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The Role of Buddhism in Society and Radical Buddhist Mobilization: an Explorative Study of Young Monks in Sri Lanka

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The Role of Buddhism in Society and Radical Buddhist Mobilization: an Explorative Study of Young Monks in Sri Lanka The Role of Buddhism in Society and Radical Buddhist Mobilization: An Explorative Study of Young Monks in Sri Lanka Minor Field Study – Sri Lanka Theodora Pettersson Spring 2015 Bachelor Thesis in International Relations University of Gothenburg School of Global Studies Word Count: 17 360 Supervisor: Camilla Orjuela Abstract Radical Buddhist mobilization in post-war Sri Lanka is taking place in an international context where religious groups are gaining a lot of attention in for instance media and by political leaders as well as by researchers. The aim of this thesis was to explore young monks’ perceptions of the role of Buddhism in society and on radical Buddhist mobilization in Sri Lanka by specifically looking at perception of threats, protection of Buddhism, and cases of religious intolerance and violence. The material was collected through interviews with young monks in Sri Lanka. The contribution of this study provides an account on the monks’ views which gives us a first insight into issues they reflect upon which may be relevant in relation to Sri Lanka’s social development. The material is discussed in relation to discourses within International Relations research which in a mutual way situates the material in a theoretical context and contributes to these discourses by discussing them in relation to the material. Also, one source of perceived threats less pronounced in previous research was found which concerns ways Buddhists and monks themselves can threaten the role of Buddhism in the Sri Lankan society. In conclusion, elements of fear exist among some of the monks which should be addressed as it may have a decisive role on the future development. Key Words: Sri Lanka, religion, mobilization, radicalism, threats, protection, intolerance, violence, Buddhists, monks, Muslims 2 Acknowledgments This study has been carried out thanks to a scholarship provided by the Swedish Agency for Development Aid. The criteria for being granted such a scholarship is to carry out a field study in a developing country related to issues concerning social, political, economic, cultural, or educational development. A special thank you is dedicated to everyone who has participated as an interviewee. I would also like to thank my supervisor for her guidance throughout the process, my contact in the field, and my interpreter who has been an invaluable asset for the study. Thank you to the local think tank and its staff who provided me with office space in Colombo as well as access to their library. And lastly, a special thank you to all the monks who have shared with me their thoughts and understandings. I am grateful for your time and participation in this study! 3 Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................... 3 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Aim and Research Questions of the Study .................................................................................... 7 1.2 Contributions ................................................................................................................................. 7 1.3 Delimitation ................................................................................................................................... 8 1.4 Disposition ..................................................................................................................................... 8 2. Theoretical Discussions ....................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 The Role of Religion in Society ...................................................................................................... 9 2.2 Religious Mobilization – Actors and Motivations ........................................................................ 10 2.3 Analytical Framework .................................................................................................................. 12 3. Background Information and Previous Research .............................................................................. 13 3.1 Introducing Sri Lanka ................................................................................................................... 13 3.2 Situating Buddhism in Sri Lanka .................................................................................................. 14 3.3 Recent Events .............................................................................................................................. 15 3.4 Previous Research ....................................................................................................................... 16 4. Method for Collecting and Analysing Material ................................................................................. 18 4.1 Type of Study ............................................................................................................................... 18 4.2 Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 19 4.3 The Interview Sessions: In-depth Interviews .............................................................................. 20 4.4 Problems with the Method ......................................................................................................... 21 4.5 Ethical Considerations ................................................................................................................. 22 4.6 Method for Analysing Data ......................................................................................................... 23 4.7 Problems with the Method for Analysing Data ........................................................................... 23 5. Empirical Findings: Results ................................................................................................................ 24 5.1 Perception of Threats .................................................................................................................. 24 5.1.1 Perceived Threats from Minority Religions .......................................................................... 24 5.1.2 Perceived Threats from within Buddhism ............................................................................ 26 5.2 Protection of Buddhism ............................................................................................................... 28 5.2.1 Protection by the Government, Monks and the Lay Community ........................................ 28 5.2.2 Protection by Radical Groups ............................................................................................... 30 5.2.3 Protection by Maintaining a Sinhala Buddhist Majority ...................................................... 31 5.2.4 Protection by a Reinterpretation of Buddhist Practice ........................................................ 32 5.3 Religious Intolerance and Violence ............................................................................................. 32 5.3.1 Religious Intolerance? .......................................................................................................... 33 4 5.3.2 Views on Violent Actions ...................................................................................................... 33 5.3.3 Motivations for Radical Buddhist Mobilization .................................................................... 34 6. Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. 35 6.1 How do the young monks see and understand threats to Buddhism? ....................................... 35 6.2 How do the young monks see and understand the need of protection of Buddhism in Sri Lanka? ........................................................................................................................................................... 37 6.3 How do the young monks see and understand cases of religious intolerance and violence?.... 38 6.4 Reaching the aim: Exploring young monks’ perceptions on the role of Buddhism in society and radical Buddhist mobilization ............................................................................................................ 39 7. Concluding Discussion ....................................................................................................................... 41 7.1 Recommendations for Further Research and Action .................................................................. 42 References............................................................................................................................................. 44 Scholarly Sources ............................................................................................................................... 44 News Articles ..................................................................................................................................... 46 Websites ............................................................................................................................................ 46 Appendix A: Information
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