For centuries; Burmese have looked to the authority of their religious tradition; Theravada Buddhism; to negotiate social and political hierarchies. Modern Buddhist Conjunctures in Myanmar examines those moments in the modern history of this Southeast Asian country when religion; culture; and politics converge to chart new directions. Arguing against Max Weber’s characterization of Buddhism as other-worldly and divorced from politics; this study shows that Buddhist practice necessitates public validation within an economy of merit in which moral action earns future rewards. The intervention of colonial modernity in traditional Burmese Buddhist worldviews has created conjunctures at which public concerns critical to the nation’s future are reinterpreted in light of a Buddhist paradigm of power.Author Juliane Schober begins by focusing on the public role of Buddhist practice and the ways in which precolonial Buddhist hegemonies were negotiated. Her discussion then traces the emergence of modern Buddhist communities through the colonial experience: the disruption of traditional paradigms of hegemony and governance; the introduction of new and secular venues to power; modern concerns like nationalism; education; the public place of religion; the power of the state; and Buddhist resistance to the center. The continuing discourse and cultural negotiation of these themes draw Buddhist communities into political arenas; either to legitimate political power or to resist it on moral grounds. The book concludes with an examination of the way in which Buddhist resistance in 2007; known in the West as the Saffron Revolution; was subjugated by military secularism and the transnational pressures of a global economy.A skillfully crafted work of scholarship; Modern Buddhist Conjunctures in Myanmar will be welcomed by students of Theravada Buddhism and Burma/Myanmar; readers of anthropology; history of religions; politics; and colonial studies of modern Southeast Asia; and scholars of religious and political practice in modern national contexts.
#389436 in Books University of Hawaii Press 1997-03-01 1997-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .88 x 6.14l; 1.35 #File Name: 0824817818434 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I really enjoyed this bookBy CenaculumI really enjoyed this book. Despite having (I thought) a fairly wide general of knowledge about Buddhism; I really didn't know anything about these forest monks in particular. My interest is mostly with research into ascetic practices of Hindu renouncers; and this book gave me a lot of new material to consider.In some ways it is a sad tale; these monks; motivated by a real thirst for liberation; chose hard asceticism for their spiritual path and despite their daily struggles; they are harassed by the central Bangkok religious authority. For me the whole book is an education in the failures of organized religion wherein authority is given to administrators who do not engage in meditation. Very little good comes from that; as you will discover in this excellent book.6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Facing your Fears in the ForestBy Jacqueline R. St JohnI live in the North Highlands Forest in WI. The urban lifestyle I departed from before coming here to live permanently did not develop the sensitivities this environment requires. I noticed I was " afraid to go out" I might encounter bears; wolves; coyotes etc. I might get eaten etc. This book deals with it all. The Forest Monks have taken their place in the forest as part of the cycle of life and achieved harmony with the various animals. The meditations are very useful and appropriate for those dealing with the transformation and assimilation into life in the Forrest. Anecdotes of encounters were very helpful in letting go of the fear factor. I wrote this review so I haven't been eaten by a pack of coyotes yet. But I hear the Moon Dogs singing around my house often.I enjoy their vocalizations now that I am not scared half to death of them.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Forest Recollections : Wandering monk in ThailandBy edmondVery good book . This was exactyly what I was looking for; since long time.This is a very well and detailled information concerning the forest monks in Thailand .
