Writing Violence and Buddhism in Sri Lanka: Of Hungry Ghosts and Homecomings

This book explores the relationship between violence, religion, and literature, particularly in the context of Buddhist nationalism in Sri Lanka. It examines the concepts of freedom, peace, and violence through the lens of Shyam Selvadurai's novel "The Hungry Ghosts." The book discusses love, compassion, emancipation, ethics, and responsibility and proposes reinventing Buddhism in Sri Lanka to promote inclusive and diverse approaches to various groups, including women, homosexuality, and linguistic communities. It draws on philosophical insights from Emmanuel Levinas, Jacques Derrida, Maurice Blanchot, and Mahatma Gandhi to argue for the ethical exigency of reinventing Buddhism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate relationship between violence, religion, and literature, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape these realms. Through a thoughtful examination of the Buddhist nationalist discourse in Sri Lanka, set against the backdrop of Shyam Selvadurai's novel "The Hungry Ghosts," the book explores the profound questions of freedom, peace, and violence. It delves into the themes of love, compassion, emancipation, ethics, and responsibility, employing concepts such as identity, deconstruction, and decolonization to reimagine religion as a language or writing. Drawing upon philosophical insights from renowned figures like Emmanuel Levinas, Jacques Derrida, Maurice Blanchot, and Mahatma Gandhi, the book emphasizes the ethical imperative of reinventing Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It critically examines popular Sinhala Buddhist readings, challenging them to embrace inclusive and diverse approaches toward various groups, linguistic communities, women, and homosexuality.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of literature and languages, South Asian literature, literary criticism and theory, linguistics, cultural studies, philosophy, religion, Buddhist studies, diaspora studies, and Sri Lankan literature and sociology. It offers insightful perspectives and provocative arguments that will engage and inspire readers seeking to understand the multifaceted complexities of these interrelated domains.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032233130