Theravada Buddhist Nationalism: Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand

Fundamental to the teaching of the Buddha is the recognition that although it should be the goal of his followers to seek ultimate transcendence of the world, following the path to Nirvana (Pali, Nibbana) has to take place within the world. This has meant that Buddhists from the very beginning of the religion have had to engage rather than shun politics, and these politics are shaped by the societies Buddhists live in. In this talk Dr. Keyes will discuss some of the recent political controversies involving Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand, with particular focus on incidents that have involved Buddhists promoting violence against non-Buddhists. About the Lecturer: Charles Keyes, professor emeritus of anthropology and international studies at the University of Washington, has since the early 1960s carried out extensive research primarily in Thailand, but also in and about Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar/Burma and southern China. His research has focused on religious practice in Buddhist societies, ethnicity and national cultures, transformation of rural society, and political culture. He has authored, edited or co-edited 15 books, monographs or special issues of journals and published over 85 articles. Although formally retired at the end of 2006, Keyes continued until 2011 to teach part time at the University of Washington. In 2013 he and his wife moved to Portland where they now live.