Socially Engaged Buddhism of Theravada Monastic Sanga Community: A Case Study of the Bulang Buddhist Community in Laoman'e Village, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China

Abstract

This study investigates the socially engaged Buddhism of the Bulang people in the Laoman’e village in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China. The socially engaged Buddhist activism of the Bulang Theravada Buddhist community remains unreported, and scholars have widely ignored this topic. Therefore, this study fills a research gap by examining the socially engaged Buddhism found among the Bulang people in Laoman’e village. This study highlights the influence of the important Bulang Buddhist monastic figure Phra Somdet Aggamuni and how he serves as a role model for a young generation of Bulang Buddhists, particularly regarding social engagement and Buddhism in their unique cultural and ethnic context. According to the research, socially engaged Buddhism is a relatively new form of Buddhist movement in the region that places a strong emphasis on morality, loving-kindness, compassion, and ethical behavior. In Asia, it has played a critical role in settling contemporary political, social, and spiritual conflicts. On the other hand, Phra Somdet Aggamuni, a prominent Theravada Buddhist monk, actively participated in socially engaged Buddhist activism, which had a favorable impact on the community’s growth both religiously and socially. The local Buddhist community continues to acknowledge and value his efforts. The Theravada Buddhist community has experienced a partisan tendency and a shortage of skilled leadership since the passing of Phra Somdet Aggamuni.

Keywords

• socially engaged buddhism
• bulang
• laoman’e village
• yunnan
• theravada buddhism
• chinese minorities