The “Ethnocentric Buddhism” Conversation Continued

Last updated on: April 26, 2014 at 11:50 am by dannyfisher

The “Ethnocentric Buddhism” Conversation Continued 2014-04-26T11:50:23-07:00 dannyfisher

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

(L-R) Gnanasara Thero of Bodu Bala Sena and U Wirathu of the 969 Movement meet in Sri Lanka.

Our friend and Patheos colleague Justin Whitaker keeps the conversation going at his blog American Buddhist Perspective. Here’s a snippet:

Certainly any acute acts of terrorism, and those who support those acts in their words are well defined with “Buddhist terror.” “Buddhist extremism” is likewise useful for those groups and individuals who clearly stand out from the mainstream in a society, but this too can be a difficult label…

The label “ethnocentric Buddhism” might be helpful in covering something much broader existing in these two countries, something we too often overlook. That is the broader ethnic chauvinism displayed by dominant ethnic groups, Sinhala and Bamar respectively, toward other ethnic groups in the country…

A general mood of distrust and even antagonism toward an ethnic or religious minority in a country might not be extreme (as it is pervasive) and it might not manifest in particular acts of terror, thus necessitating a new label such as “ethnocentric” or “nationalistic” Buddhism. Such a category could be used to designate attitudes and actions of religious leaders long before any overt extremism or acts of terror occur…

With a category such as “ethnocentric Buddhism” we could examine instances and perhaps frequency of claims to having “true dharma” and specific objects (relics, holy places, etc) that might need to be “defended” from outsiders.

You can read the rest here.

In addition, on this subject, Paul Fuller has a new post at his blog about Buddhist monks in Burma who are opposing the odious, anti-Rohingya Muslim 969 Movement. Take a look here.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

April 23, 2014

Sulak Sivaraksa and Joanna Macy to Headline the 2014 Buddhist Peace Fellowship National Gathering

Next Post

April 26, 2014 An Exchange of Letters Between B.R. Ambedkar and W.E.B. Du Bois

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month March 2015 December 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What did God use to guide the Israelites by night in the wilderness?

Select your answer to see how you score.

A pillar of fire A cloud The moon A torch