Monks and Magic

First published in 1975, B.J. Terwiel's Monks and Magic remains a widely cited text.

This is an absorbing study of Buddhism as practised at that time in a community in rural Central Thailand. It describes how esoteric spells and magical diagrams were the main interest of children and adolescents but full ritual knowledge was obtained in adulthood and tempered by life experiences. As death approaches, the Buddhist world-view stimulates merit-making.

This fourth edition of the work is a major revision that updates the original text, adds new material and offers a contemporary perspective on the original study.