The dissertation provides an account of the origins of the Pwo Karen in Sanaephong village, Kanchanaburi. It explores the religious faith of this group of Karen, who combines Buddhist beliefs with hermit devotional practices. In the present day there is no longer a hermit temple in the village itself, and residues of that devotion have been integrated into Buddhist ceremonies. The dissertation also points to the different types of hermit devotion. It argues that historically the hermit has performed many roles in Karen communities, including providing wartime leadership as well as a ceremonial role.