Just War Ideology in Buddhist Sri Lanka: Analyzing Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism

War has always been a controversial subject around the world, with different ideologies and religions having their own interpretations and justifications for engaging in armed conflicts. In recent times, there has been growing interest in studying the relationship between religion and war, and Buddhism is no exception.

Sri Lanka, a country with a strong Buddhist majority, has faced its fair share of internal conflicts throughout history. The concept of a "just war" in Buddhism has sparked numerous debates among scholars and practitioners alike. To gain a deeper understanding of this ideology, we turn to the insightful book, "Just War Ideology in Buddhist Sri Lanka" by Tessa J. Bartholomeusz.

The Book: "Just War Ideology in Buddhist Sri Lanka"

Published as part of the Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism series, Tessa J. Bartholomeusz's book delves into the complex interplay between Buddhism and the idea of just war in Sri Lanka. With meticulous research and analysis, the author explores the historical, religious, and cultural factors that have shaped the notion of just war in this Buddhist-majority country.

In Defense of Dharma: Just-War Ideology in Buddhist Sri Lanka (Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism)

by Tessa J. Bartholomeusz(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	449 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages

FREE

Bartholomeusz begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, tracing its roots back to the of Buddhism by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BCE. By examining the evolution of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the author sets the stage for understanding how its teachings have been interpreted in relation to war.

Just War in Buddhism: An Ethical Dilemma?

Buddhism is widely regarded as a religion of peace and non-violence, emphasizing the principles of compassion and loving-kindness. However, as Bartholomeusz demonstrates, the concept of just war has found a place within the Buddhist ideology in Sri Lanka.

The author explores various Buddhist scriptures and texts, highlighting how certain passages have been interpreted to justify armed struggles in defense of Buddhism. This raises intriguing ethical questions: How does a religion centered around non-violence justify violence? Is there a distinction between self-defense and aggression? Such ethical dilemmas form the crux of Bartholomeusz's study.

Additionally, the book investigates the role of Buddhist institutions and clergy in propagating the just war ideology. Bartholomeusz examines the influence of monastic leaders and their interpretations of religious teachings, shedding light on the debates and divisions within the Buddhist community regarding the permissibility of war.

Relevance and Impact of the Book

Bartholomeusz's book significantly contributes to the scholarly discourse surrounding the intersection of religion and war. By focusing on the specific context of Sri Lanka, the author provides valuable insights into the complexities of a Buddhist-majority country grappling with the concept of just war.

Furthermore, the book goes beyond theoretical analysis and delves into the lived experiences of individuals affected by armed conflicts in Sri Lanka. Through interviews and personal narratives, Bartholomeusz brings the voices of those affected by war into the scholarly conversation, enhancing the relevance and impact of her work.

"Just War Ideology in Buddhist Sri Lanka" offers a fascinating exploration of the relationship between Buddhism and the concept of just war. With meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Tessa J. Bartholomeusz provides a deep understanding of how religion intersects with armed conflicts in a Buddhist-majority country.

This book, published as part of the Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism series, not only contributes to academic discussions but also sheds light on the ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners and scholars alike. With its valuable insights and multidimensional approach, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the confluence of religion and war.

In Defense of Dharma: Just-War Ideology in Buddhist Sri Lanka (Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism)

by Tessa J. Bartholomeusz(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	449 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages

FREE

This is the first book to examine war and violence in Sri Lanka through the lens of cross-cultural studies on just-war tradition and theory. In a study that is textual, historical and anthropological, it is argued that the ongoing Sinhala-Tamil conflict is in actual practice often justified by a resort to religious stories that allow for war when Buddhism is in peril. Though Buddhism is commonly assumed to be a religion that never allows for war, this study suggests otherwise, thereby bringing Buddhism into the ethical dialogue on religion and war. Without a realistic consideration of just-war thinking in contemporary Sri Lanka, it will remain impossible to understand the power of religion there to create both peace and war.