Communication for the Transmission of the Identity of Mahayana Chinese Buddhist Monks in Thailand

Abstract

        This research aims to study the identity and the communication for the transmission of the Mahayana Chinese Buddhist monks in Thailand. Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews. The study found that: 1) The identity is rooted in three traditions: the Vinaya, Vipassana, and Mantrayana schools. 2)The primary forms of communication are ritual communication and identity communication. 3)There is a process of repeated communication to transmit the identity. The results of this study contribute to: 1) Understanding the roots of the Mahayana Chinese Buddhist identity in Thailand. 2) Gaining insights into identity communication through various indicators. 3) Understanding the construction and repetition of communication to transmit the identity.