Monks and Magic

A major revision of a classic work on Thai Buddhism

First published in 1975, B.J. Terwiel’s Monks and Magic remains a widely cited text. This is an absorbing study of Buddhism as practiced 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.

“This book deserves a welcome from both sides of academic life, teaching and research. Teachers of subjects dealing with Thai language and culture will welcome a clear account of the religious preoccupations … of country people in the central region. The author has come to treat what is normal and respectable there …

The hope is thereby to emphasize the main thesis, viz. that there is such a a thing as ‘animistic Buddhism’ and that it is common in rural areas.’

– P.J. Bee, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies

Barend Jan (Baas) Terwiel is a renowned specialist in the social and cultural history of Thailand. During his academic career, he taught in Canberra, Munich Leiden and Hamburg. His Final appointment was as Professor of Thai and Lao Languages and Literatures in Hamburg. Professor Terwiel retired in 2006 but still writes extensively on Thailand.