Early Theravadin Cambodia

Ashley Thompson is the Hiram W. Woodward Chair in Southeast Asian Art at SOAS University of London.

Introduction: Early Theravadin Cambodia: Terms of Engagement Chapter 1: Angkor and Theravada Buddhism: Some Considerations Chapter 2: Reading and Interpreting Jataka Tales during the Angkorian Period Chapter 3: The Buddha Sculptures of Tham Phra (Buddha Cave): Implications for Understanding the Complex Religious Atmosphere of Western Thailand during the Early Second Millennium CE Chapter 4: A Brief Overview of Key Theravada Buddhist Sculptures in Central Angkor from the 13th to 18th Centuries Chapter 5: New Evidence at Western Prasat Top, Angkor Thom Chapter 6: Back to the Future: The Emergence of Past and Future Buddhas in Khmer Buddhism Chapter 7: 17th- and 18th-Century Images of the Buddha from Ayutthaya and Lan Xang at Angkor Wat

"While the recurring thread through the book is Theravada Buddhism, its reach is broader than just students of Buddhism. Woodward's, Poolsuwan's, and Revire's articles are of particular interest to art historians and Polkinghorne's article makes references to the dangers of collecting in the nineteenth and twentieth century. Each article references Khmer art and culture, and all highlight the importance of Angkor within their personal fields."-- "The Review" "The publication of Early Theravadin Cambodia represents an important step in teasing out Theravada's essence from the complex religious matrix of Angkor and conceptual reformation of Cambodia since the 1500s... This book represents an excellent foundation for scholars and lay readers interested in knowing more about Theravada in the Angkorian and Khmer worlds and will hopefully inspire future researchers to turn their attention to this less known but equally dynamic part of Cambodia's past."-- "Asian Perspectives" "An important collation of recent scholarship investigating the establishment of the conglomeration of religious practices in Cambodia known today as Theravada Buddhism. . . . In sum, Early Theravadin Cambodia is a worthwhile compilation that is as much a holistic academic entry point into this field of study as a source for scholars looking to bolster new data and arguments."-- "Journal of Southeast Asian Studies"