6. What is the difference between Thai Theravada and Khmer “sorcery” [198,210]?

There is no comparison between the two. Theravada is the “orthodox” form of Buddhism which pervades SE Asia, except Vietnam and Japan which are Mahayana. It is very austere and seeks to follow the Buddha’s life in meticulous detail. It follows a simple but well-tried form of meditation technique. [Mahayana, best known in the West for its practice in Tibet and Japan, allows for more liberal interpretation and greater evolution.] Khmer sorcery is probably a corrupt amalgam of Hinduism, early (pre-17th century) Buddhism, and local shamanism/animism. It has been very popular at grass roots level throughout SE Asia, and certainly has influenced those countries which share a border with Cambodia. We have to remember that in the past Khmer was the dominant culture of Indo China and a great deal of that culture still informs the subconscious. The classical Thai architecture of the Sukotai/Ayutya period which is so famous is derived from Khmer architecture, especially of course Ankor Wat.

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