ABSTRACT
The Lao are so immersed in Buddhism that this religion has become an integral part of Lao national culture and identity. Women are partakers in both, for the Lao searches in animism for 'wellbeing and a system of terrestrial protection', while turning to Buddhism for response to 'essential problems of life, a way of temporal salvation'. The spread of Buddhism into Laos and its institutionalisation as a state religion from the eleventh century heightened discriminating practices against women. Social activity was rigidly segregated to protect 'female innocence' as well as to prevent monks from falling into 'evil temptation'. Hardship was the penalty when an offence had been committed. Buddhist doctrine emphasises the importance of filial piety by rewarding a mother for nurturing a child. The role of women in this second religious domain is very important within the community, for they are responsible for the rituals linking the sky and the earth.
