The revival of Buddhism in the Asian region : issues and prospects
Item and associated files
Author
Guruge, Ananda W. P. See all items with this value
Date
2003
Volume
4
Pages
267-283
ISSN
1530-4108 See all items with this value
Abstract
Once Buddhism flourished in and around the Asian continent and gradually its area of influence diminished. The paper begins with a brief glimpse of the splendour and grandeur that Buddhism was and discusses reasons for its decline and virtual disappearance. The significance of the Buddhist renaissance which took place in Sri Lanka in 1753 is examined in relation to the progressive chain reaction of rediscovery and regeneration of Buddhism in modern times. The paper proceeds to examine the Buddhist revival in traditionally Buddhist countries today. Issues and prospects pertaining to revival of Buddhism in the world are dealt with in detail. The emphasis is on tasks for decades to come.