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~ OCT
8 2001
Other
Beliefs
From: IY
- Aside from
Buddhist beliefs, what else influences spiritual and religious
beliefs in Lao people?
Reply:
Lao people
believe in having souls. We also practice praying to ancestors
for assisted prosperity, good luck and guidance.
In addition,
as illustrated in many Lao wat (Buddhist temples) there
includes a a statue dedicated to the earth and fertility goddess Nang Tolanee (Tholani/Tholany/Tholanee).
In Pali/Sankrit she is called Bhumidevi. Laos is probably the only country that has Nang Tholanee among its prominent visual iconic religious imagery.
For the
more rural and ethnic Lao people, they still to this day maintain
their animistic beliefs, use of a shaman, and animal sacrifice.
However
it is important to note that Buddhism has reign over Lao people,
culture and religion. It is prodominent throughout the country.
However there has been an increase of Lao Christians in Laos
and abroad. There is even a Muslim mosque in Vientiane, as well, there are other faiths represented among the Lao people.
Libraries
in Laos
From: OS
- Are
there any libraries in Laos?
Reply:
There
are not as many libraries in Laos as there are in the developed
countries. In the developed countries you can easily find
public libraries within your cities and in educational institutions.
Those living abroad can probably attest to being able to get
to at least 2-3 libraries within 15 minutes of where they
live.
Many libraries
in Laos exist as part of temples, as they did in the past,
since the temples were often the community teaching centers.
Libraries in Laos are very limited. They are limited in the
number of books they have. Many books are also in Thai and
some even in German, Russian or French. In recent years more
and more reading material is being published in Laos in the
Lao language.
Currently there is the National Library of Laos, and libraries at several colleges and at the National University for students to visit and use. There
is also said to be traveling libraries that visit remote areas. I have heard that
the government at one point supported individuals who were
engaged in encouraging reading and offering reading resources
to the community by traveling to different cities. I am uncertain
if this program still exists.
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