[Buddha-l] FW: Sri Lanka monks form RSS-like group

[Mahinda Deegalle]

Dear Jo,
There are a lot of issues concerning 
the behaviour of Buddhist themselves (for example, corruption in the sangha, people claiming to be Buddhas, one monk claiming that the Buddha was born, lived, preached and died in Sri Lanka, etc.). 


The Bodu Bala Sena claims that 
allowing those things to happen (degeneration or decline) is a short cut to the destruction of 
Buddhism in the country.

The organization claims to purify the distortions of the Buddha's teaching which challenge the Theravada way of life.

Following is my translation of the five resolutions that the Bodu Bala Sena presented and approved by the assembly at the first public gathering in BMICH Colombo on 28th July 2012.This inaugural conference had over 5000 people (1000 monks and 200 bhikkhunis) in attendance. They had come from various
regions of the country. 


It claims to adopt an activist path in the interest of protecting Buddhism.
The Five Resolutions of the Bodu Bala Sena:
 
(1)        The Bodu Bala Sena asserted the need of defining what is meant by
“protection of Buddhasasana” in the Sri Lankan constitution. It also
demanded to implement the resolutions of the 1956 Buddhist Commission Report.
(2)        Prohibiting works that damage ancient heritage and introducing a bill to
prohibit unacceptable creative works.
(3)        Dedicating full moon days and Sundays for the dhamma education.
Prohibiting holding tuition classes until 2 pm on Sundays. Granting teaching
appointments to those who have passed Dharmacariya examination. Sinhala,
Buddhism and History teaching in Schools. Teaching Buddhism and Sinhala in
International Schools.
(4)        Government projects intended to reduce the Sri Lankan population must be
stopped. Within a month closing the family planning units. Prohibiting sending
women to the Middle East for slavery.
(5)        Protecting Buddhist rights. Introducing one legal system for all Sri
Lankans. (a) Dutch and English Law, (b) Tesavalame Law, and (3) Sharia Law
Hope this is useful.
Sincerely
Mahinda Deegalle

 
Dr. Mahinda Deegalle
Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religions and Ethics
School of Humanities and Cultural Industries
Bath Spa University
Newton Park
Bath BA2 9BN, United Kingdom
Phone: 44+(0)1225-875429(W); Fax: 44+(0)1225-875605(W)
Blog: http://bathspakoreansummer2008.blogspot.com



________________________________
 From: Jo <ugg-5 at spro.net>
To: Buddha-L <buddha-l at mailman.swcp.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 12:18 PM
Subject: [Buddha-l] FW:  Sri Lanka monks form RSS-like group
 

Hello Dr. Deegalle,

The article notes some serious concerns. 
What is the broader perspective that's needed?
As you are Sri Lankan, I'd be interested to know what you see as the issues
involved, so far as this monk political organization is concerned?

Surely, Buddhism in Sri Lanka is not in danger.................or is it?

Best wishes,
Joanna Kirkpatrick

-----Original Message-----
From: buddha-l-bounces at mailman.swcp.com
[mailto:buddha-l-bounces at mailman.swcp.com] On Behalf Of Mahinda Deegalle
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 9:23 AM
To: Buddhist discussion forum
Subject: Re: [Buddha-l] Sri Lanka monks form RSS-like group

I agree with Dan on this. We need a broader perspective of socio-religious
contexts of this movement, bodu bala sena, in evaluating its rather
controversial rhetoric.
Thanks
Mahinda Deegalle
 
Dr. Mahinda Deegalle
Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religions and Ethics School of Humanities
and Cultural Industries Bath Spa University Newton Park Bath BA2 9BN, United
Kingdom
Phone: 44+(0)1225-875429(W); Fax: 44+(0)1225-875605(W)
Blog: http://bathspakoreansummer2008.blogspot.com


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