War of Authenticity: Religious Competition among Indonesian Buddhists
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Abstract
This paper traces the competition among Buddhist denominations in Indonesia, focusing on the Thai missionaries, the Theravada Sangha, and the Buddhayana. Previous studies found that the conflict among Buddhists is based on scriptural interpretations, while this paper argues that in everyday practice, philosophical debate is not much important, comparing to tangible identity and ways of ritual performance. To answer the question when scriptural debates are not considered important in daily life, what are the reasons used to promote authentic Buddhism in their own versions among Indonesian Buddhists? Using ethnographic method and documentary analysis, this article shows that claims of authenticity can be initiated not only through scriptural debates or rationalizations of Buddhism, as Natalie Quli suggests, but also through the sacred power of meditation and being tolerant Buddhists who practice non-sectarian Buddhism.
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© 2018 by Asian Journal of Arts and Culture, Walailak University. All rights reserved.
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