DOCSLIB.ORG

Cultural Heritage Specialist Guide Training and Certification Programme for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Site-Specific Module)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Cultural Heritage Specialist Guide Training and Certification Programme for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Site-Specific Module) Cultural Heritage Specialist Guide Training and Certification Programme for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Site-Specific Module) Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Cultural Heritage Specialist Guides Training and Certification Programme for UNESCO World Heritage Sites Luang Prabang, Lao PDR (Site-Specific Module) A Training Manual for UNESCO-LNTA Guide Training Workshop Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Contributors: Bounkhong Kuttkhao, Phayvanh Chanthasouk, Veunxay Malavong, Montira Unakul, Steven Schipani, Graem Harper, Rik Ponne, Training Workshop for Guides for the UNESO Cultural Heritage Specialist Guides Programme Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 2 – 7 March 2010 Tuesday, 2 March 2010 Trainer Wednesday, 3 March 2010 Trainer Thursday, 4 March 2010 Trainers Friday, 5 March 2010 Trainers Saturday, 6 March 2010 Trainers Sunday, 7 Mar 2010 INTRODUCTION SESSION III SESSION V SESSION VII EXAM I EXAM II In-class Module Unit 4: Module Unit 5: Module Unit 5: In-class On-site: SITE 1,2, and 3 P 8:00 – 8:30 Registration Heritage Interpretation Visitor Management Community Involvement 8:300 -10:00 8:30 – 11 :30 On-site exam on In-class In-class In-class interpretive talk 8:30 – 8:45 Opening B M M V & B 8:30 – 9:00 Wrap-up of Core 8:30 – 9:00 Introduction to the 8:30 – 9:00 Preparation for the exam ceremony – Director LP PTD Module Unit 1, 2, and 3 RKSS Unit 4 – INFLUENCING Introduction to the RKSS Review of tangible and Group 1 – Vat Mai, Phousi & 8:45 – 9:00 Introduction to the V (Exercise -why LP was listed VISITOR BEHAVIOR & Unit 5 intangible heritage resources National Museum; B & S workshop & logistics as a world Heritage Site) EXPERIENCE by Mr. Bounkhong 9:00 - 9:45 CHSG Programme Group 2 – Vat Xieng Mouan; M overview and introduction to M 9:00 – 9:45 Introduction to the 9:00 – 9:30 Introduction to 9:00 – 9:15 & V training materials & training RKSS Unit 3 – HERITAGE Core Module Unit 5 Introduction to Core Module workshop objectives INTREPRETATION Unit 6 Group 3 – Ban Xang Khong; P 9:45 – 10:00 Introduction to the M V V & GH Regional Knowledge and Skills M Standards (RKSS) overview 10:00 – 10:15 Break SESSION I 9:45 – 10:00 Introduction to 9:30 – 10:00 Visitor impact 9:15 – 10:00 the Core Module Unit 4 V B The relationship between 10:00 – 12:00 12:00) Module Unit 1 and 2: – World Heritage heritage tourism and the 10:00 – 10:15 Break 10:00 – 10:15 Break local community Written exam ALL In-class (9:00 10:15 – 10:30 Introduction to 10:00 – 10:15 Break the RKSS Unit 1 –WORLD M 10:15 – 11:00 The role of 10:15 – 11:00 Do’s and don’ts AM GH HERITAGE heritage interpretation in the in Luang Prabang, with special 10:30 – 10- 45 Introduction to visitor’s understanding of emphasis & discussion on P the Core Module Unit 1 and 2 Luang Prabang St morning almsgiving V Safety concerns (boating, walking, heat, petty theft, etc) 10:45 – 12:00 Introduction to 11:00 – 11:30 Introduction to 10:15 – 12:00 the Ancient Town of Luang the existing interpretation 11:00 – 12:00 How heritage guides will B Prabang (LP) overview of the resources in Luang Prabang Lecture on the significance of contribute to the local town & significances) traditional building materials. community Nomination and inscription 11:30 – 12:00 Introduction to Influencing visitors to St GH process of LP to the World the suggested thematic trails appreciate and protect them Heritage List Town, temple, Lime plaster B B monuments, museum Woodcarving Chomphet temple walk Bronze casting Craft villages around LP Lacquer & khamuk appliqué 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch 11:30 – 1:00 Lunch 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch SESSION II & EXERCISE I SESSION IV & EXERCISE II SESSION VI & EXERCISE III SESSION VIII EXERCISE IV SESSION IX Module Unit 3: Module Unit 4: Module Unit 5: Module Unit 6: On-sites 1, 2, and 3 Conservation Heritage Interpretation Visitor Management Community Involvement Practice interpretive talk on- 1:30 – 2:30 Wrap-up of the On-site: 1. Vat Mai & Phousi, On-site: Chomphet Temple On-site: 2. Vat Xieng Mouan On-site 3: Ban Xang Khong site at site 1-3 workshop, final discussion National Museum M Walk B,S Exercise to provide orientation o Guide group A and DoIC 13:00 – 13:45 Introduction to on do’s and don’ts (role play Lunch with the local will do the exercise at 3:00 Closing ceremony with 17:00) Exercise on suggested the RKSS Unit 2 – HERITAGE interpretive talk on-site, with community Vat Mai, Phousi & the vice governor in – interpretation techniques and MANAGEMENT & St trainer’s guidance) P & B GH National Museum attendance to present PROTECTION activities certificates – reception at (13:00 13:45 – 17:00 TBD Introduction to the Core Module Meeting with the local o Guide group B and DoIC PM Unit 3 Exercise using existing community will do the exercise at V,M Conservation do’s and don’ts B interpretation resources Exercise on managing Vat Xieng Mouan (identify natural and human visitors at heritage site (role Views from the local o Officials from PTD and threats.) Protection measures play interpretive talk on-site, community will do the exercise at P, GH for the various sites with trainer’s guidance) Ban Xang Khong Trainers B = Bounkhong Khouttkao; P = Phaivanh; V = Veunxay Malavong; M = Montira Unakul; St: = Steven Schipani; GH = Grahm Harper (Buffalo tours/North-by-Northeast Travel TBD = To-be-determined (but from Department of Information & Culture) Logistic checklist: Who is Completed No. Task Expected output Due Date Responsible Y/N ? 1 Mr. Veunxay & Steven create draft budget S & V Draft budget 1 Jan 2010 2 Mr. Veunxay appoint a TTHC technical staff to assist with training preparations S & V Person appointed 1 Jan 2010 Mr. Veunxay draft letter to Luang Prabang PTD requesting Mr. Paivanh as Letter sent/ Mr. Paivanh 3 V 5 Jan 2010 instructor/local coordinator appointed Mr. Veunxay draft letter to Luang Prabang DoIC requesting Mr. Bounkhong as Letter sent/ Mr. 4 V 5 Jan 2010 instructor Bounkhong appointed Letter sent/ Ms. Montira 5 Steven coordinate with UNESCO BKK requesting Ms. Montira as instructor S 5 Jan 2010 appointed Mr. Graham accepts 6 Steven coordinate with Mr. Graham request as trainer S 5 Jan 2010 invitation Mr. Veunxay send letter to Luang Prabang PTD informing them of the training and 7 asking them to send letter to tour operators to nominate 40 tour guides that meet V Letter sent 15 Jan 2010 eligibility criteria to attend training 5 Jan to 5 Feb 8 Trainers prepare teaching materials All Course pack 2010 Meet Paivanh and 9 Steven & Veunxay travel to LP to follow up on preparations with PTD and DoIC S & V 8 January Bounkhong 10 Steven & Veunxay follow up on preparation of teaching materials S & V Course pack 5 Feb 2010 10 - 15 Feb 11 TTHC technical staff creates and photocopies course pack TTHC Course pack 2010 Mr. Paivanh follows up with tour companies to nominate 40 tour guides that meet 12 P - 10 Feb 2010 eligibility criteria to attend training. Mr. Paivanh submits a list with name of all guides and companies that will attend 13 P List of trainees 15 Feb 2010 training UNESCO BKB designs certificate and TTHC technical staff obtains signature of 14 TTHC & M Certificates 15 Feb 2010 minister 15 Mr. Paivanh & Mr. Bounkhong request entry fee waivers P & B Letter sent and approval 15 Feb 2010 16 Mr. Paivanh arrange facility rental, boat rental, Van rental, daily lunches, reception, etc. P - 15 Feb 2010 Mr. Paivanh arrange opening speech for LP PTD Director & closing speech for LP Vice 17 P Speeches written 20 Feb 2010 Governor Cultural Heritage Specialist Guide Programme The World Heritage List How many WH sites? 878 sites in 145 States Parties 679 cultural 174 natural 25 mixed As of July 2008 World Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region Out of 878 World Heritage sites 182 are situated in the Asia-Pacific Region. How many World Heritage Sites in Lao PDR? What are their Names? Where are they? Why were they included on the World Heritage List ? BACKGROUND – why was the course introduced? • Rise of cultural tourism • Demand by visitors for in-depth guiding • Weak interpretation schemes/infrastructure at sites • Visitors who are not adequately informed engage in inappropriate conduct, impacting sites and residents • Guiding can contribute to job creation, especially in many UNESCO World Heritage sites which are in relatively undeveloped areas • Guiding career currently has professional limitations GOALS • To raise professional capacity in guiding visitors at UNESCO World Heritage sites • To provide the highest level of visitor experience through improved site interpretation • To raise awareness about conservation issues • To foster the long-term sustainability of these sites BENEFITS FOR GUIDES Cultural Heritage Specialist Guide Programme will: •Officially accredit guides as an advanced supplement to existing national guide certification schemes. •Accredited guide will have preferential access to UNESCO materials • Teaching aids for guiding visitors around heritage sites • Brochures and schematic maps, and other exclusive UNESCO products CORE MODULE Unit I: The Cultural Heritage Specialist Guide Unit II: Understanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites Unit III: Protecting and Managing Cultural Heritage Unit IV: Heritage Interpretation Unit V: Influencing Visitor Behaviour and Experience Unit VI: The Cultural Heritage Guide and the Community What you are expected to Know UNESCO – LNTA Cultural Heritage Specialist Guide Regional Skills and Knowledge Standards (RKSS) RKSS serves as the performance standards to ensure the same high standards of Cultural Heritage Specialist Guides (CHSG) across the region Regional performance standards Two main components: 1) Knowledge: about World Heritage site and guiding visitors at the site 2) Skills: application of knowledge in practice I.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Echoes from the Sacred Mounts: the Challenge of Female Tutelary Spirits in Luang Prabang
    Echoes from the Sacred Mounts: The Challenge of Female Tutelary Spirits in Luang Prabang Thararat Chareonsonthichai Abstract—Many studies on Lao rituals focus on symbolic legitimation of the authority of the king and are written from the perspective of royalty and state leaders. This focus emphasizes the changes and reinvention of traditions in socialist Laos, with the absence of the king. By contrast, this paper, drawing on the ritual life of Luang Prabang in popular culture, or non-official context, examines Nang Kwang Hi, the legendary queen who became the great tutelary spirit of Luang Prabang, whose popularity and significance has not yet been investigated by scholarly work on Lao rituals and spirit cults. The paper argues that only by including female spirits in our analytical framework can we understand how Lao spirits are gendered, and how female gendering is significant in the study of Lao tutelary spirits. The paper also demonstrates how the traditional political and social structure of “Muang Luang Prabang”, as embodied in the female tutelary spirit cults, has persisted in contemporary Laos. Introduction This article examines the potency of female tutelary spirits in Luang Prabang, the former Lao capital. Many studies on Lao rituals focus on the perspectives and roles of royalty and political authorities, emphasizing the legitimating aspects of rituals. Such studies investigate the spirits associated with the establishment of the royal line or the mandala structure (e.g., Archaimbault 1973; Aijmer 1979; Holt 2009). In contrast, this research draws on the memories and experiences of the original townsfolk who are the main preservers and custodians of Luang Prabang traditions, especially women, who form the majority of participants in both Buddhist rituals and those relating to the spirits.
    [Show full text]
  • Iron Man of Laos Prince Phetsarath Ratanavongsa the Cornell University Southeast Asia Program
    * fll!!I ''{f'':" ' J.,, .,.,Pc, IRON MAN OF LAOS PRINCE PHETSARATH RATANAVONGSA THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY SOUTHEAST ASIA PROGRAM The Southeast Asia Program was organized at Cornell University in the Department of Far Eastern Studies in 1950. It is a teaching and research program of interdisciplinary studies in the humanities, social sciences, and some natural sciences. It deals with Southeast Asia as a region, and with the individual countries of the area: Brunei, Burma, Indonesia, Kampuchea, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The activities of the Program are carried on both at Cornell and in Southeast Asia. They include an undergraduate and graduate curriculum at Cornell which provides instruction by specialists in Southeast Asian cultural history and present-day affairs and offers intensive training in each of the major languages of the area. The Program sponsors group research projects on Thailand, on Indonesia, on the Philippines, and on linguistic studies of the languages of the area. At the same time, individual staff and students of the Program have done field research in every Southeast Asian country. A list of publications relating to Southeast Asia which may be obtained on prepaid order directly from the Program is given at the end of this volume. Information on Program staff, fellowships, requirements for degrees, and current course offerings is obtainable· from the Director, Southeast Asia Program, 120 Uris Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853. 11 IRON MAN OF LAOS PRINCE PHETSARATH RATANAVONGSA by "3349" Trc1nslated by .John B. �1urdoch F.di ted by · David K. \-vyatt Data Paper: Number 110 -Southeast Asia Program Department of Asian Studies Cornell University, Ithaca, New York .November 197·8 Price: $5.00 111 CORNELL UNIVERSITY SOUTHEAST ASIA PROGRAM 1978 International Standard Book Number 0-87727-110-0 iv C.ONTENTS FOREWORD • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • .
    [Show full text]
  • Singing the Lives of the Buddha: Lao Folk Opera As an Educational Medium
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 368 224 FL 800 756 AUTHOR Bernard-Johnston, Jean TITLE Singing the Lives of the Buddha: Lao Folk Opera as an Educational Medium. PUB DATE May 93 NOTE 351p.; Doctoral Dissertation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. PUB TYPE Dissertations/Theses Doctoral Dissertations (041) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC15 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Acculturation; Buddhism; Culture Conflict; English (Second Language); Epistemology; *Folk Culture; *Land Settlement; *Lao; Native Language Instruction; *Opera; Refugees; *Teaching Methods; Uncommonly Taught Languages ABSTRACT This dissertation explores the role of Lao folk opera as a medium for constructively addressing problems of cultural conflict and acculturative stress that have risen among lowland Lao refugees and their children in urban America. The central focus of the inquiry is on the ways Lao folk opera currently functions as a learning medium in the resettlement context. The need for validation of such locally produced endogenous media has become increasingly apparent as long term resettlement issues continue to emerge as threats to linguistic and cultural diversity. The review of literature encompasses the role of oral specialists in traditional societies, Buddhist epistemology in the Theravada tradition, and community education in rural Lao culture. These sources provide the background necessary to an understanding of the medium's capacity for encapsulating culture and teaching ethical values in ways that connect past to present, distant to near. (Author) ***********************************************************************
    [Show full text]
  • JSS 098 0K Reviews
    239 REVIEWS of the overflow has already appeared in a special issue of South East Asia Research in 2009. Rachel V. Harrison and Peter A. Jackson, Much of the weight of the first task, editors, The Ambiguous Allure of the tracing the encounter with the farang, West: Traces of the Colonial in Thailand. falls on Pattana Kitiarsa. He takes Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Edward Said’s famous proposition Press and Cornell University Southeast that the West constructed the Oriental Asia Program, 2010, xxiii + 268 pages. to suit Western purposes, and flips Hardbound: ISBN 978-962-209-121-4; it over as Occidentalism, the Thai paperbound: ISBN 978-962-209-123-8 construction of “the West” to suit Thai purposes. In mid Ayutthaya, the This ambitious book with its aptly Siamese elite found farang useful as alliterative title has at least a trio of craftsmen and engineers, but boorish agendas. First, to examine “the Thai as missionaries. In late Ayutthaya, encounter with the farang, and all that the farang disappeared and were not it constitutes,” especially over the last missed. But from the second quarter of century and a half. Second, to bring the nineteenth century, they could not Thailand into postcolonial theory which be avoided. The elite then selectively is enjoying great popularity in cultural adopted things and techniques from the studies syllabi in Western universities. farang, both in order to fend them off, And third, in order to enable the second and in order to present themselves as objective, to dispose of the mantra of more modern and thus more special than Siam/Thailand “never being colonized” the rest of the population.
    [Show full text]
  • Down Mekong River Thai Lan Border – Laos – 5 Days
    DOWN MEKONG RIVER THAI LAN BORDER – LAOS – 5 DAYS DAY 1: CHIANG RAI (THAILAND) - HOUEI XAY - PAKBENG (L/D) After your tour in Thailand, you must prepare to get into Laos through the Border of Huay Xai You are transfered from the Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong. After passing through immigration, you cross the Mekong River to Houei xay in Laos where your Lao guide will be waiting for you at the immigration point. After completing border formalities, you board a ready traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. As you cruise down the river, you will stop at some tribal minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. Stay overnight in Pakbeng. DAY 2: PAKBENG - PAK OU CAVES - LUANG PRABANG (B/ L/-) Check out Pakbeng stopover, and today you keep cruising from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang, you will pass areas of virgin forest with hill tribal villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You'll visit a fishing village and a rice wine making village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine. Then you'll visit the Pak Ou Caves. After that, you'll spend the day visiting Wat Xiang Thong- the most important Buddhist monastery in the country. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang. DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR - KUANG SI FALLS (B/ L) Today you have a full day of city tour and excursion. Explore Wat Visoun, Wat Khili and Wat Mai. Later, visit the former Royal Palace. It now is a National Museum where you will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms as well as Buddha and spectacular artifacts including the Prabang- a large holy image which was given in the 14th century by the Khmers to King Fa Ngum.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction Laos
    Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction Volume 5 Issue 1 The Journal of Mine Action Article 32 April 2001 Laos Country Profile Center for International Stabilization and Recovery at JMU (CISR) Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cisr-journal Part of the Defense and Security Studies Commons, Emergency and Disaster Management Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, and the Peace and Conflict Studies Commons Recommended Citation Profile, Country (2001) "Laos," Journal of Mine Action : Vol. 5 : Iss. 1 , Article 32. Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cisr-journal/vol5/iss1/32 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery at JMU Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction by an authorized editor of JMU Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Profile: Laos s s DEMINING In 1996, the government established a national office, the UXO Lao, to coordi­ nate UXO clearance and awareness and LAOS implement a national UXO strategy and MYANMAR demining projects. UXO Lao is one of the nation's largest employers, with Lao People's Democratic Republic over 1,000 employees. There are several Burma Karen State, from 1998, report that it programs involved in mine/ UXO clear­ produces nearly one civilian land mine ance in Laos. MAG, HI, NPA, World Vision amputee per day. Reports also state HISTORY Australia, Gerbera and MiiSearch all HISTORY that 30 percent of landmine victims die support demining efforts in Laos.
    [Show full text]
  • Pasáson Bandá Phao – „Kmenový Lid“
    Laos patří mezi etnicky nejrozmanitější stá- ty na světě. Zhruba polovinu jeho obyvatel tvoří etnická majorita, Laové, zbytek je slo- žen z příslušníků desítek značně rozdílných etnických skupin. Význačnou část z nich tvoří tzv. horská etnika, v Laosu nazývaná pasáson bandá phao – „kmenový lid“. Ten vždy hrál důležitou roli v laoských společenských procesech. Horská etnika měla specifické postavení již v ekonomice a společnosti tradičních laoských knížectví, müangů, a v království „Milionů slonů“, Lan Sángu (1353–1707). Francouzská koloniální politika (1893–1954) se vůči těmto etnikům vyznačovala nezájmem a exploatač- ními strategiemi, jež vedly k jejich povstáním, spojeným s fenoménem mileniál- ních hnutí. Během 2. světové války a 1. války v Indočíně (1946–1954) Francouzi začali zařazovat horaly do paravojenských jednotek komandos. Zrodilo se rovněž moderní nacionalistické a levicové hnutí. V období královské vlády (1954–1973) prováděli jak Američané, tak komunisté z organizace Pathét Láo mobilizaci hora- LAOSU V STÁT ORSKÁ ETNIKA A H lů pro „tajnou válku v Laosu“. Těmito událostmi byla tragicky zasažena zejména etnická skupina Hmongů. Po nástupu komunistů k moci v roce 1975 vyvolala tvrdá politika laoské vlády sociální a hospodářskou krizi, která měla na život horalů tíživý dopad. Mnoho jich emigrovalo, v zemi operovaly protivládní partyzánské skupiny. Po odstartování vlny reforem ťin tanakán maj („nového myšlení“) v roce 1986 se hlavními tématy národnostní politiky laoské vlády staly likvidace ozbrojené opo- zice, přesídlování příslušníků horských etnik do nížiny, industrializace, omezová- ní kopaničářského zemědělství a produkce opia. Tyto projekty jsou nezřídka slabě zabezpečeny a vedou k destrukci tradičních komunit horalů. V horách se objevují antisociální jevy jako prostituce, obchod s lidmi, zneužívání drog.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix Appendix
    APPENDIX APPENDIX DYNASTIC LISTS, WITH GOVERNORS AND GOVERNORS-GENERAL Burma and Arakan: A. Rulers of Pagan before 1044 B. The Pagan dynasty, 1044-1287 C. Myinsaing and Pinya, 1298-1364 D. Sagaing, 1315-64 E. Ava, 1364-1555 F. The Toungoo dynasty, 1486-1752 G. The Alaungpaya or Konbaung dynasty, 1752- 1885 H. Mon rulers of Hanthawaddy (Pegu) I. Arakan Cambodia: A. Funan B. Chenla C. The Angkor monarchy D. The post-Angkor period Champa: A. Linyi B. Champa Indonesia and Malaya: A. Java, Pre-Muslim period B. Java, Muslim period C. Malacca D. Acheh (Achin) E. Governors-General of the Netherlands East Indies Tai Dynasties: A. Sukhot'ai B. Ayut'ia C. Bangkok D. Muong Swa E. Lang Chang F. Vien Chang (Vientiane) G. Luang Prabang 954 APPENDIX 955 Vietnam: A. The Hong-Bang, 2879-258 B.c. B. The Thuc, 257-208 B.C. C. The Trieu, 207-I I I B.C. D. The Earlier Li, A.D. 544-602 E. The Ngo, 939-54 F. The Dinh, 968-79 G. The Earlier Le, 980-I009 H. The Later Li, I009-I225 I. The Tran, 1225-I400 J. The Ho, I400-I407 K. The restored Tran, I407-I8 L. The Later Le, I4I8-I8o4 M. The Mac, I527-I677 N. The Trinh, I539-I787 0. The Tay-Son, I778-I8o2 P. The Nguyen Q. Governors and governors-general of French Indo­ China APPENDIX DYNASTIC LISTS BURMA AND ARAKAN A. RULERS OF PAGAN BEFORE IOH (According to the Burmese chronicles) dat~ of accusion 1. Pyusawti 167 2. Timinyi, son of I 242 3· Yimminpaik, son of 2 299 4· Paikthili, son of 3 .
    [Show full text]
  • Buddhism, Power and Political Order
    BUDDHISM, POWER AND POLITICAL ORDER Weber’s claim that Buddhism is an otherworldly religion is only partially true. Early sources indicate that the Buddha was sometimes diverted from supra- mundane interests to dwell on a variety of politically related matters. The significance of Asoka Maurya as a paradigm for later traditions of Buddhist kingship is also well attested. However, there has been little scholarly effort to integrate findings on the extent to which Buddhism interacted with the polit- ical order in the classical and modern states of Theravada Asia into a wider, comparative study. This volume brings together the brightest minds in the study of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Their contributions create a more coherent account of the relations between Buddhism and political order in the late pre-modern and modern period by questioning the contested relationship between monastic and secular power. In doing so, they expand the very nature of what is known as the ‘Theravada’. This book offers new insights for scholars of Buddhism, and it will stimulate new debates. Ian Harris is Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Cumbria, Lancaster, and was Senior Scholar at the Becket Institute, St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford, from 2001 to 2004. He is co-founder of the UK Association for Buddhist Studies and has written widely on aspects of Buddhist ethics. His most recent book is Cambodian Buddhism: History and Practice (2005), and he is currently responsible for a research project on Buddhism and Cambodian Communism at the Documentation Center of Cambodia [DC-Cam], Phnom Penh. ROUTLEDGE CRITICAL STUDIES IN BUDDHISM General Editors: Charles S.
    [Show full text]
  • Luang Prabang: the Spiritual Heart of Laos
    Destination Inspiration: The Colorful Laos LUANG PRABANG: ThE SpIRITUAL HEART OF LAOS Luang Prabang is rich in cultural heritage, and and international authorities, a real motivation Luang Prabang is situated in the centre of is known as the seat of Lao culture, with mon- to preserve this wonderfully serene city. The northern Laos. The province has a total popu- asteries, monuments traditional costumes and title is justified not only by the many beauti- lation of just over 400,000 that includes 12 dis- surrounded by many types of nature's beauty. ful temples, but also by its traditional wooden tinct ethnic groups. The Khmu are the largest In 1995 unESCO declared Luang Prabang a dwellings, the old colonial style houses and the ethnic group in the province and make up the world Heritage Site. This distinction confirms, natural environment that encases it in a per- majority (about 44%) of the provincial popula- through the concerted action of local, national fect harmony of plant and stone. tion. They are a Mon-Khmer speaking people February, 2011 — 56 — Destination Inspiration: The Colorful Laos known for their knowledge of the forest, and to Muang xieng Dong xieng Thong by local xang broke up into three separate Kingdoms; they are believed to be the original inhabitants inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, King Fa ngum Vientiane, Champasack and Luang Prabang. of Laos. The Hmong are the second most popu- accepted a golden buddha image called the by the late 19th century Luang Prabang was lous ethnic minority. Pha bang as a gift from the Khmer monarchy under attack by marauding black Flag bandits archaeological evidence suggests that Luang and the thriving city-state became known as who destroyed many sacred buddha images, Prabang has been inhabited since at least Luang Prabang.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Assessment & Management Plan
    Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized E1050 v3 rev m Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project Na & Management Plan Environmental Assessment March 2005 annexes List of Annexes List of Annexes Annex A: References ........................................................................................A1-6 Annex B: Contributors to the EAMP ....................................................................B1-2 Annex C: Project Key Technical Data ..................................................................C1-4 Annex D: Technical Drawings of Project Infrastructure ......................................D1-18 Annex E: Hydrological Data ............................................................................. E1-10 Annex F: Simulated Dam Operations ................................................................ F1-10 Annex G: Water Quality Modelling Assumptions and Results ................................G1-4 Annex H: Forest & Vegetation Types ..................................................................H1-4 Annex I: Mammal & Bird Species of the NNT Area .............................................I1-20 Annex J: Fish Species & Migration ..................................................................... J1-8 Annex K: Head Construction Contractor’s Environmental Requirements .............. K1-18 Annex L: Pest Management Plan ..................................................................... L1-18 Annex M: Public Consultation and Disclosure Events .........................................
    [Show full text]
  • History of Laos
    History of Laos Kingdoms flourished on Lao territory for thousands of years, but written records are scarce before 1353, when Lan Xang (“land of a million elephants”) was established. Under King Fa Ngum, Lan Xang became a major trading center. Over the centuries, the kingdom struggled with neighbors for control of trade routes. Vientiane was a center of art, Buddhism, and culture under King Surinyavongsa, who ruled from 1637to 1686. In 1713, Lan Xang’s three provinces split into separate principalities that came under the influence of Siam (now Thailand) by the end of the 18th century. The French gained control of parts of eastern Siam in the late 1800s. In 1893, the Kingdom of Luang Prabang became a French protectorate and the remaining Lao areas became a French colony. The Japanese occupied Laos during World War II, but the French returned in 1946. Internal rule over a united Laos was granted to the King of Luang Prabang (King Sisavang Vong) in 1949, but Laos was still part of the French union until independence was achieved in 1953. A northern leftist group, Pathet Lao (“land of the Lao”),aided by North Vietnam, gained strength during the 1950s and eventually took control of many eastern parts of the country. Upon a cease-fire, the Pathet Lao joined a 1962 coalition government headed by Prince Souvanna Phouma. The Pathet Lao withdrew from that coalition in 1964. As the Vietnam War escalated, the Pathet Lao aligned with the Viet Minh (a communist movement) and fought against the governments of South Vietnam and Laos until a 1973 cease-fire.
    [Show full text]