But that's not Buddhism! Spirit Possession and Buddhist Studies

This paper explores the often-overlooked phenomenon of spirit possession, in the Kathmandu Valley, among Newar Buddhist women, known as dyaḥmāṃ. Despite their integral role in local Buddhist practices, their practices, as those of other spirit mediums in the Buddhist world, often find themselves at the margins of what gets to count as Buddhism. Drawing on ethnographic data and vernacular texts, this paper challenges the dichotomy between possession and Buddhism, arguing that possession is a vital aspect of Buddhist practice rather than its other. By examining collaborative rituals between dyaḥmāṃ and Buddhist priests, the paper demonstrates how possession traditions are deeply intertwined with mainstream Buddhist beliefs and ethical norms. Additionally, it advocates for a more inclusive approach to Buddhist studies that incorporates vernacular texts and ritual perspectives, thereby expanding our understanding of what constitutes Buddhism.