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@article{199821,
        author = {LUANGSALATH KHONSAVANH and Dr. CHANDRASHEKHAR PASWAN},
        title = {The Multifaceted Roles of Lao Monks: Intersections of Buddhism, Occult Practices, and Animistic Beliefs in Lao Society},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {14318-14324},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=199821},
        abstract = {Buddhism in Laos is a combination of Buddhist, Brahmanical, and animist traditions. The roles and relationships of Lao monks, including beliefs in sacred amulets, occultism, palmistry, and fortune-telling, as well as consecration ceremonies and rituals rooted in traditional animism, are examined in the context of Lao society, past and present.
The article "The Multifaceted Roles of Lao Monks: Intersections of Buddhism, Occult Practices, and Animistic Beliefs in Lao Society" uses cultural, religious, and sociological analyses to show that Lao monks are not just religious leaders in Theravada Buddhism. Instead, they are very important as links between Buddhist teachings and old folk beliefs. Beliefs in the occult, such as the use of incantations, sacred tattoos (Yantra), and the consecration of amulets, remain popular among the public, reflecting a need for psychological security, protection, and hope in life.
Some monks also read palms and tell fortunes, serving as life coaches and advisors to people who believe in them. This shows that people can believe in both religion and the occult at the same time. At the same time, animistic rituals, such as honoring the spirits of ancestors, the home, and nature, remain very important in Lao life and often accompany Buddhist ceremonies. Thus, monks lead religious ceremonies and participate in folk rituals, showing how Buddhism can fit into Lao society in various ways. Nevertheless, these kinds of relationships usually cause arguments about whether monks should be involved in occult activities, which may go against traditional Buddhist teachings. On the other hand, this relationship shows a socio-cultural reality in which these parts can't be separated. This article highlights the unique characteristics of Lao Buddhism, marked by a multifaceted integration of beliefs and its continual adaptation to ongoing social, cultural, and spiritual changes.},
        keywords = {Lao Monks, Sacred Amulets, Occultism/Magic, Palmistry, Fortune-telling, Consecration Ceremonies, Traditional Beliefs/Animism, Theravada Buddhism, Folk Rituals, Yantra (Sacred Tattoos/Designs), Incantations, Ancestral Spirits, Spiritual Beliefs.},
        month = {April},
        }