South Asian Buddhism presents a comprehensive historical survey of the full range of Buddhist traditions throughout South Asia from the beginnings of the religion up to the present. Starting with narratives on the Buddha’s life and foundational teachings from ancient India; the book proceeds to discuss the rise of Buddhist monastic organizations and texts among the early Mainstream Buddhist schools. It considers the origins and development of Mahayana Buddhism in South Asia; surveys the development of Buddhist Tantra in South Asia and outlines developments in Buddhism as found in Sri Lanka and Nepal following the decline of the religion in India. Berkwitz also importantly considers the effects of colonialism and modernity on the revivals of Buddhism across South Asia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. South Asian Buddhism offers a broad; yet detailed perspective on the history; culture; and thought of the various Buddhist traditions that developed in South Asia. Incorporating findings from the latest research on Buddhist texts and culture; this work provides a critical; historically based survey of South Asian Buddhism that will be useful for students; scholars; and general readers.
#8725788 in Books 2005-06-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.00 x .50l; .99 #File Name: 0415329299206 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A stunning report on life of Islamic womenBy Armchair InterviewsAuthor Dr. Linda Bennett is a Ph.D. Research Fellow with disciplinary expertise in Medical Anthropology; Reproductive and Sexual Rights; Public Health; Health Education; Southeast Asia; Islam and Health and Youth Health. She is on the staff of LaTrobe University.Contemporary Indonesian society draws upon Islamic ideals; pre-Islamic customs; and Western models; all of which form a complex web of social norms that are manifested in varying degrees by families and individuals. Bennett artfully narrates how the youth--especially young women--negotiate the boundaries of acceptable social behavior to achieve greater personal autonomy; specifically autonomy over their bodies.Bennett focuses exclusively on maidenhood; which she defines as the time between puberty and marriage. She starts by providing a background on Indonesian cultural ideals in general; and focuses specifically on ideals of sexuality and gender. She then discusses sexual double standards; the role of women's sexual reputation; its reflection on family honor; and the grave consequences (real or perceived) for sexual transgression.Bennett provides enough background detail and narrates real experiences to present notions of love; desire and attraction in spiritual and profane realms as they are understood by young women. She then discusses premarital relationships--specifically courting practices. Her examples also illustrate how youths use elopement and love magic for manipulation and resistance.Towards the end of the book; Bennett outlines a framework that uses Islamic principles to enshrine gender equality; and thus promotes reproductive rights of women--particularly those of single women. Her framework does not start with Western ideals of human rights; but draws upon Islamic religious texts and outlines a gender-based equality of the sexes. Bennett recommends discussing roles and responsibilities in specifically gendered terms rather than within the notion of human rights. She claims that this approach would be sensitive to Indonesian culture and would draw inspiration from indigenous cultural ideals.Bennett's work is unique in that it focuses specifically on single women. As Bennett resists demographic classifications; she fully explores maidenhood--its challenges and opportunities. She discusses the competing ideals; their complex interactions in Indonesian society; and their sway on Indonesian women. She presents her findings clearly and cogently discusses their implications within the broader framework of young women's lives. The examples peppered throughout the text serve not only to underpin generalizations; but also personalize the issues.Armchair Interviews says: Bennett's work evokes both an intellectual and emotional response from the reader.
