Buddhism unshackled: The Yuan 'holy man' tradition and the nation-state inthe Tai world

Yuan Buddhism is a particular variant of Theravada Buddhism that prevails a mong the Tai-speaking people of the upper Mekong region. A salient feature of Yuan Buddhism is belief in 'holy men' who gain renown for their charisma tic attributes and construction of religious monuments. I argue in this art icle that the modern 'holy man' tradition, initiated by the forest monk Khr uba Siwichai, is a form of religious revivalism that combines the bodhisatt va ideal with sacral kingship. This form of revivalism condemns the model 1 2 state for its failure to uphold Buddhist morality, resists state control and fosters visions of utopian Buddhist realms.