaturalism and Buddhism. In the introduction to this expanded edition Spiro further develops the underlying logic of his argument and evaluates the most recent contributions to the field of the anthropology of religion. Burmese Supernaturalism is an intriguing study and will provide insightful reading for anthropologists, sociologists, theologians, as well as those interested in supernaturalism in Burma (Myanmar) and other cultures.
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Publisher:
Institute for the Study of Human Issues
Published:
1978
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
17944532862
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Seller's Description:
VG. edge-wear to covers & spine edges. interior cover has previous owners name; title pg has red dot. interior clean. tight binding. Illustrated & blue wrappers w/ blue&white printing. book xxxvi, 300 pgs. content as follows: Preface to the expanded edition--Introduction. The study of supernaturalism--The types of supernaturalism. Witches; Ghosts and demons; Nats; Supernaturalism: some explanations--The thirty-seven nats. The thirty-seven nats: a typology; The thirty-seven nats: the public cultus; The thirty-seven nats: some explanations--Illness and supernaturalism. Supernaturally caused illness and its treatment; Possession; The exorcistic seance--Supernatural practitioners. The shaman; The exorcist--Conclusion. Supernaturalism and buddhism.
Publisher:
Institute for the Study of Human Issues
Published:
1978
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
8711385991
Shipping Options:
Standard Shipping: $4.57
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
0915980789. Expanded edition. Hardcover, index, annotated, referenced, xxxvi + 300 pp, fine in near fine dustjacket. Dustjacket shows minor shelf wear with a 1/2 inch tear and corresponding crease on rear panel. Book itself has lower corners of 4 adjoining leaves bumped, otherwise tight, clean, paper crisp, unmarked, and never read. A study of the interplay of the traditional folk religion of Burma with Buddhism, expanded to include a commentary by the author on the underlying logic of his work and an evaluation of recent developments in the field. ISBN 0915980789 Comparative religion; ethnology; anthropology; shamanism; animism; folklore; Burma; psychology.
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Seller's Description:
New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 344 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
