Gombrich, Obeysekara, "Buddhism in Sri Lanka" Summary and Comments - Is Sri Lankan Buddhism New? A Shocking and Famous Book!
The book presented here is "Buddhism in Sri Lanka," written by Richard Gombrich and Gananath Obeysekara and translated by Shima Iwa, published by Hozokan in 2002.
Let's take a quick look at the book.
Why does Buddhism still function as a religion in Sri Lanka? From the local religious situation to the effects of rapid modernization and urbanization, this book explores this question based on specific examples.
What are the surprising changes that rapid social changes, such as modernization and urbanization, have brought about in traditional religious life? From its historical background and influence from other countries, to its negotiation with the divine spirit beliefs and the problem of modern cults, this groundbreaking joint study by authorities in Buddhist studies and cultural anthropology, based on their respective perspectives and meticulous fieldwork, reveals the dynamism of religion.
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Although Sri Lankan Buddhism may be associated with Theravada Buddhism, which adheres to strict precepts, modern Sri Lankan Buddhism itself was actually a recent construction. Sri Lankan Buddhism is sometimes said to be the closest to the primitive cult, but that was actually an image that was created in the last few centuries. This book will certainly surprise you. I believe that your impression of Sri Lankan Buddhism will change drastically.
The obi of this book says, "Why does Buddhism, which died out in its birthplace, India, continue to live on in Sri Lanka?" and this is precisely the reality of modern Sri Lankan Buddhism that will be examined in detail in this book.
Since Sri Lanka became a British colony in 1815, the traditional village society that had existed until then was in decline, and Colombo experienced rapid urbanization. Furthermore, English-speaking elites actively absorbed British culture. In particular, they brought English Protestant religious views into the world of Sri Lankan Buddhism. This would have a decisive influence on modern Sri Lankan Buddhism.
Also not to be overlooked is the movement on the Buddhist side at the sacred site of Kataragama in southern Sri Lanka. This was originally the sacred site of the Hindu god Skanda (popularly known in Japan as Vikiten). Sri Lankan Buddhists are now flocking there in droves. This is a contradiction in terms of Sri Lanka's Theravada teachings, which claim to be faithful to primitive Buddhism. But this is clearly a trend. This is clearly a major trend, and it is also largely due to the political and economic problems in Sri Lanka.
This book does not simply look at Sri Lankan Buddhism from an ideological perspective, but makes use of the knowledge gained from fieldwork in the area. The reality of Sri Lankan Buddhism can be seen only from what I have actually seen in the field. This is very interesting. I was so excited that I read this book in one sitting. It is very interesting.
However, it is also true that the following remarks were made in the translator's afterword at the end of the book.
The overall analysis is based basically on Max Weber's theory of modernization, while making full use of various methods and theories, including sociological theories of religion such as deprivation theory, Erich Fromm's social psychological interpretation, and symbolic anthropological interpretation, such as the symbol of purification in the white cloth used by the bride at her wedding. The book is a smart and brilliant analysis of the phenomenon of the transformation of religion in Sri Lanka due to urbanization, using a variety of methods and theories. However, the analysis is so smart and brilliant that it begs the simple question, "Is it really possible to analyze such a complex phenomenon as the transformation of religion in Sri Lanka due to urbanization in such a brilliant way? I would like to point out some of the questions below.
Hozokan, Richard Gombrich, Gananath Obeysekara, translated by Shima Iwa, Buddhism in Sri Lanka, p. 730
However, the analysis is so smart and brilliant that it begs the simple question, "Can such a complex event as the transformation of religion in Sri Lanka due to urbanization really be analyzed in such a brilliant way?"
That's exactly what I thought! That's exactly what I thought as I read this book! LOL Too brilliant! The downside of this book is that it is too funny.
However, as shown in the quote above, the translator will carefully explain the questions to the author after this section. This section alone contains the essence of this book, so we recommend that you read this section carefully.
At any rate, this book is very stimulating. It shows how the Japanese image of Sri Lankan Buddhism is out of sync with the reality of the country, and it is interesting to see how Sri Lankan Buddhism has developed in relation to society. The book is over 700 pages long, but you will not be bored at all. It is a tremendous book.
This is sure to be a very informative book for Japanese Buddhism. I highly recommend this book. I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to pick up a copy.
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