Interdisciplinary in its approach, this book explores the dilemmas that Buddhism faces in relation to the continuing ethnic conflict and violence in modern Sri Lanka. Prominent scholars in the fields of anthropology, history, Buddhist studies and Pali examine multiple dimensions of the problem. Buddhist responses to the crisis are discussed in detail, along with how Buddhism can help to create peace in Sri Lanka. Evaluating the role of Buddhists and their institutions in bringing about an end to war and violence as well as possibly heightening the problem, this collection puts forward a critical analysis of the religious conditions contributing to continuing hostilities.
Author(s): Mahinda Deegalle
Edition: 1
Year: 2006
Language: English
Pages: 304
BOOK COVER......Page 1
HALF-TITLE......Page 2
SERIES-TITLE......Page 3
TITLE......Page 6
COPYRIGHT......Page 7
DEDICATION......Page 8
CONTENTS......Page 10
CONTRIBUTORS......Page 12
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......Page 14
ABBREVIATIONS......Page 15
1. INTRODUCTION: BUDDHISM, CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE......Page 18
2. IS THE SRI LANKAN WAR A BUDDHIST FUNDAMENTALISM?......Page 39
3. HINDU INFLUENCES ON MEDIEVAL SRI LANKAN BUDDHIST CULTURE......Page 55
4. THE THERAVADA ANALYSIS OF CONFLICTS......Page 84
5. A ‘RIGHTEOUS WAR’ IN BUDDHISM?......Page 95
6. SEMANTIC TRANSFORMATIONS OF THE DHAMMADIPA......Page 103
7. SINHALA FEARS OF TAMIL DEMANDS......Page 110
8. HISTORIOGRAPHY IN CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE......Page 131
9. BUDDHISM, ETHNICITY, AND IDENTITY: A PROBLEM IN BUDDHIST HISTORY......Page 151
10. IDENTITY ISSUES OF SINHALAS AND TAMILS......Page 180
11. ROOTS OF THE CONFLICT AND THE PEACE PROCESS......Page 194
12. BUDDHIST MONKS AND PEACE IN SRI LANKA......Page 219
13. THE ROLE OF BUDDHIST MONKS IN RESOLVING THE CONFLICT......Page 227
14. SARVODAYA’S PURSUIT OF PEACE......Page 243
15. JHU POLITICS FOR PEACE AND A RIGHTEOUS STATE......Page 250
BIBLIOGRAPHY......Page 272
INDEX......Page 284
