The Work of Kings (Paperback, 2nd ed.)

"The Work of Kings" is a stunning new look at the turbulent modern history and sociology of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Monkhood and its effects upon contemporary society. Using never-before translated Sinhalese documents and extensive interviews with monks, Sri Lankan anthropologist H.L. Seneviratne unravels the inner workings of this New Buddhism and the ideology on which it is based.
Beginning with Anagarika Dharmapala's "rationalization" of Buddhism in the early twentieth century, which called for monks to take on a more activist role in the community, Seneviratne shows how the monks have gradually revised their role to include involvement in political and economic spheres. The altruistic, morally pure monks of Dharamapala's dreams have become, Seneviratne trenchantly argues, self-centered and arrogant, concealing self-aggrandizement behind a facade of "social service."
A compelling call for reform and a forceful analysis, "The Work of Kings" is essential to anthropologists, historians of religion, and those interested in colonialism, nationalism, and postcolonial politics.

General

Imprint:	University of Chicago Press
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	April 2000
First published:	April 2000
Authors:	H.L. Seneviratne
Dimensions:	165 x 155 x 26mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	392
Edition:	2nd ed.
ISBN-13:	978-0-226-74866-5
Categories:	Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > General > History of religion Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Aspects of religions (non-Christian) > Religious institutions & organizations > Religious communities & monasticism Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Buddhism > General Books > Religion & Spirituality > Aspects of religions (non-Christian) > Religious institutions & organizations > Religious communities & monasticism Books > Religion & Spirituality > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Buddhism > General Books > Religion & Spirituality > General > History of religion
LSN:	0-226-74866-9
Barcode:	9780226748665

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