北ラオス村落社会における出家行動と移動の経験--越境とコミュニケーションの動態の理解に向けて

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the mobility and the dynamics of social networking of Buddhist novices' in a village in northern Laos, based on historical context of the local area. The villagers are mostly Lue, descended from migrants into the area from southern China about 500 years ago, who developed their traditions and customs under the infl uence of Theravada Buddhism. In the process of nation building through colonization, civil war and socialist revolution, Buddhism has attracted political attention and been subjected to regulation by the Lao government. In addition to the institutionalization and centralization of the clergy, villagers' religious practices have been affected by penetration of a money economy, improvements in transportation and implementation of development policies. Traditionally, ordination as a novice was a rite of passage to manhood in the village, and thus most men became novices and returned to life in the village after disrobing. Since the 1980s, however, many novices have moved to urban areas for education and to experience urban life. Most of them returned to secular life after completion of their study, found a job and stayed in the urban areas, while constructing and mobilizing their social relationships there, and keeping in touch with fellow villagers for mutual support. This paper argues that the social network and the living space of people have expanded by their practice of mutual assistance suited to the time and situation.