Traditional Beliefs Of The Khmer In Southern Vietnam: Characteristics And Classification

Abstract

The Khmer community in Southern Vietnam possesses a rich and distinctive system of religious and beliefs. While Theravada Buddhism is regarded as the dominant religion with profound influence on social life, in practice, traditional beliefs occupy an essential position and are frequently interwoven with Buddhist practices. Drawing on Clifford Geertz’s interpretive approach to culture, along with documentary analysis and field research, this article examines the characteristic forms of traditional beliefs among the Khmer in Southern Vietnam. It then proposes a classification and interpretation of their salient features, providing a more systematic and in-depth understanding of the community’s religious and beliefs culture.