Great Expectations: Hindu Revival Movements in Java, Indonesia, By Thomas Reuter Options

[Tenjikuronin]

An interesting (but long) paper that I came across today.

Great Expectations: Hindu Revival Movements in Java, Indonesia
By Thomas Reuter

May 13, 2005

Hindu empires had flourished in Java for a millennium until they were replaced by expanding Islamic polities in the 15th century, setting the stage for Indonesia becoming the world's largest Muslim nation. In the 1970s, however, a new Hindu revival movement began to sweep across the archipelago. Hinduism is gaining even greater popularity at this time of national crisis, most notably in Java, the political heart of Indonesia. Based on preliminary ethnographic research in five communities with major Hindu temples, this paper explores the political history and social dynamics of Hindu revivalism in Java. Rejecting formalist approaches to the study of religion, including the notion of 'syncretism ', the Hindu revival movements of Java are treated as an illustration of how social agents employ religious or secular concepts and values in their strategic responses to the particular challenges and crises they may face in a specific cultural, social, political and historical setting.

Read more: http://www.swaveda.com/articles.php?action...9#ixzz17weDDzdI

[Ralf]

I think the Hindu revival gained a boost from increased tourism to Bali from the 70's and onwards.

[Majapahitans]

Balinese culture is cool anyway...
But discussing change of faith is highly sensitive matters in Indonesia.

[elleX0]

An interesting (but long) paper that I came across today.




Read more: http://www.swaveda.com/articles.php?action...9#ixzz17weDDzdI

I have read the whole paper and I found it fascinating. I wish Javanese Hinduism a successful revival.
The Balinese culture has survived all this time. There should be no reason that other forms of this practice should not live alongside with current practices?

This post has been edited by elleX0: Feb 7 2011, 03:23 PM