THE CULT OF THE FOUR GODS/DEITIES – A SYNTHESIS BETWEEN INDIAN BUDDHISM AND INDIGENOUS VIETNAMESE FOLK BELIEFS

Nguyễn Thanh Hà

Abstract

Abstract: In history, Vietnam has experienced a process of cultural exchange and integration between Buddhism from India and indigenous folk beliefs of the Vietnamese people. From this cultural amalgamation between Vietnam and India, the deities representing natural forces (cloud, rain, thunder, lightning) have transformed into the Four Gods: Phap Van (the God of Cloud), Phap Vu (the God of Rain), Phap Loi (God of Thunder), and Phap Dien ( the God of Lightning). The cult of the Four Gods, with its many indigenous folk elements, exemplifies the diversity in the thoughts of Vietnamese farmers; it also demonstrates the strong vitality of indigenous cultural traditions and the openness and inclusiveness of the Vietnamese nation.

Keywords: Synthesis, Indian Buddhism, indigenous folk beliefs, cult of the Four Gods.